Lake Lonsdale - GWMWater

Water levels

Recreational activities permitted

Features & Facilities

Seasonal activities permitted

Current

36%

Last year

86%

Overview

Lake Lonsdale is a large, shallow reservoir on the Mt William Creek. It fills from its own catchment and is reliant on natural inflows. Although the catchment can be a substantial producer of water during wet years because of its very large area, it isn't reliable during times of drought. Given its relatively shallow depth, the lake also has high evaporation losses over summer months.

Since the introduction of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline, the lake is no longer used by GWMWater for domestic or stock water supply, however it's still a key source of water for the environment. Lake Lonsdale also has an important role in the community as a recreational lake in the Stawell area, hosting a number of activities on its northern side, such as boating, fishing, swimming, camping and water skiing.

Be sure to play it safe around water.

Read our information signage before entering the water.

Visit Safe Transport Victoria for a range of resources on water safety: https://safetransport.vic.gov.au/on-the-water/

Find reservoir levels and other information at Storage Manager

View data at Storage Manager

Helpful Information

Camping

in designated areas only (not in sandbar area)
long-term camping (8+ weeks) needs to be approved by our Patrol Officer
camping under trees is not advised as branches and limbs may fall
camp away from other visitors at established camp grounds if camping with dogs

Camp fires

check Country Fire Authority's website or Vic Emergency App for up-to-date information
https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/total-fire-bans-and-ratings
permitted in properly constructed fireplaces in line with Country Fire Authority's warnings and restrictions https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can
fire pits available
fire must be completely extinguished with water, not soil, before the last person leaves

Firewood

fallen timber may be collected as firewood for use within the reserve only
trees are not to be cut down

Portable Generators

must be within 10 metres of the owners tent and closer to the owner's tent than anyone else’s
don't put them in long grass as they can start fires!
refer to Country Fire Authorities 'chainsaws, lawn mowers and other equipment' conditions during fire season https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can

Vehicles