Lake Jubilee, Daylesford

I took a walk around Lake Jubilee last week (late October).  The views are breathtaking but you do have to work for it.  This is a magnificent lake but it does not get the attention it deserves.  Even without rain the path can have very muddy and slippery sections where the springs flow into the lake.  Also the vegetation can be difficult to get past on such a narrow path.  Don't get me wrong, the path is a very beautiful walk, but if you don't have on older clothes and a good pair of walking shoes head to Lake Daylesford where the money really flows into the lake.

You can spend hundreds of dollars on accommodation for views of the lake in Daylesford or you can go around the corner to Lake Jubilee pitch a tent or take your van for next to nothing.  Even if you hire a cabin it's dirt cheap for the view.  Jubilee Lake offers canoe hire, has a milkbar for essentials, playground for the kids, and hiking that goes for kilometres.

The Jubilee Lake was originally constructed in the 1800's for domestic water (including supplying the goldfields) and is fed by springs and creeks.   It is a pleasant 30 minutes walk around including the crossing of two very old footbridges.  The track tends to be poorly maintained.  It is quite narrow with the undergrowth not cut back enough during the snake season and during the winter it's slippery and muddy.  I have managed to get around when it is in reasonable condition and cannot understand why such a beautiful walking track gets so little consideration.

The Jubilee Lake is not suitable for swimming due to the cold currents which can disable you very quickly.  Canoes can be hired (they supply life jackets) and are a great way to explore the lake.  They can be purchased from the kiosk on the lakes edge.

Jubilee Lake has a childrens playground, large park area for footy, etc, barbeques and toilet amenities.  There are walking tracks other than around the lake and it's less than 5 minutes drive from the Daylesford town centre.