Lake Charm: Lake, Wetlands and Water Sports

Lake Charm between the lake and the lake district

Lake Charm is a semipermanent, slightly saline lake with a sandy bed, surrounded by agricultural land. The lake covers 457 hectares and holds 19,940 megalitres. Lake Charm is also part of a group of shallow natural lakes between Kerang and Swan Hill. You can therefore consider the area both in terms of the individual lake and its place within this lake district. The two figures refer to different measurements: the number of hectares indicates the area, while the volume in megalitres indicates the amount of water.

Water sports and fishing

Lake Charm attracts visitors for boating and water skiing. Swimming and kayaking are also possible recreational activities. This gives you a range of ways to enjoy the water when planning your stay around your interests. Over several years, the Victorian Fisheries Authority has stocked Lake Charm with golden perch and Murray cod.

Wetlands and waterbirds

Lake Charm is part of the Kerang Wetlands. This wetland system supports large populations of endemic and migratory waterbirds and serves as a drought refuge. Lake Charm is also listed as a Ramsar site. Alongside recreational activities on the lake, the ecological significance of the wetland system is therefore part of the destination’s character.

Walking tracks with different routes

The Lake Charm Loop Track is an easy, 2.7-kilometre circuit. It starts at the Lake Charm General Store and passes the Lake Charm foreshore. There are also walking tracks about 2.5 kilometres long west of the South West precinct that do not run along the lakeshore. When choosing a track, you can take these differences into account: the Loop is defined by its circular route, easy rating and connection to the foreshore; the other tracks are west of the precinct and are approximately 2.5 kilometres long.

Cultural connections and art

Lake Charm has a close connection to the Indigenous community. A 23-metre-long mural by Paul Oswin featuring native birds is also located at the Lake Charm General Store. The store is also the starting point for the Loop Track. This brings a local connection to art together with a practical starting point for a circuit around Lake Charm.

Events throughout the year

Lake Charm hosts one powerboat race each year and regularly hosts the Victorian Ski Racing titles and Victorian point score events. In spring, the Redfin Fishing Classic attracts hundreds of anglers to Lake Charm. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the specific date in advance. The range of events includes everything from water sports races to a spring event for anglers.

There are two caravan parks on the shores of Lake Charm.

For the broader travel overview: Gannawarra Shire.