Olympic Rowing Course at Lake Wendouree: Lake Wendouree, Ballarat, Victoria, the venue for the rowing and canoeing events at the 1956 Olympic Games. Seventy four miles north???est of Melbourne, 588???cre Lake Wendouree provides a suitable expanse of calm water for the events. Ample breadth is provided throughout the Olympic course for six eight???ar crews to race abreast. Wendouree has accommodated as many as 20 eights abreast in one race. Three local rowing clubs and a sailing club have headquarters on its shores, which are surrounded by 80 acres of parkland and shady trees. December 15, 1955. (Photo by Australian Official Photograph).