Lake Hume

Stretching across the Murray River near the New South Wales–Victoria border, Lake Hume is a vast, shimmering reservoir surrounded by rolling hills and eucalypt forests. Created by the Hume Dam, this 20,000-hectare lake is a haven for water sports, fishing, and laid-back lakeside holidays. Its deep blue waters and quiet coves offer a refreshing escape from the inland heat, with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that feels a world away from the Hunter Valley wine country to the north.

Highlights & What to See

• Water sports paradise: Skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and sailing are popular on the lake’s calm, open waters. Hire a boat or bring your own to explore hidden beaches and inlets.
• Fishing hotspot: Cast a line for Murray cod, golden perch, and trout. The lake is renowned among anglers, with several well-stocked spots near the dam wall and along the foreshore.
• Hume Dam: Walk or cycle across this engineering marvel, which offers panoramic views of the lake and the river valley below. The visitor centre explains the dam’s history and construction.
• Lake Hume Sailing Club: Even if you’re not a sailor, the club’s waterfront café is a great place to watch yachts and soak up the lake vibe over a coffee.
• Bushwalking and cycling: Trails like the Hume Dam Walking Track and the Lake Hume Foreshore Trail wind through riverside bushland, with birdlife and wildflowers in spring.

Suggested Time to Spend

Lake Hume is best enjoyed over two to three days, especially if you want to get out on the water. A single day is enough for a quick visit to the dam and a picnic, but to fully appreciate the lake’s recreational offerings—hiring a boat, trying your luck fishing, or simply lazing by the shore—plan for a weekend. Combine it with a night or two at one of the lakeside caravan parks or holiday cabins for a classic Australian water-side escape.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Albury-Wodonga: The twin cities on the Murray River, just 15 minutes south, offer excellent dining, the Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), and riverside walking trails.
• Tallangatta: A charming historic town relocated in the 1950s when the lake was created. Its main street has antique shops and a lovely bakery.
• Kosciuszko National Park: About two hours east, this alpine park offers hiking, snow sports in winter, and the summit of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko.
• Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park: Known for its historic gold-mining sites and spring wildflowers, this park is a 45-minute drive north and offers bushwalks and picnic spots.
• Beechworth: A beautifully preserved gold-rush town with a historic gaol, Ned Kelly connections, and gourmet produce—about an hour’s drive southeast.

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