Lake Eildon is a large freshwater reservoir in Victoria's Central Highlands, approximately 150 kilometres north-east of Melbourne — roughly a two-hour drive. Created by Eildon Weir on the Goulburn River, the lake covers over 13,000 hectares and stretches approximately 70 kilometres in length, with a shoreline of around 515 kilometres. Depths reach up to 76 metres in places. The lake is surrounded by Lake Eildon National Park, which protects 27,750 hectares of rugged hills ranging from open woodlands to dense forest, and the broader landscape includes rolling hills, eucalypt forest, and mountain rivers feeding into the reservoir.

Kayaking and canoeing are well-established activities on the lake. Paddlers can rent kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards locally, and at least one operator offers guided paddles with pickup and drop-off, including routes toward the Jamieson Brewery. The lake's extensive shoreline and numerous inlets provide varied paddling terrain. With over 40 boat ramps distributed around the lake, access points are plentiful, though paddlers should note that water levels fluctuate and some ramps may be closed or inaccessible at lower storage levels — an important consideration when planning a launch location.

The lake is heavily used by motorised watercraft, including houseboats, cabin cruisers, water skiers, wakeboarders, and jet skis. This traffic is a significant consideration for paddlers, particularly in peak holiday periods. Lake Eildon is the only reservoir in Victoria where houseboats and cabin cruisers with sleeping accommodation are permitted, which reflects the intensity of recreational boat use.

Paddling is permitted on the lake itself and on the Goulburn River. Kayaking and swimming are explicitly not permitted in the Eildon Pondage, a separate adjacent water body.

Blue-green algae has been detected at Lake Eildon on occasion. During an algal outbreak, direct water contact activities are discouraged, so paddlers should check current algae alerts with Goulburn-Murray Water before visiting. The lake is fed by clear mountain rivers, and the surrounding national park setting contributes to a generally scenic paddling environment. Wildlife in the national park includes kangaroos and echidnas. The nearby townships of Eildon, Bonnie Doon, Mansfield, Jamieson, and Howqua provide services and amenities for visitors.