Easy Grade 2 access to key vantage points along the track is also available off Jarvis Road.
If you’re looking to complete a walk around the lake, try our 950m Grade 3 track section that runs along the eastern shore connecting the caravan park with the dam wall. Please note that this track involves numerous steps and uneven surfaces.
Swimming
It is important to note that none of the swimming precincts in the lake are patrolled, so waterplay is undertaken at your own risk.
Our most popular swimming hub is Sandy Beach, with its offshore pontoon and weed free access to the water. The jetty at the dam wall is another favourite place for waterplay, and the boat ramp also provides access to the open waters of the lake for swimmers.
Maintaining water quality in Lake Sambell is vital for the preservation of these precious waterways for generations to come. Very significant investments in Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) have been undertaken around the lake edges and this provides significant waterland buffers. These buffers slow storm inflows and assist in natural purification of runoff.
Watercraft
Lake Sambell is ripe for exploration and adventure in watercrafts. However, please remember that life jackets are recommended for all watercraft users on the lake.
Self-powered craft including dragon boats, kayaks, surf skis and paddle boards are ideally suited to exploring the small enclosed waters of the lake. Kayaks can also be launched from the shores by the caravan park.
Powered craft are permitted on the lake providing they adhere to a 5km speed limit, perfect for fishing enthusiasts. The boat ramp beside Rotary Park caters for this use.
Cycling
Cycling over to Lake Sambell from town is a great way to take in this special area, while avoiding any parking congestion. Please note that cycling is not permitted on the Grade 3 section of the circuit walk around the lake (as shown on the map).
For the avid cyclist, the lake is especially valuable as a trailhead, where you can take your road bike out along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail link to Yackandandah.
Alternatively, bring your mountain bike and explore sections of the Indigo Epic Mountain Bike Trail, as it tracks eastwards through Nine Mile Creek across to Yackandandah.
The Trail Hub on Peach Drive is positioned to serve as a trailhead for both iconic bike routes. After a day of biking, exploration and adventure, simply head across for a refreshing dip at nearby Sandy Beach.
Toilets, picnicking and playgrounds
Toilets are conveniently located at the two major visitor precincts on the western side of the lake, at Rotary Park and Sandy Beach.
Both of these sites offer gas BBQ facilities, whereas Sandy Beach has a children’s playground and Rotary Park is home to an exercise hub.
There are public toilets also located nearby at Queen Victoria Park. These can be easily accessed via Spring Creek Lane.
Camping, caravans and accommodation
The Lake Sambell Caravan Park is one of the major features of the beautiful northern shores of the lake. This venue provides both caravan and camping sites, plus on-site vans for accommodation.
No camping is permitted anywhere else around the lake.
Fishing
Lake Sambell attracts many fishing enthusiasts. Your best chance for a catch is to head out on the water in a small craft launched from the boat ramp.
Lakeside locations for fishing are limited by the difficulty of moving around much of the lake edge, plus the presence of weed in the shallow lake edges. Whereas, the jetty by the dam wall and the nearby boardwalk provide the best land-based fishing spots.
Head to the boat ramp for information on local fishing regulations, and to check out a major display on the local program to bolster populations of trout and cod.