Cairn Curran Reservoir

Cairn Curran Reservoir is a beautiful and valued resource, both locally and regionally.

• camping and campfires are prohibited in GMW reserves and on foreshore and lakebed areas
• electric barbecues are available at some reserves (see map below)
• refer to your local council for landfill services and consider the environment when disposing of your litter. Penalties apply for illegal dumping of rubbish
• don’t take plants from the foreshore, or bring any in
• don’t feed the animals or wildlife, or interfere with their habitats
• boat wash can cause erosion, keep to 5 knots within 50 metres of the water’s edge
• vehicles and trail bikes are only allowed on public roads within the reserve
• all vehicles and trail bikes must be registered and users must be licenced
• keep the waterway healthy by not using soap, toothpaste or detergent in the lake
• dogs must be on a lead and/or under control at all times and aren’t allowed in the lake. Please clean up after your pets.'

View the Water (Recreational Area) Regulations 2023 

Local boating rules are posted at all public boat ramps.

1. Launching and retrieving vessels must occur from the designated boat ramp/s.
2. To avoid congestion, complete any preparation prior to launching, or when returning from the water, away from the ramp.
3. Parking is only permitted in designated areas.
4. Ensure all safety equipment is on the vessel and operational, and that lifejackets are always worn.
5. Be aware and comply with all waterway vessel operating zones.
6. Always keep a lookout for waterway hazards and operate your vessel in line with weather and waterway conditions.
7. Ensure no one is in or on the vessel when moving to and from the ramp.
8. Shade structures are not permitted within 50 metres of either side of boat ramps.
9. Stay clear of dam infrastructure.

Don't forget your Water Smarts

Late spring and early summer is best to find Golden Perch, Brown Trout, Murray Cod and Redfin at Cairn Curran.

Local anglers advise that using yabbies as bait on a running sinker can increase your chances of catching Redfin.

For the latest information on fishing in Victoria, contact Fisheries Victoria on  136 186, and don’t forget your Recreational Fishing Licence!

Cairn Curran is a popular spot for power boating, personal water craft, sailing, rowing and canoeing. The Cairn Curran Sailing Club holds regular events between October and April.

Vessels can be launched from public boat ramps around the reservoir (see map).

A 5 knot speed limit applies at any level within 50 metres of the water's edge; other vessels, navigation aids, swimmers and fixed or floating structures; and within 100 metres of vessels displaying a dive flag.

Keep a lookout at all times for hazards and other vessels.

Refer to the  Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook at the transport Victoria website.

Operating levels

The operating levels are as follows:

Click on a map to open a larger version

Operating level 1        

When the storage level is above 200.00mAHD (28% capacity) normal boat zoning rules apply.

Operating level 2

When the storage level is between 199.99 mAHD (28% capacity) and 196.00mAHD (13% capacity) the following rules will apply:

• All operators must observe all the buoyed boating zones
• Operation of all vessels at a speed above five knots is restricted to the open waters known as Tower Bay.

Operating level 3

When the storage level falls below 196.00mAHD (13% capacity) the reservoir will be closed to all vessels operating at a speed in excess of five knots.

Boat ramp operating levels

The water in Cairn Curran Reservoir is owned by GMW customers, who produce food and fibre, supply towns and businesses downstream of the storage, and protect and improve environmental waterway health. 

Visitors need to be conscious of potential hazards and consider their own safety and the safety of other users at all times. Water levels (high or low) can prompt increased safety measures, and changes to access for recreational areas and boating. Safety information and alerts will be signposted at public areas and boat ramps.

 Boating rules at Cairn Curran may change depending on water level.

• Level 1 (normal water levels) is above 28% capacity and normal boat zoning rules apply
• Level 2 (low water levels) is between 28% capacity and 13% capacity, and means those travelling above five knots are restricted to the waters at Tower Bay and south of a line of buoys running parallel to the main embankment
• Level 3 (very low water levels) is below 13% capacity, and this means the reservoir is closed to vessels operating at a speed above five knots.

Refer to the Guide to Vessel Operating and Zoning Rules for Victorian watersand current water level information.

At times, the level of blue-green algae in storages can exceed safe limits. When this happens you should avoid direct contact with the water as the algae can cause;

• skin rashes
• itchiness
• sore eyes, ears and nose
• nausea.

If unsafe levels occur, warning signs will be positioned at major recreational areas.

Online Blue-green algae warnings are available or by calling the 24 hour GMW blue-green algae hotline on  (03) 5826 3785.

GMW’s lakes, dams and reservoirs are ideal places for events. Find out more about hosting an  event at one of our storages.