Victoria's best boating locations and nearby boat ramps

The Gippsland Lakes in eastern Victoria offer a paradise for boat owners, with a big network of lakes, rivers and waterways to explore. The sheltered waters offer calm cruising, with lots of bays, coves and birdlife. Cute towns like Paynesville (pictured above) and Metung provide easy access to the lakes. As a bonus, Gippsland Lakes are full of salmon, whiting, flathead, tailor and bream if you're keen on fishing.

Lake Eildon is a top choice for boating in Victoria, with 500km of shoreline, sheltered bays and swimming areas. Surrounded by national park, there are 10 public boat ramps located around the lake. It's also the only reservoir in Victoria where you can operate houseboats. Camping nearby is easy, with many picturesque campgrounds available, such as Lakeside, Jerusalem Creek, Devils Cove or Candlebark. Lake Eildon is also well-stocked with trout and other fish if you want to catch your own dinner.

Did you know that you can skipper a small boat through the heart of Melbourne? It's a stunning way to enjoy the cityscape. Navigable water winds up to Dights Falls in Abbotsford, although you need to check that your boat will fit under some of the bridges in the city section, especially on a high tide and/or after heavy rainfall. Also be mindful that there's a maximum speed of 5 knots. The river is accessible through Port Phillip Bay, and the closest boat ramps are at Williamstown and St Kilda. See Parks Victoria's Port Phillip Bay Recreational Boating Guide for more information. 

RACV Members receive discounted tickets to cruises on the Yarra River.

Lake Nagambie in Victoria's Goldfields region was created back in 1891 by damming the Goulburn River. It's now a popular spot for boaters, sailers, fishers, canoeists and waterskiers. Enjoy the lake's sheltered waters and natural beauty aboard your boat before walking up to Jacksons Lookout for views across the water or exploring the Nagambie township. 

The Murray River is Australia's longest river and almost 2,000km of it is navigable by boat. Its slow-moving pace and constant water levels make it perfect for boating. Explore the river as it meanders past historic towns, vineyards, national parks and iconic landscapes. Echuca-Moama is a popular stopping point, where you can experience a historic paddle-steamer cruise. Echuca is the larger half of the town and is on the Victorian side while Moama is smaller and on the New South Wales side. Start and finish your boating journey at RACV Cobram Resort.

Port Phillip Bay is one of the most iconic in Australia, bordering Melbourne and Geelong as well as the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas. Drop anchor at beautiful seaside towns like Sorrento and Queenscliff. There are islands and coves to explore, beaches to lounge on, and plenty of marine life to watch. Port Phillip Bay is also an excellent fishing spot in Victoria. Make the most of your boating adventures by relaxing at the five-star RACV Cape Schanck Resort. See Parks Victoria's Port Phillip Bay Recreational Boating Guide for information about nearby boating ramps.

French Island Marine National Park is a remote and beautiful island in Victoria's Western Port Bay that is only accessible by boat. The closest boat launching facilities are located at Warneet and Tooradin, and there boat ramps at Hastings and Stony Point on the east side of Mornington Peninsula. See Parks Victoria's Western Port Recreational Boating Guide for more information. Set sail or ride in a motorboat to the island, where there is a network of walking trails from Tankerton Foreshore Reserve. French Island is teeming with native wildlife, from long-nosed potaroos and koalas to eastern-barred bandicoots and white-bellied sea-eagles. King George whiting, bream and mullet can be found in the surrounding waters.

Port Fairy is a charming coastal town located about 30 minute's drive from the town of Allansford, which marks the end of the Great Ocean Road. Boating on the waters off Port Fairy, you'll find a paradise of saltwater fishing (think snapper, whiting, flathead, garfish and more), whale sightings in winter, and beautiful beaches year round. You'll can get a ocean view of Port Fairy Lighthouse on Griffiths Island, where a nature reserve is home to thousands of shearwater birds.

Lake Eppalock on the Campaspe River is a favourite with Victorian boat owners. It has more than 30 boating clubs and associations with local facilities, plus nine boat ramps and numerous camping, caravan and picnic grounds. You'll share the lake with canoers, waterskiers, wakeborders and anglers, but there's enough space for everyone. Regional towns like Bendigo, with its world-class food and vibrant arts scene, and Heathcote are an easy drive away.

Lake Hume is located between Victoria and New South Wales, making it a unique place to take your boat out as you sail between states. Most boat ramps are located on the Victorian foreshore. Fishers can angle for golden perch, brown trout, rainbow strout, Murray cod, redfin and carp. Pop into Albury Wodonga, a mere 20-minute drive away, for lunch or dinner after your excursion.