Boating is a highly valued recreational activity in the region, drawing thousands of visitors from across Victoria, interstate and overseas each year. Lake Nagambie and the Goulburn River provide a diverse boating experience, with opportunities for speed boating, fishing and relaxed scenic cruising set against picturesque waterways.
Visitors without their own vessel can still enjoy time on the water. GoAdventure Nagambie offers boat and equipment hire, including a 12‑seater pontoon boat, and is conveniently located at the Regatta Centre in Nagambie.
For a more leisurely experience, sunset and sightseeing cruises are available aboard the Goulburn Explorer. This impressive 12‑metre vessel carries up to 49 passengers and features two open‑plan decks, allowing guests to fully enjoy the surrounding landscape while cruising toward Kirwans Bridge to watch the sunset.
All boat operators are reminded to exercise care and comply with waterway rules to ensure safe and responsible use of the waterways. Operators must consider their location, weather conditions, other water users and potential environmental impacts. A Victorian marine licence is required to operate any powered recreational vessel, and lifejackets must be worn when operating a vessel under 4.8 metres in length. On Lake Nagambie, powered vessels must travel in an anti‑clockwise direction and remain alert to subsurface hazards.
The rowing course zone on Lake Nagambie is designated as a non‑powered boating area and regularly hosts major rowing and canoeing events. Visitors are encouraged to check for any temporary lake closures prior to boating.
For current boating speed and zones download this map
New boating rules for Lake Nagambie and stretches of the Goulburn River at Nagambie from 1 November 2025
| What has changed | |
|---|---|
| New speed limit | 20 knots speed restriction applies to all powered vessels on the Lake. |
| Prohibited activities |
|
| No wash zones | Within all 5 knot speed restriction areas vessels, must operate with minimal or no wash. |
What stays the same
- 5 knot speed restriction areas, the rowing course area and areas prohibited to vessels.
- Direction of travel for powered vessels is still anti clockwise (except when travelling at speeds <5 knots).
- The 5 knot speed restriction between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise.
- The prohibition on vessels involved in aerial related activities.
| What has changed | |
|---|---|
| New speed limits | 30 knot speed limit now applies in previous unrestricted speed areas such as the Exclusive & Special purpose zone for waterskiing, and 50m downstream of Kirwans Bridge to Goulburn Weir. This excludes vessels towing a person who is barefoot water-skiing, provided they do not exceed 35 knots.
Within these areas, vessels engaged in water skiing are excluded from clause 2(c) (5 knots within 50 metres of another vessel) only when both vessels are engaged in water-skiing, however the rule still applies when within 50 metres of any other vessel. |
| Other speed restriction zones | Some 20 knot / 5 knot speed restriction zone boundaries have changed, with changes clearly marked.
Key changes include: the river adjacent to the Nagambie Lakes Leisure Park and at the entrance to Lake Nagambie is now 5 knots; and all of Goulburn Weir downstream of Verges Jetty. |
| No wash zones | Within all 5 knot speed restriction areas, vessels must operate with minimal or no wash. |
| Prohibited activities | The use of wake-enhancing devices on vessels, including when the vessel is used for wake surfing or wakeboarding. |
What stays the same
- The 5 knot speed restriction areas in backwaters, 50m either side of bridges and boat ramps.
- The 5 knot speed restriction between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise.
- Waterskiing is still prohibited between Hughes Creek to Kirwans Bridge including backwaters (excluding the special purpose waterski zone).
- The prohibition on vessels involved in aerial related activities.
- The prohibited area under Chinamans Bridge still applies, until further notice.
For more information on new rule changes and what rules remain the same, see below or visit the Safe Transport Victoria website: https://safetransport.vic.gov.au/new-rules-for-safer-boating-on-lake-nagambie-waters
Boat Launching
Launching fees at all public boat ramps in Nagambie are now free. For all information about boat ramps in the Strathbogie Shire, up to date weather and information about ramp closures, visit the Boating Vic website
Public boat launch ramps are located at:
- McNamaras Point at the Nagambie Lakes Regatta Centre, 66 Loddings Ln, Nagambie
- Loddings Ln, Nagambie – opposite the Regatta Centre
- Buckley Park Nagambie – enter via Glencairn Ave, Nagambie
- Majors Creek, Mitchellstown – Mitchellstown Road just past Mitchelton Winery
- Turners Island Lane, Kirwans Bridge – off Lobbs Lane
Lake Closures
Lake Nagambie and the surrounding waterways may be closed due to events or other scenarios. For the latest information, phone the Nagambie Visitor Information Centre on 1800 065 993 or visit the centre at 293 High St, Nagambie.
See the latest list of lake and river closures here: Lake & River Closures 2025 – 26
Current exemptions and exclusions
Please visit the Safe Transport Victoria website for further information on current temporary exemptions and exclusions.