Bunga Arm Campground: Boat-Based Camping in Gippsland Lakes, VIC

Escape the mainland and discover one of Victoria’s most unique camping destinations at Bunga Arm Campground. Located within the magnificent Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, this secluded spot offers an unparalleled water-based adventure, as it is accessible only by boat. Nestled on the Bunga Arm peninsula, a narrow strip of land that separates the tranquil, protected waters of Lake Victoria from the powerful surf of the Ninety Mile Beach, this campground provides the best of both worlds. On one side, you can enjoy calm waters perfect for kayaking, fishing, and swimming, while a short walk across the dunes transports you to the vast, windswept expanse of the ocean beach.

This is a true bush camping experience that requires planning and self-sufficiency. There are seven distinct camping areas dotted along the arm, each offering a handful of unpowered sites that must be booked in advance through Parks Victoria. The facilities are basic, consisting of non-flush toilets, communal picnic tables, and fireplaces, ensuring you remain immersed in the natural environment. The journey to the campground is part of the adventure; launching from nearby towns like Paynesville or Lakes Entrance, you’ll cruise across the stunning Gippsland Lakes, spotting birdlife and soaking in the serene scenery before arriving at your private coastal retreat. Because of its remote nature, you must bring all your own supplies, including drinking water and firewood, and strictly follow the ‘carry-in, carry-out’ policy to preserve the pristine condition of this special place. For those with a boat and a love for seclusion, Bunga Arm is an unforgettable destination that offers a genuine escape from the everyday.

Campground Details

• Name: Bunga Arm Campground
• Address: Bunga Arm, Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, Boole Poole, VIC 3880, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.9533, 147.8015

Campsite Information

• Road Access: None. Access is by boat only. Nearest boat ramps are in Paynesville and Lakes Entrance.
• Site Surface: Sand and natural coastal vegetation.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, paid camping in designated sites. Advanced bookings are essential via the Parks Victoria website.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: A maximum stay of three weeks applies.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, communal picnic tables, and shared fireplaces.
• Potable Water: No drinking water is available. You must bring your own supply.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited and can be unreliable. Depends on carrier.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush toilets are available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a carry-in, carry-out park. Please take all your rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fireplaces only, subject to fire regulations and Total Fire Bans. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Not permitted.
• Number of Sites Available: Multiple campgrounds with 6-12 sites each. Check Parks Victoria for availability.
• Essentials to Bring: All drinking water, food, firewood, rubbish bags, a first-aid kit, and all camping equipment.
• Location: On a peninsula between Lake Victoria and the Ninety Mile Beach in the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park.
• Pet Friendly: No, dogs and other pets are not permitted.
• Fishing: Yes, excellent fishing in both the lake and the surf.
• Short Walks: Yes, walk across the dunes to the Ninety Mile Beach or explore the shoreline of the Bunga Arm.

Nearby Amenities & Attractions (from Paynesville/Lakes Entrance)

• Local Pubs:
  • Paynesville Hotel (Paynesville) – Approx. 15 km by boat
  • Metung Hotel (Metung) – Approx. 20 km by boat
  • Central Hotel (Lakes Entrance) – Approx. 25 km by boat
• Places to Eat:
  • Sardine Eatery + Bar (Paynesville) – Approx. 15 km by boat
  • A wide range of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Lakes Entrance – Approx. 25 km by boat
• Local Attractions:
  • Ninety Mile Beach – Direct access
  • Gippsland Lakes – Surrounds the campground
  • Raymond Island Koala Trail (via Paynesville ferry) – Approx. 15 km by boat
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Numerous parks in Paynesville – Approx. 15 km by boat
  • Numerous parks in Lakes Entrance – Approx. 25 km by boat
• Next Free Camps: Most nearby camping is paid. Free camps are located inland or further along the coast, requiring a return to the mainland.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Paynesville Foreshore – Approx. 15 km by boat
  • Bullock Island, Lakes Entrance – Approx. 25 km by boat
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Paynesville (includes boat fuel) – Approx. 15 km by boat
  • Lakes Entrance (includes boat fuel) – Approx. 25 km by boat
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at public taps in Paynesville and Lakes Entrance.
• Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located at boat ramps and foreshores in Paynesville and Lakes Entrance.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The Gippsland Lakes region enjoys a mild temperate climate, making it a popular year-round destination.

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Comfortable to warm with average temperatures between 21-25°C. Perfect for all water activities.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, calm, and often sunny. A fantastic time for boating and fishing as the crowds thin. Temperatures range from 14-22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool with average temperatures from 12-15°C. Days can be crisp and clear, offering beautiful calm conditions on the lakes.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant, with temperatures warming from 16-20°C. A great time to see the coastal vegetation come to life.