Spoon Bay Campground, Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
Spoon Bay Campground offers one of the most secluded and authentic bush camping experiences in the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. Reserved for the well-prepared adventurer, this campground is strictly accessible by 4WD only, ensuring that those who make the journey along the sandy access tracks are rewarded with unparalleled peace and quiet. The campground is a collection of informal, unpowered sites nestled in the coastal scrub, providing a genuine sense of isolation and a direct connection to the natural environment. It sits peacefully on the edge of Lake Victoria, offering campers beautiful water views and a tranquil atmosphere far from any main roads or town centres.
This is a destination for the truly self-sufficient camper. The facilities are minimal, with only non-flush toilets provided. A key point of difference from other nearby camps is that **open fires are not permitted** at Spoon Bay, meaning all cooking must be done on gas or liquid fuel stoves. This rule helps preserve the area’s delicate ecosystem and reduces bushfire risk. Campers must bring in all their own supplies, including ample drinking water, and strictly adhere to the ‘carry-in, carry-out’ policy, as there are no rubbish bins. The reward for this level of self-reliance is a pristine environment where you can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching without distraction. With no bookings and no fees, Spoon Bay is the perfect spot for a last-minute escape into the wild.
Location Map
Camping Information
- Address: Spoon Bay Campground, off Loch Sport Road, Seacombe, VIC 3851
- GPS Coordinates: -38.0553, 147.6558
- Website URL: Parks Victoria – Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
- Camping Permitted: Yes, in designated unpowered sites.
- Booking Required: No, sites are free and operate on a first-in, first-served basis.
- Camping Fees: Free.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please check local park signage for the most current information.
- Number of Sites: A small number of informal sites suitable for tents and off-road camper trailers.
Facilities & Rules
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Extremely limited to non-existent.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic non-flush toilets are available.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a carry-in, carry-out park. You must take all rubbish with you.
- Generator Use: Permitted during daylight hours, but please be considerate of the quiet setting and other campers.
- Open Fires: Not permitted. All cooking must be done on gas or liquid fuel stoves.
- Pet Friendly: No, pets are not allowed in the park.
Activities & Access
- Fishing: Good for lake fishing from the shore or a small watercraft. A Victorian fishing licence is required.
- Short Walks: Explore the informal tracks around the lake’s edge.
- Road Access: Access tracks are sandy and suitable for high-clearance 4WD vehicles only. Not suitable for 2WD or AWD vehicles.
- Site Surface: Sand and dirt.
Essentials to Bring
- Gas or liquid fuel cooking stove
- Ample drinking water for your entire stay
- Recovery gear for your 4WD (shovel, tyre pressure gauge, compressor)
- Insect repellent
- First-aid kit
- All food and supplies
- Rubbish bags to carry out your waste
Local Amenities (from Loch Sport town centre)
- Local Pubs:
- Loch Sport Hotel – Approx. 9 km
- Places to Eat:
- Loch Sport RSL – Approx. 9 km
- Loch Sport Takeaway & Cafe – Approx. 9 km
- Local Attractions:
- Ninety Mile Beach (via Loch Sport) – Approx. 12 km
- The Lakes National Park – Approx. 15 km
- Sale, major regional town – Approx. 60 km
Nearby Services
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Loch Sport Holiday Park – Approx. 10 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Red Bluff Campground (4WD access) – Approx. 5 km
- Emu Bight Campground (2WD accessible) – Approx. 15 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Sale Showgrounds Public Dump Point – Approx. 60 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- BP Loch Sport – Approx. 9 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Bring your own. The nearest reliable public tap is in Sale (Approx. 60 km).
- Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
- Lions Park, Charlies Street, Loch Sport – Approx. 9 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot, averaging 14-26°C. Can be humid. Be prepared for insects.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and pleasant weather, with temperatures from 10-22°C. Ideal camping conditions.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often damp, with temperatures between 4-15°C. Access tracks can be more challenging after rain.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Temperatures range from 8-20°C. Can be windy, but the bush comes alive with wildflowers.