Banksia Bluff Camping: Cape Conran Coastal Park, VIC

Banksia Bluff Campground is one of East Gippsland’s most beloved coastal camping destinations, offering an idyllic escape where the bush meets the sea. Located within the magnificent Cape Conran Coastal Park, this large and well-facilitated campground is set amongst a tranquil banksia and mahogany woodland, just a short walk over the dunes from the wild and beautiful Bass Strait coastline. It’s a place where the sound of crashing waves provides a constant, soothing backdrop to your stay. The campground is incredibly popular, especially with families, and for good reason. It strikes the perfect balance between a natural, immersive bush experience and the convenience of modern amenities like flushing toilets and cold-water showers.

The sites at Banksia Bluff are spacious and well-spread-out, offering a good degree of privacy within the natural bush setting. Each site comes with its own designated fire pit, perfect for evening campfires under the stars. A major highlight for many visitors is the designated dog-friendly loops, allowing you to bring your four-legged family members on holiday. The direct access to the beach opens up a world of activities, from surfing and surf fishing to long beach walks and rock pooling. The park is also rich in walking tracks, including the stunning East Cape Boardwalk and the Yeerung River estuary walk. While the campground feels wonderfully remote, the on-site park office sells firewood and gas, adding a layer of convenience. Bookings are essential, especially during peak periods when a ballot system is often in place, a testament to its status as a premier Victorian coastal campground.

Park Details

• Name: Banksia Bluff Campground
• Address: Banksia Bluff Road, Cape Conran, VIC 3888, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.797, 148.7453
• Website: Parks Victoria – Banksia Bluff

Park Facilities & Information

• Location: Cape Conran Coastal Park, East Gippsland.
• Road Access: Sealed road access to the park entrance, then good quality unsealed roads within the park. Suitable for 2WD and caravans.
• Site Surface: Compacted sand and natural earth.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, paid camping in designated, pre-booked sites only.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check Parks Victoria booking system for limits.
• Facilities: Flushing toilets, cold water showers (un-enclosed), picnic tables, fire pits with BBQ plates.
• Potable Water: No. The tap water is bore water and not suitable for drinking. Bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Generally good Telstra reception. Other carriers can be unreliable.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, flushing toilets are available in several blocks.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, rubbish and recycling bins are provided.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to fire restrictions.
• Generator Use: No, generators are not permitted.
• Number of Sites: Over 130 unpowered sites across several loops.
• Essentials to Bring: All drinking water.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, in designated loops (C, D, E, F – sites 68-135). Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
• Fishing: Yes, excellent surf fishing and rock fishing nearby.
• Short Walks: Yes, numerous tracks including the East Cape Boardwalk, Yeerung River Estuary Walk, and beach walks.

Nearby Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Marlo Hotel – Approx. 18 km
  • Orbost Club Hotel – Approx. 33 km
  • Commonwealth Hotel (Orbost) – Approx. 33 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Marlo General Store & Takeaway – Approx. 18 km
  • Various cafes and bakeries in Orbost – Approx. 33 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Yeerung River Estuary – Approx. 3 km
  • East Cape Boardwalk – Onsite
  • Snowy River Estuary (Marlo) – Approx. 18 km
• Nearest Alternate Caravan Parks:
  • Jungle Beach Caravan Park – Approx. 9 km
  • Marlo Ocean View Caravan & Camping Park – Approx. 17 km
  • Marlo Caravan Park and Motel – Approx. 18 km
• Alternate Free Camps:
  • Snowy River Rest Areas (between Orbost and Marlo) – Approx. 25 km
  • Pearl Point Campground (no facilities) – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Alternate Dump Points:
  • Orbost Public Dump Point – Approx. 33 km
  • Lakes Entrance Public Dump Point – Approx. 80 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Marlo General Store (limited) – Approx. 18 km
  • Orbost (multiple stations) – Approx. 33 km
• Nearest Alternate Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Orbost or Marlo – Approx. 18-33 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Cape Conran has a temperate maritime climate, with conditions directly influenced by the Bass Strait.

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm with average maximums around 25-26°C. Sea breezes are common. Perfect for beach activities.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and often the calmest time of year, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and brisk, with average maximums around 15°C. Can be very windy and wet, with large ocean swells.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild but can be windy as weather patterns change. A great time for walking and seeing coastal wildflowers.