C3 Campground Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park Free Camping

Nestled behind the iconic sand dunes of the Ninety Mile Beach, C3 Campground within the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park offers a raw and invigorating coastal camping experience. Located along Shoreline Drive near the seaside hamlet of Golden Beach, this campground serves as a tranquil sanctuary for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the untamed beauty of the East Gippsland shoreline. The park is defined by its spectacular proximity to the Southern Ocean, where the rhythmic sound of crashing surf provides a constant soundtrack to your stay. For decades, this stretch of coastline has been a cherished retreat for surf anglers, nature enthusiasts, and families seeking the simple pleasures of a salt-sprayed Australian summer.

The charm of C3 Campground lies in its rugged simplicity and its unique geographical position. Situated on a narrow strip of land between the vast Gippsland Lakes and the open ocean, the site offers a marvellous sense of isolation despite being accessible via a sealed road. The vegetation here is a resilient mix of coastal banksia and scrub, providing essential shelter from the sea breezes that sweep across the dunes. Unlike more structured commercial holiday parks, C3 provides a traditional bush camping environment where self-sufficiency is a virtue. The air is exceptionally clean, often filled with the scent of salt and eucalyptus, and the night sky is undisturbed by city light pollution, revealing a dazzling display of stars above the dark horizon of the Tasman Sea.

Exploring the surrounding Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park reveals a wealth of natural wonders and maritime history. A short stroll across the dunes leads you directly onto the pristine sands of the Ninety Mile Beach, an ideal spot for long walks, whale watching during migration seasons, or simply watching the sunrise over the water. Nearby, the historic Trinculo shipwreck serves as a poignant reminder of the treacherous nature of the Shipwreck Coast. For those who prefer calmer waters, the inland lakes offer endless opportunities for kayaking and birdwatching. After a day spent exploring the windswept ridgelines or the quiet lake margins, returning to the campsite to share stories of the day's catch—whether it be salmon from the surf or flathead from the lakes—honours the long tradition of the Victorian coastal holiday.

Choosing to stay at C3 Campground requires a deep respect for the delicate coastal ecosystem and a commitment to "leave no trace" principles. As a managed park area, it relies on the responsibility of visitors to protect the dunes and local flora. Whether you are using the site as a base for a fishing expedition or as a quiet place to breathe in the bracing sea air, you will find that C3 offers a level of tranquillity that is increasingly rare in our modern world. Discover one of regional Victoria’s most rugged treasures and experience the authentic charm of Golden Beach at a campsite that prioritises nature, space, and the spectacular outdoors.

C3 Campground Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park

• Address: 304 Shoreline Dr, Golden Beach VIC 3851, Australia
• Website: parks.vic.gov.au
• GPS Coordinates: -38.221481289461885, 147.38797641066603

Site Details & Suitability

• Location: Coastal dune side, Shoreline Drive, Golden Beach.
• Site Suitable For: Camper Trailers, Tents, and small to medium Caravans/Motorhomes.
• Road Access: Sealed bitumen access via Shoreline Drive.
• Site Surface: Natural sand and grass; mostly level sites tucked behind dunes.

Features & Facilities

• Unpowered coastal bush camping.
• Basic shared toilet facilities (subject to seasonal availability).
• Designated fire pits (seasonal restrictions strictly apply).
• Walking tracks providing direct beach access.
• Natural shade from coastal banksia and scrub.
• Open spaces for large groups and socialising.

Stay Essentials

• Essentials to Bring: All drinking water, rubbish bags (carry-in carry-out), portable toilet (recommended), solar power, and insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted in this section of the park (must be on-leash at all times).
• Fishing: World-class surf fishing for Salmon, Flathead, and Gummy Shark.
• Short Walks: Ninety Mile Beach strolls and the Trinculo Shipwreck walk.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Golden Beach Golf Club - Licensed (Approx 1.8km)
  • Sale Greyhounds Club (Approx 32km)
  • Star Hotel, Sale (Approx 33km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Golden Beach General Store (Approx 1.5km)
  • Loch Sport Marina Hotel Bistro (Approx 34km)
  • Various Cafes in Sale CBD (Approx 33km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Ninety Mile Beach (Approx 0.1km)
  • Trinculo Shipwreck (Approx 4.5km)
  • Sale Common Wetlands (Approx 35km)
  • Gippsland Lakes (Lake Reeve) (Approx 0.5km)
  • Port of Sale Art Gallery (Approx 33km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Golden Beach Holiday Park (Approx 1.4km)
  • Paradise Beach Caravan Park (Approx 5.2km)
• Nearest Free Camps:
  • C1 through C19 Campgrounds (Varying distances along Shoreline Dr)
  • Flamingo Beach Campground (Approx 12km)
• Dump Points:
  • Loch Sport Dump Point (Approx 34km)
  • Sale Showgrounds Dump Point (Approx 33km)
• Petrol Stations:
  • Golden Beach General Store - Limited Fuel (Approx 1.5km)
  • United Petroleum Sale (Approx 32km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Golden Beach Public Park Tap (Approx 1.6km)
  • Sale Visitor Information Centre (Approx 33km)
• Public Toilets:
  • Golden Beach Foreshore Toilets (Approx 1.5km)
  • Paradise Beach Public Toilets (Approx 5.5km)

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Ninety Mile Beach

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm and breezy. Highs of 24°C–30°C. Peak time for swimming and surf fishing.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild days and cool nights. Highs of 18°C–23°C. Excellent for long beach walks.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and windswept. Highs of 13°C–16°C. The best time for whale watching and invigorating coastal air.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Fresh and sunny with coastal breezes. Highs of 17°C–21°C. Ideal for birdwatching in the wetlands.