Watersports
Lakes + River = Fabulous Watersports!
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or you just want to cruise the day away on still waters, Lachlan Shire has the ideal water setting for you! From waterskiing, canoeing, kayaking, boating, sailing, swimming or just paddling your feet in the water, visitors to our shire enjoy it all!
Watersports in the Lachlan Shire
The main watersports visitors and locals enjoy on our lakes and river include:
- Water Skiing
- Kayaking & Canoeing
- Boating
- Sailing
- Tow Tubing
- Wake Boarding
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Jet Skiiing
Watersports at Lake Cargelligo
Lake Cargelligo is the largest natural inland lake system in NSW having a volume of 36,000 mega litres, a surface area of 1,440 hectares and an average depth of 3.7 metres. Lake Cargelligo is the perfect place for recreation of all kinds including water skiing, fishing, canoeing, swimming, camping and much more.
The name Lake Cargelligo is derived from the Wiradjuri word “Cudjallagong” meaning “large lake” or “water container”.
The lake was originally named Regent’s Lake by the explorer John Oxley after the prince regent of England at the time. The lake was the primary water source for the early mining town, and has continued to remain an integral source of water for Lake Cargelligo’s inhabitants and for all users along the lower Lachlan.
The Lake was used by the Wiradjuri people for centuries as meeting places and sources of food and water. Many Aboriginal artifacts have been found on the lake foreshores.
This aquatic playground is popular for sailing, kayaking, waterskiing and swimming. Fishing is popular on the lake too and in the nearby Lachlan River. The lake and the river are great for fishing year-round, with Murray cod, silver perch and redfin for the taking.
Lake Cargelligo has a pontoon ideal for watersports and a Sail & Power Boat Club which holds a number of watersports events during the year. The Club house is located on Lake Road, Lake Cargelligo.
People from surrounding towns often bring their boats over the weekend. During the summer time don’t be surprised to see up to 50 boats as people come far and wide to use this beautiful lake.
For more information about the Lake & lake activites contact:
The following photos are examples of the water sports you can enjoy on Lake Cargelligo
Watersports & Facilities at Gum Bend Lake
- Clean amenities block with free hot shower
- Free campground/caravan park
- Picnic Tables
- Free BBQ’s
- Children’s Playground
- Boat Ramp & Pontoon
- Walking track around the lake
- Dedicated Swimming Area
- Walking / Cycle Track into town
- Facilities are maintained by Lachlan Shire Council and Gum Bend
There are number of donation boxes at Gum Bend Lake, your donations and feedback are appreciated and will assist Council in maintaining and developing this facility further. The BBQ’s and Picnic Shelters are an example of what your donations help to achieve. Further plans include outdoor fitness equipment and environmental salinity control.
Gum Bend to the Town Centre Walking Track
While taking a break at Gum Bend Lake, be sure to stretch your legs on the 6km walking track from Gum Bend Lake into Condobolin to the end of Bathurst Street and back to the Lake again.
How to get to Gum Bend Lake from the Town Centre
To visit Gum Bend Lake from Condobolin’s town centre, travel west 6 km on Bathurst street till you reach the Gum Bend Lake sign.
For more information about Gum Bend Lake contact:
Lachlan Shire Office:
58-64 Molong Street, Condobolin NSW
02 6895 1900
The following photos are examples of the water sports you can enjoy on Gum Bend Lake when it's full.
The following photos are examples of the water sports and facilities you can enjoy on Gum Bend Lake all year round.
Access to the Lachlan River for Paddle Sports
Access Point: Condobolin Weir
Access Point: Kiacatoo Weir
Kiacatoo Weir provides access to the Lachlan River. Access is off sand/bank. Be careful as it can be boggy if wet.
To arrive at the location travel from Condobolin on the Kiacatoo Road. Cross the bridge over the river, turn left travelling back to Condobolin.
