24 September 2026
Merrigum’s Dunyak Moira fishing ponds have opened for the 2026-27 season, just in time for the September school holidays.
The Goulburn Valley Water (GVW) site opened on Saturday 19 September and will be open every day throughout the school holiday period, from 8am to 6pm.
GVW General Manager Service Delivery Daniel Flanagan said the school holidays were a great opportunity for families to visit the free community recreational site.
“Dunyak Moira is a fantastic space for people to get outdoors, enjoy fishing, canoeing, picnics and walks, and we’re excited to welcome visitors back,” Daniel said.
“Opening every day during the school holidays gives families plenty of opportunity to visit, whether they’re eager to cast a line or simply enjoy the space.
Dunyak Moira – meaning “fishing lake” in Yorta Yorta language – was created through a partnership between Goulburn Valley Water and the Burnanga Indigenous Fishing Club at the former Merrigum Water Treatment Plant.
Two disused water storage lagoons have been transformed into catch-and-release fishing ponds, with the site welcoming thousands of visitors and growing into a recreational, environmental and cultural hub since its opening in 2023.
The ponds are home to Murray cod and endangered Southern Pygmy Perch and Southern Purple-Spotted Gudgeon, and the large lagoon has seven fishing pontoons available to fish from, including a wheelchair-accessible platform.
After the school holidays, Dunyak Moira will return to weekend openings, with daylight saving hours of 7am to 8pm applying from Saturday 10 October.
GVW is also looking for locals to join Dunyak Moira’s volunteer gate roster. Volunteers can choose dates that suit them, with opening and closing the site taking around 15–20 minutes.
The job involves unlocking or locking the gates and completing a simple checklist, with an induction and support provided. Volunteers do not need to be available every weekend, and even occasional help is very welcomed.
Dunyak Moira is located at 104–108 Morrissey Street, Merrigum and entry is free.
For opening hours, fishing rules, information about volunteering and more about Dunyak Moira, visit watermatters.gvwater.vic.gov.au/dunyak-moira