News

Boaters beware: new rules are aboard

By Pip Turton

Nov 4, 2025

New waterway rules for Lake Nagambie and Goulburn River as of November 1. Photo by Megan Fisher

Boaters heading to Lake Nagambie and nearby stretches of the Goulburn River will face new waterway rules from November 1.

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The aim of the rules is to improve safety and ensure the popular boating destination can be enjoyed by all water users this summer.

The changes have been introduced by Safe Transport Victoria, following extensive consultation with Strathbogie Shire Council, local enforcement agencies and regular waterway users.

“The new rules were shaped by the boating community having their say on how they wanted to use the waterways,” Safe Transport Victoria executive director — safety, strategy and regulation Chris Banks said.

Signage outlining the new rules will be installed along the banks of Lake Nagambie and the Goulburn River, and new aids to navigation have been placed in the water to help boaters clearly identify speed zones and restricted areas.

Safe Transport Victoria says the new rules balance the needs of different recreational users — from anglers and paddlers to skiers and jet skiers — while maintaining a strong focus on safety, environmental protection and community enjoyment.

With summer approaching, boaters are urged to familiarise themselves with the updated rules before taking to the water.

For full details on the new waterway rules and maps of the updated zones, visit Safe Transport Victoria’s website: tinyurl.com/ykcn577j

Or look for the new signage and navigation aids installed around Lake Nagambie and the Goulburn River.

Changes to Lake Nagambie

A new speed limit of 20 knots now applies to all powered vessels on Lake Nagambie. (This excludes existing five-knot zones, prohibited areas and designated exclusive or special purpose zones.)
Prohibited activities include: freestyling on personal watercraft (such as jet skis); bathing or swimming between Deliah Island and the Nagambie Lake Leisure Park shore; and the use of wake-enhancing devices, including during wake surfing or wakeboarding.
All vessels must operate with minimal or no wash in five-knot speed restriction zones.

Changes to Goulburn River (Hughes Creek to Goulburn Weir)

A 30-knot speed limit now applies in areas that were previously unrestricted. (Vessels towing a person barefoot water-skiing may travel up to 35 knots.)
This applies within the exclusive and special purpose waterskiing zone, extending 50 metres downstream of Kirwans Bridge to Goulburn Weir.
Several changes to designated 20-knot and five-knot zones have been made, with all areas clearly signposted. New five-knot zones include: the river adjacent to Nagambie Lakes Leisure Park; the entrance to Lake Nagambie; and all areas of Goulburn Weir downstream of Verges Jetty.
Vessels must also travel with minimal or no wash within all five-knot zones.
The use of wake-enhancing devices is now prohibited throughout the Goulburn River section, including for wake surfing or wakeboarding activities.