Bonnie Doon on Lake Eildon

Bonnie Doon lies on the shores of Lake Eildon and combines its connection to the lake with the Great Victorian Rail Trail. Around Bonnie Doon Bridge, fishing and water sports take centre stage; along the trail sections, artworks and the site of the former railway station add further points of interest. Two questions can help guide your trip planning: Would you like to include activities on the water, or are you more interested in trail distances, art and railway history? If you are looking for a hotel in Bonnie Doon, these priorities can help structure your trip planning.

Lake Eildon: Fishing and water sports

The Great Victorian Rail Trail's Bonnie Doon Bridge crosses Lake Eildon and is 385 metres long. Shore fishing for golden perch is popular around the bridge when water levels are sufficient. Before your trip, check the water level and conditions at the ramps or along the shore. The bridge is therefore a shared point of reference for the Rail Trail and shore fishing.

Other fish found in the lake near Bonnie Doon include yellowbelly, redfin, carp, brown trout and Murray cod. When considering fishing opportunities, distinguish between the mention of golden perch around the bridge and the other fish species found in the lake.

Water skiing and wakeboarding are also possible on Lake Eildon from Bonnie Doon. Before your trip, check the conditions on the lake and at the ramp for these activities too. This means there are different priorities to consider at the lake: shore fishing requires sufficient water, while water skiing and wakeboarding offer additional activities.

Great Victorian Rail Trail: distances, art and railway history

The Great Victorian Rail Trail passes through the Bonnie Doon area. The section from Bonnie Doon to Mansfield is 22 km long. On the section from Bonnie Doon to Merton, the trail passes the outdoor sculpture “Remnant” and two First Nations artworks titled “We Scar Many Trees”.

The sections offer different points of reference: for Mansfield, the 22 km distance is the clear point of reference, while art along the route characterises the section to Merton. This lets you distinguish between a specific distance and named artworks as features of the route.

Bonnie Doon Station marks the site of the former railway station on the Great Victorian Rail Trail. This railway connection adds a distinct historical point of interest in Bonnie Doon to the art along the Merton section.

Planning notes

On the Great Victorian Rail Trail section between Bonnie Doon and Merton, water and toilets are available in Bonnie Doon and Merton Township. Check whether these facilities are available before setting off.

The Bonnie Doon section of the Great Victorian Rail Trail is closed following fire damage. Check current trail conditions before planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Woori Yallock, Codrington, Bass, Nunawading, Connewarre, Walhalla, Corinella, Granite Rock

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.