A flat circuit around the lower Pondage and technical mountain bike trails give Eildon two distinct ways to enjoy the outdoors. The Eildon Pondage Walk is 6 km long and easy to complete; the Eildon Mountain Bike Park focuses on narrow, technical trails for cross-country riding. Eildon is on Taungurung People Country.

Walking or cycling around the Pondage

The Pondage Walk runs around the lower Pondage. Its flat route and 6 km length make it a clearly defined option for a walk. The path starts at the car park at the Eildon Lions Day Visitor Area; it can also be accessed from almost any visitor area along the Pondage shore. This means you can choose where to join the path along the shore, without treating the circuit as having a fixed starting point.

The route is also a popular cycling loop. This makes the Pondage a different kind of cycling option from the Mountain Bike Park: a circuit by the water rather than narrow, technical cross-country trails. If you plan a break at the lower Pondage, the Lions BBQ Picnic Area is on its northern side. It has toilets, covered and open seating, tables and a children's playground. The area is close to Eildon's main shopping area.

Play and recreation in town

Walter Moore Reserve has a skate park, a flying fox, a swing and a play area for older people. Eildon Swimming Pool is also located in the reserve. Eildon Outdoor Swimming Pool has an adjoining toddlers' pool with artificial rock walls and water-play features. Another water-play area in Eildon, Baanh ba Djila Splash Park is also a local destination.

These are distinct options for choosing between walking, cycling and water play, not parts of a single route. The Pondage Walk offers exercise around the lower Pondage; the pools and play areas are separate destinations in town.

Mountain biking on narrow trails

Eildon Mountain Bike Park is open year-round and offers narrow, technical trails for cross-country riding. Most trails can be reached by bike; Karalika Express can be ridden using your own shuttle. Featured trails include Tea Tree Twisty, Sticks & Stones, Darlingford Loop and Karalika Express. Trail offerings may change, and conditions on the trails may vary. Check the latest information before riding.

Comparing it with the Pondage Walk can help with planning your day: the walk offers a flat 6 km circuit, while the Mountain Bike Park has a network of narrow, technical trails. The two options can be distinguished by the activity you want to do; no particular combination or riding time is implied.

Nearby Lake Eildon and its surroundings

Eildon is a base for recreational activities around nearby Lake Eildon. The lake has 500 kilometres of shoreline, sheltered coves and safe swimming spots. Activities available there include swimming, canoeing, water skiing, sailing and fishing. The lakeside landscape adds more opportunities to enjoy the water to the activities available in town.

Murray cod fishing is permitted at Lake Eildon year-round; there is no three-month closed season for this species there. Trolling, bait fishing and casting are effective methods that can be used year-round. Check current rules and conditions before a fishing trip.

In the surrounding area, Lake Eildon National Park offers opportunities for bushwalking, camping and picnicking. Kangaroos, wombats and a wide variety of birds can be found around the park. These nature experiences are in the wider area around Eildon, while the Pondage Walk and the play and recreation options mentioned are located in town.

Information and history

Eildon Information Centre provides visitor information and advice, as well as maps, souvenirs and gifts. If you are looking for a map or an overview of tourist activities while in town, it is a place to visit. As opening hours are not provided, it is advisable to check whether advice is available before visiting.

Eildon Dam is also in the surrounding area. It was built in the 1950s to supply irrigation water to a large area in northern Victoria. This history adds a look at the infrastructure built to supply water to the area to the region's current recreational appeal.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Mornington, Pirron Yallock, Rheola, Ladys Pass, Redesdale, Toolondo, Willaura, Maffra

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.