Bonnie Doon on Lake Eildon

Bonnie Doon lies on the shores of Lake Eildon and combines lakeside scenery with the Great Victorian Rail Trail. The Bonnie Doon Bridge crosses the lake and is 385 metres long. For planning your trip, it helps to start with a simple question: will your stay focus mainly on the lake or on experiences along the Rail Trail? These two themes offer different ways to plan your days and search for suitable accommodation.

Lake Eildon: fishing and water sports

Water skiing and wakeboarding are possible on Lake Eildon from Bonnie Doon. Before setting out, check conditions on the lake and at the boat ramp before planning these activities. This allows you to base your plans on current conditions rather than assuming that water sports will be possible.

There are also specific points to consider for fishing: fish found when fishing in the lake near Bonnie Doon include yellowbelly, redfin, carp, brown trout and Murray cod. Bank fishing for golden perch around the Bonnie Doon Bridge is popular when water levels are sufficient. A Victorian Fisheries Authority notice, last updated on 15 October 2021, describes this fishing opportunity with that condition. Check water levels and conditions on the shore or at a boat ramp separately before your trip.

The lake therefore offers different kinds of experiences: fishing depends on the fish species mentioned and the water level, while water skiing and wakeboarding depend on conditions on the lake and at the boat ramp. If you are travelling with people who have different preferences, you can clarify these questions in advance and plan your days accordingly.

Great Victorian Rail Trail: route, art and history

The Great Victorian Rail Trail passes through the Bonnie Doon area and is described as a route to explore by bicycle, on horseback or on foot. The section near Bonnie Doon is closed due to fire damage. So check current access and trail conditions before planning your trip. The section from Bonnie Doon to Mansfield is 22 kilometres long—a specific distance to help with further planning, without making any claim about how long it will take.

On the section from Bonnie Doon to Merton, the trail passes the outdoor sculpture “Remnant” and two First Nations artworks called “We Scar Many Trees”. The two artworks and the single sculpture offer different cultural and artistic points of interest along the route. At Bonnie Doon, Bonnie Doon Station marks the site of the former railway station, adding a connection to railway history.

Water and toilets are listed as available for this section in Bonnie Doon and Merton Township. Confirm that the facilities are available before setting off. This is especially helpful if you want to plan a tour with stops at several places along the trail.

Choose accommodation based on your planned activities

If you plan to spend time at Lake Eildon, include water levels and conditions for fishing or water sports in your preparations. If you are interested in the Great Victorian Rail Trail, check access to the section near Bonnie Doon before setting out. This turns choosing a destination into a practical planning question: which experiences do you want your days to revolve around, and what conditions do you need to check in advance?

Explore more destinations: Vermont South, Wallington, Woodend, St Andrews, Caramut, Aireys Inlet, Swanpool, Yan Yean

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.