Located on the Glenelg Highway in Western Victoria, Lake Bolac is a 1460ha freshwater, tree lined lake and a peaceful retreat for visitors. This freshwater lake is one of the best of Victoria’s natural beauty, surrounded by farmland and historical sites. The town of Lake Bolac is the service centre for the area and has everything you need for relaxation and adventure.
Name Origin
The name “Lake Bolac” comes from the Indigenous word “bolac”, which means “lake” or “swamp” in the local Aboriginal dialect. The lake is culturally significant to the Djab Wurrung people, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. You can still see the area’s connection to its original inhabitants through the many paths with plaques telling the history and stories of the lake. The Lake Bolac & District: Geology is also an important study to learn about the region’s natural formations and previous land management practices.
Outdoor Activities at Lake Bolac
Lake Bolac has everything you need for relaxation and adventure. You can enjoy the foreshore and lake shore, where you’ll find netball courts, tennis courts and squash courts for sport and leisure. For water activities, the Caravan Park on Frontage Road has direct access to the lake, and the surrounding area is perfect for walking or cycling.
Fishing
Lake Bolac is a fisherman’s paradise, with a 1460ha freshwater, tree-lined lake that is stocked with rainbow trout and redfin. The lake is 2 feet deep and is perfect for fishing during the cooler months. Whether you fish from the shore or a boat, you’ll find some of the best freshwater fishing in Victoria here.
Boating
Boaters love Lake Bolac for its calm waters and scenic views. With a boat ramp near the Lake Bolac Caravan Park address, you’ll have plenty of space to kayak, sail or water ski. The lake shore is picturesque, and every boating trip is a memory-maker. Visitors often take a boat trip around the lake to enjoy the peace, tranquillity, and views.
Camping and Picnicking
Camping and picnicking around Lake Bolac is popular, with several campgrounds with easy access to the lake foreshore. The Lake Bolac Lake Reserve is a great spot for picnics with tables, barbecue facilities and lake views. The Lake Bolac Caravan Park address has powered and unpowered camping sites so you can spend a weekend in nature. The Lake Bolac Information Centre and Lake Bolac Post Office are also here to help with your visit.
Lake Bolac Eel Festival
The best day of the year at Lake Bolac is the Lake Bolac Eel Festivfal, a fun event celebrating Indigenous culture and the lake. Held in March the festival celebrates the traditional eel migration and has live music, arts and cultural exhibitions. A community run event that attracts visitors from all over Western Victoria to celebrate the region. If you’re in the area the Eel Festival is a great way to get a taste of the local culture.
Wildlife and Nature Around Lake Bolac
The natural environment around Lake Bolac is full of wildlife and native plants. Birdwatchers will love the lake with pelicans, swans and various waterbirds. The Western Lake area has a wide variety of species, and the surrounding parks Victoria reserves protect the natural habitats of this beautiful region. Go and explore and take in the views shaped by the old geological formations.
Stay Near Lake Bolac
There are accommodation options around Lake Bolac to suit all needs. Lake Bolac Caravan Park is popular for campers because of its lake views and modern amenities. If you want more comfort nearby towns Ararat and Mortlake have hotel options, including the Lake Bolac Hotel on the Glenelg Highway. The Lake Bolac Hotel and local service centre is close to all the local attractions including the Narrapumelap Homestead and Narrapumelap Historic Homestead and Gardens which are on Narrapumelap Road.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lake Bolac depends on what you want to do. If you are a fish, the cooler months of April to October are the best time to catch trout and redfin in the lake’s 3-foot-deep waters. If you want to boat, camp and enjoy the outdoors, the warmer months of spring and summer are perfect for water sports and picnics by the lake. If you are interested in local culture, plan your trip around the Lake Bolac Eel Festival in March, when the area comes alive with music, art and community. For those exploring the region, Grampians tours offer a fantastic opportunity to discover breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife nearby.
FAQ
What’s the best time to visit?
Best time to visit Lake Bolac depends on what you want to do. For fishing the cooler months of April to October. For boating and outdoor activities, spring and summer.
Can I camp?
Yes, several campgrounds around Lake Bolac, including the Lake Bolac Caravan Park Address and powered and unpowered sites.
What’s the Lake Bolac Eel Festival?
The Lake Bolac Eel Festival is an annual event in March celebrating Indigenous culture and the lake’s role in the traditional eel migration. Music, art and cultural exhibitions.
Are there any other attractions nearby?
Yes, besides the lake, you can visit historical sites such as the Narrapumelap Homestead on Narrapumelap Road and various nature reserves managed by Parks Victoria.
What accommodations are there?
Camping at the lake or nearby at the Lake Bolac Caravan Park or Lake Bolac HotelLocated on Glenelg Hwy. Also in surrounding towns along the Glenelg Highway/Ararat-Mortlake Road.
Related Tours
Related articles about Grampians
