Lake Bellfield is the big lake you see from the Pinnacle, just south of Halls Gap. Grampians Road runs right along its shore, so it’s an easy stop, and that’s what it was for us: on our last morning in the Grampians, driving up from Jimmy Creek towards Halls Gap and Melbourne, we pulled in to stretch our legs and walk around the shore. With the blue water and the forested ranges behind it, it was a nice break before the long drive.
About Lake BellfieldAbout
Lake Bellfield is a reservoir in the eastern Grampians, fed by Fyans Creek, and it’s run by GWMWater. It supplies drinking water to Halls Gap and Pomonal, farms, recreation lakes and wetlands, and it’s the main source for the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline. Its catchment lies inside the national park, which keeps the water clean, and that’s also why the rules are strict: no petrol motors, no dogs and no duck shooting. It’s used for picnics, swimming, sailing, paddling and fishing.
Quick facts
- AddressLake Bellfield, Grampians Road, Bellfield VIC 3381, AustraliaSee on the trip map →
- FacilitiesPicnic TablesToiletsBoat RampSwimmingFishingLookoutsNo CampingNo Powerboats
- Good to knowSwim between the signsNo petrol motorsNo dogs
- FeesFree
- 8.1/10Overall rated
Getting There
The lake is a few minutes’ drive south of Halls Gap on Grampians Road, the sealed road towards Dunkeld that also takes you to Jimmy Creek. There are pull-ins and picnic areas along the shore, and an observation tower and viewing area near the dam wall, where the toilets are. A private caravan park sits next to the dam wall too. There’s plenty of parking along the shore, on gravel under the gums, so even a 4WD with a rooftop tent finds a spot easily.
A Picnic on the ShoreThe shore
We parked under the gums and walked down to the water. There are picnic tables on the grass, and when we visited in early January the water had dropped back, leaving a wide, sandy shore with old drowned trees standing out in the lake. With the ranges rising straight up on the far side, it’s a beautiful spot for a coffee or a picnic. Campfires are only allowed in the proper fireplaces at the picnic area, and they have to be put out with water before you leave.
Out on the WaterSwimming, boating
You can swim, but only in the marked swimming area, between the signs. The sign there says swimming is at your own risk and not advised more than 30 metres from shore, because the water is extremely cold and the depth changes suddenly; the far bank is about 1.4 km away. On the water, sailing, paddling and electric motors are fine, but boats with petrol engines aren’t allowed, there’s a 5 knot limit within 60 metres of the shore, and some parts of the lake are closed to all boats, including canoes and kayaks.
Things to Do NearbyThings to do
Halls Gap is a few minutes north, with its cafes, shops and the visitor centre. From the Pinnacle lookout above town you can see the whole lake, and the forest camp at Jimmy Creek is further south on Grampians Road.
Summary
Lake Bellfield is a quiet, beautiful lake just south of Halls Gap, right beside the road, with picnic tables on the shore and the ranges behind. Stop for a walk, a picnic or a swim between the signs, and leave the dog and the petrol motor at home.
A good place to stretch your legs.
Lake Bellfield sits right beside Grampians Road, a few minutes south of Halls Gap, with picnic tables on the shore and the ranges rising behind the water. We stopped for a walk on the way out of the park.
- Travellers
- Families
- Paddlers
Yes. It costs nothing, it’s right on the road out of Halls Gap, and a short walk on the shore with the ranges behind is a nice way to start or end a Grampians day.
Recommended Gear for Lake Bellfield
A pair of camping chairs and a camp table turn a stop on the shore into a picnic, and a gas stove like the Dune single burner makes a quick coffee. Carry plenty of drinking water in good water containers for the day.
