Lake Wellington is the largest lake in the Gippsland Lakes system. With its shallow waters and sandy bottom, it is not only a perfect spot for a swim on a hot day, but it is also a brilliant spot for fishing in Gippsland.
The shores and the larger area around Lake Wellington are underdeveloped, with little accommodation of any sort available which makes it the perfect spot to pull up a camp chair, pick a nice, isolated spot and enjoy a day of fishing in Lake Wellington.
Lake Wellington is the largest of the three inland lakes that also include Lake King and Lake Victoria. Lake Wellington receives freshwater from the Latrobe, Thomson and Macalister rivers in the west and the Avon River in the north.
Boating at Lake Wellington
While freshwater is coming into the lake on a regular basis, Lake Wellington is only recommended for shallow bottomed vessels due to the shallow depth of water. If you are planning to boat or jet-ski on Lake Wellington your journey across the lake is well defined with markers as is the entrance to the Latrobe River and the Avon river
Where is the best place to launch my boat?
Lake Wellington is best accessed via Marley Point which lies 22km from Sale in Gippsland. At Marlay Point, you will find one of the many free camping in Gippsland sites, a sandy bank and a jetty to fish Lake Wellington. A boat ramp at Marley Point allows great access to the lake and the river that flows into it.
On the east side of Lake Wellington, you will Roseneath Caravan Park. The Caravan park is accessed by the Mclennan Straights Road from Clydebank. You can fish from the bank or launch your boat at Hollands Landing boat ramp and bring it around to be moored at Roseneath caravan park.
You find some rough and rugged roads that access the lake from different sides. Most of these tracks will require you to have 4wd.
For those with boats in Lake Wellington, it allows you to move into the McLennan straights or the Avon River for fishing. You find good catches of bream in both areas.
What fish will I catch in Lake Wellington?
Fishing in Lake Wellington itself will most likely land you Carp or Bream. I have seen Carp above 50 cm caught in Lake Wellington. You are very unlikely to catch Bream from the banks of Lake Wellington. I witnessed an old Italian gentlemen fishing this way and he had over 15, 50 cm plus Carp in the crill net.
The best bet if fishing from the banks is to use a surf rod kit and walk around 100 meters out into the lake (water should only be around 1 metre deep) and cast out as far as possible. This will maximise your chance of catching the big fish in Lake Wellington.
What bait should I use to fish in Lake Wellington?
The best bait for Lake Wellington fishing is worms for bream and carp or bread and corn for Carp. I suggest if you just want to catch a fish while enjoying the area go after the Carp.
Carp will put up a good fight. Everyone caught and killed is one less in the Gippsland Lakes System.
What if I catch a Carp?
Carp are an introduced, noxious species that have taken over our waterways. If you catch a carp in Lake Wellington and even if you catch one anywhere else it is advised that you do not release it back into the water if you do not plan on eating it.
It is actually against the Biosecurity Act of 2014 to release them back into the waterway. You are instructed to humanely kill the fish and dispose of it well away from the water.
Do I need a fishing license to fish in Victoria?
Everyone who goes fishing in Victoria needs a fishing licence. Fisheries officers regularly patrol the Gippsland Lakes checking if anglers have a licence. Victorian recreational fishing licences cost and are valid for:
- 3-day licence for $10;
- 28-day licence for $21.20;
- 1-year licence for $37.20 ($34.95 if purchased online);
- 3-year licence for $100.70 ($95.40 if purchased online).
You can purchase your RFL online and save a few cents for bait!
What is the nearest town for essentials to Lake Wellington?
There are two main towns that are close to Lake Wellington and it will depend on where you are coming from as to which town you will go through or be close to.
Sale, Victoria
Sale Victoria Australia is approximately 217km from Melbourne via the M1 and is one of the larger towns in the East Gippsland area. Lake Wellington is roughly 22km from the Sale town centre.
Essential services in Sale Victoria
- Hospital with emergency department (Australian emergency number is 000)
- Police Station
- Supermarkets (Woolworths, Aldi, Coles, IGA)
- ATM’s
- Numerous petrol stations
- Chemist
- Fast food outlets and local pubs
- Accommodation
You stop in Sale for anything you may need on your way through. There is more than enough parking for a car towing a boat in Sale.
Stratford, Victoria
Stratford Victoria is a small country town about 230 km from Melbourne via the M1 and approximately 52km from Bairnsdale also on the M1. Stratford is around 25kn from Lake Wellington.
Essential services in Stratford Victoria
- IGA supermarket
- 1 petrol station
- ATM
- Local fast food and a pub
- Chemist
- Police Station
There is also a medical centre in Stratford but it does not have an emergency department. The nearest emergency department is at the Sale Hospital.
Can I camp at Lake Wellington?
Free Camping at Marley Point on Lake Wellington is available and paid camping at Roseneath Caravan Park on the east bank.
If camping is not your thing
Camping is not for everyone or you may need more time in the area. Air BnB is a great way to have a home away from home. Most places you stay in have all the mod cons from home and allow you a little more of the creature comforts. Below are some properties that are offered in Gippsland.
Don’t forget you need a fishing licence to fish in Lake Wellington. You can pick these up from most fishing and bait shops in the Gippsland region on your Travels in Gippsland. BCF has a wide range of fishing gear that can be bought online prior to your fishing adventure. BCF has Gippsland stores in Bairnsdale and Traralgon. Locally you can call into Tackle World in Sale.
For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Gippsland click please click on our Gippsland fishing page for more brilliant inspiration.
More travel inspiration for your next trip to Gippsland
About the Author
Mark has grown up and lived in the Gippsland area all his life. Being born and raised in Gippsland he knows a thing or 2 about this amazing region. When Mark is not working he is out exploring the best of Gippsland with his wife and kids
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