Happy New Year everyone,
I'm hoping for some hints and tips on where to SUP around Melbourne in lakes or rivers. I know that might sound weird, but being inexperienced, I'm not sure which rivers or lakes will eat one of my limbs should I fall in!!
I live in inner-Melb so everywhere is an option. Even some ideas on places to go in regional Victoria would be good......I like a day trip/weekend away.
Thanks in advance.
Try the following:
Maribyrning River near the boat shed, Barwon River, Yarra River, Albert Park Lake, Lake Nagambi, Lake Eppalock, Lake Colac, Hume Wier.
Phill
Don't listen to anyone telling you that the Yarra River water will dissolve metal. It's not that bad. Just don't drink it.
Best access is at the boat ramps opposite Federation Square. Otherwise you can head a few kms out of the CBD and launch at Fairfield Boathouse or Bellbird picnic area on Studley Park Rd (you can't launch at Studley Park Boathouse any more). There is also a small boat launching ramp on the opposite bank to Studley Park - access via Yarra Bend Rd.
For the Maribyrnong River, the best access is at the Footscray Rowing Club ramp opposite Flemington.
This is part of the Barwon River & Lake Connewarre network.
This little launch area is half remote... improvements as pictured were carried out about 2 or so years back... This is Stokes Point, on Lake Connewarre, which is the extension of Blackrock Road, heading north.
This inshore side is glassy on Southerly winds...
This day was probably 15 knots southerly... But pretty much like glass...
Map of location... with street view...
www.google.com/maps?q=5+Staceys+Rd,+Connewarre,+Victoria,+Australia&hl=en&ll=-38.238291,144.428592&spn=0.007795,0.015385&sll=-38.018587,144.349717&sspn=0.007818,0.015385&t=h&hnear=5+Staceys+Rd,+Connewarre+Victoria+3227,+Australia&z=17&layer=c&cbll=-38.238291,144.428592&panoid=OwdwchMsBG7hCpFEijumOg&cbp=12,28.77,,0,-4.08
Hi
I paddled from Fairfield boathouse, to Bridge Rd, (yarra Blvd), the other evening, even if its windy its quite protected.
Wouldn't want to fall in, very peaceful, Its not quite like being on the bay, but when you only have an hr or so to get some paddling in its great treat for me.
Got to watch the occasional log,
David
Thanks for the info. I'm new to SUP in the last year too, and am trying to get a handle on the best places, etc. Lysterfield Lake Park, near Narre Warren, is lovely. I haven't been there since I've had a board, but I'm looking forward to it. Also, there's a guy looking to start a social paddle group on Lillydale Lake, which apparently has about a 2km perimeter. I've put the kayaks on there before and it's quite interesting, with islands in the middle, etc. Perhaps message me if you're interested and I'll hunt up his details. 
There are plenty of good river and lake area's around Melbourne but if it's calm water paddling that you're after IMO you are better off paddling on the bay.. You just need to pick the right place depending on the weather conditions.. I'd much rather the fresh clean and clear salty water of the bay any day than the murcky muddy waters of our rivers and lakes.
DJ
