Walkers Lake Campground: Free, Pet-Friendly Lakeside Camping in the Wimmera

Nestled in the heart of the Wimmera plains, Walkers Lake is a cherished local gem offering a fantastic free camping experience for travellers and families. Located centrally between the townships of Donald, St Arnaud, and Marnoo, this freshwater lake is a hub of recreational activity and a perfect spot to unwind. The campground, situated on Crown Land, provides spacious, undesignated sites with plenty of room for caravans, motorhomes, and tents to spread out along the shoreline. It’s a place rich in history, having been a favourable camping area for the Dja Dja Wurrung People for generations, and it continues to be a celebrated destination for locals and visitors alike.

The main drawcard of Walkers Lake is the water itself. When levels are good, it’s a hive of activity with water skiing, swimming, and boating. Anglers are in for a treat, with the lake regularly stocked with Golden Perch and Murray Cod, alongside a healthy population of Redfin. The surrounding 80-hectare reserve provides a wonderful natural environment for birdwatching and leisurely walks. The campground is geared towards self-sufficient campers, providing basic but essential non-flushing toilets. Visitors must bring their own drinking water and be prepared to take their rubbish home. The campground is proudly pet-friendly, making it an ideal destination for the whole family. For a classic, budget-friendly Aussie camping holiday filled with water activities and peaceful lakeside relaxation, Walkers Lake is an unbeatable choice.

Campground Information

• Name: Walkers Lake Campground
• Address: Walkers Lake Road, Avon Plains, Victoria 3478, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -36.53946735007636, 142.9210665076577
• Website: Managed by Northern Grampians Shire Council (no direct booking website).

Features & Rules

• Location: Lakeside setting on the shores of Walkers Lake in the Wimmera region.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.
• Road Access: Good access via unsealed roads, suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry conditions.
• Site Surface: Natural earth and grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but short stays are encouraged.
• Facilities: Non-flushing toilets, boat ramp.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy, Telstra generally has the best reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic non-flushing toilets are available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a carry-in, carry-out site.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to seasonal fire bans. BYO wood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Numerous undesignated, unpowered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, and insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing for Golden Perch, Murray Cod, and Redfin.
• Short Walks: Informal walks around the lake shore.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Donald Hotel (Donald) – approx. 26 km
  • Bullocks Head Tavern (Donald) – approx. 26 km
  • St Arnaud Hotel (St Arnaud) – approx. 32 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Various cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Donald – approx. 26 km
  • A wide range of eateries in St Arnaud – approx. 32 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Donald Agricultural Museum – approx. 26 km
  • St Arnaud Historic Precinct – approx. 32 km
  • The Silo Art Trail is accessible from the region.

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Donald Lakeside Caravan Park – approx. 26 km
  • St Arnaud Caravan Park – approx. 32 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Donald Apex Park – approx. 26 km
  • St Arnaud Rest Area – approx. 30 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Donald Caravan Park – approx. 26 km
  • St Arnaud (Lord Nelson Park) – approx. 32 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Donald – approx. 26 km or St Arnaud – approx. 32 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Donald or St Arnaud.
• Nearest Public Toilets: On-site (basic). Flushing toilets in Donald and St Arnaud.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and typically dry, ideal for water sports. Average maximum temperatures are around 31°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and milder nights. Great for fishing. Average maximums range from 18°C to 28°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool days and cold nights, often with clear skies. Average maximums are around 14°C to 16°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and becoming warmer, with pleasant conditions for all activities. Average maximums range from 19°C to 27°C.