Rocky Valley Dam opens its new boat ramp
Joining Australia’s mile-high club is easier thanks to Rocky Valley Dam’s new boat rampRocky Valley Dam, the highest body of water in Australia that’s accessible to boats, has officially reopened with its new boat ramp in place.
Rocky Vally Dam sits at 1650 metres – one imperial mile – above sea level and in the shadow of the Mt Hotham ski resort. In fact, when it’s not generating hydroelectric power, the manmade lake is used during winter to top up the mountain’s slopes with artificial snow.
The dam, which has a 15hp power limit in place, was originally serviced via a dirt ramp that was pretty slippery in all but the best weather.
However, the Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management Board successfully applied for $116,000 through the state’s Recreational Boating Structural Maintenance Grants Program to replace the dirt ramp with a 60-metre-long concrete one.
For anyone able to make the journey – it’s an almost 800km round trip from Melbourne or a 900km return journey from Canberra – the dam is a fishing hotspot for anyone chasing wild brown or rainbow trout.
The fishing is supposed to be good all year round, although is best in summer. The fish caught tend to be small rather than trophy-sized, and targeted more for catch and release than eating.
The lake is the venue for both state and national trout fishing championships, and an annual dragon boat racing festival.
Other plans for the dam to improve the overall boating experience include new toilets, a pontoon jetty, shelters, seating, and parking.
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