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Our Reservoirs

Blue-green algae update - August 2025

High levels of blue green algae have been detected in the reservoir. The reservoir is currently closed for on-water activities. Visitors and recreational users are advised to avoid contact with the water. It is generally safe to eat fish caught in affected areas, but take care to rinse and clean fish carefully in fresh water. Only eat the flesh of the fish and discard any internal organs. For more information visit our interruptions page - coliban.com.au/interruptions/blue-green-algae-warning-barkers-creek-reservoir

Barkers Creek Reservoir

 

Barkers Creek Reservoir is rich in history – and fruit fever, rather than gold fever gripped the Harcourt district in the mid 1800s. Fruit success was dependent on a reliable water supply. Barkers Creek Reservoir opened in 1868 to service local orchards and farms. Today, it continues to provide rural irrigation to the local area. It’s a beautiful place to visit for family picnics, fishing, kayaks, canoes and small portable craft (car toppers). 

 

Coliban Water acknowledge that Barkers Creek Reservoir is on Dja Dja Wurrung Country and extend our appreciation for the Dja Dja Wurrung People, the Traditional Owners of the land.
 

Please note, the wearing of lifejackets is mandatory while on the water.

 

 

 

Access hours
Daylight hours

Facilities

  • Carpark
  • Seating
  • Toilets
  • Walking
  • Watercraft entry/exit

Enjoy your visit and please respect our reservoirs for local communities and future generations. You may see some or all of the signs below at our reservoirs, keep an eye out.

Resources

Map of Barkers Creek with Facilities and on water access points

Available/allowed at this site
  • Small portable craft
  • Kayak or canoes
  • Fishing
  • Single entry/exit point for kayaks, canoes and small portable craft
  • Fuel-powered craft Boats with Petrol motors (on the condition that the petrol motor is not used)
  • Boats with an electric motor
  • Dogs (must be on leads)
  • Carpark
  • Walking paths
Not allowed at this site
  • Drone usage
  • Swimming & towed water activities
  • Sail-powered craft or paddle boarding
  • Inflatables
  • Horses
  • Firearms or shooting
  • Exceeding the number of people allowed in a vessel as per the design limit
  • Damage to Dja Dja Wurrung cultural heritage, digging of soil & disturbance to plants or wildlife
  • Camping & fires
Please

  • Beware limbs may fall

  • Beware of uneven ground

  • Clean up after your dog

  • Do not remove timber, plants, wildlife or rocks

  • Keep vehicles on track and drive at the speed limit

  • Take rubbish with you

Water Safety

  • Be aware of above and below water hazards

  • Check the water temperature. If you fall in, cold water can cause hypothermia

  • Five knot speed limit (9.26km speed limit)

  • Life jackets mandatory

Image and video gallery

© Coliban Water 2019
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