Definitions of waterways
The table and maps on this page detail the three categories of waterway in Victoria.
Both the rules relating to speed and distance from shore change and the types of safety equipment you must carry and/or wear depend on the type of waterway you are operating on.
The specific operating rules for each Victorian waterway are set out in the Vessel Operating and Zoning Rules (VOZR).
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Inland waters | Rivers (inside the seaward entrance), creeks, canals, lakes, reservoirs and any similar waters either naturally formed or man-made and which are either publicly or privately owned but does not include any navigable rivers, creeks or streams within declared port waters. |
| Enclosed waters |
|
| Coastal waters | All waters other than inland waters or enclosed waters, and extending 3 nautical miles seaward. |
| Hazardous Area | (a) Port Phillip Heads, or (b) Any area of State waters declared by the Safety Director. |
The following waterways are recognised as Victorian waters for the purposes of transport safety legislation:
- The waters of Ovens River south of the Murray Valley Highway Bridge
- The waters of Lake Hume downstream of the Bethanga Bridge
- The waters contained within the Victorian border of the lower Glenelg River.
Waters of the Murray River, Lake Mulwala and Lake Hume not listed above are within New South Wales jurisdiction. Operators are advised that NSW legislation applies on these waters.
Download the guide: Get to know your interstate boating rules - New South Wales and Victoria PDF, 328.2 KB
More information on the NSW Roads & Maritime Services website.
