Elliots Camping Lake Lonsdale Free Grampians Bush Camping Stawell

Welcome to Elliots Camping, a tranquil and relatively undiscovered bush retreat located on the western shoreline of Lake Lonsdale in Western Victoria. Nestled comfortably within the scenic Grampians region, this campsite offers a quintessential off-grid experience for those seeking a quiet escape from the more populated tourist hubs. Lake Lonsdale is a vital, shallow reservoir that serves as both a water resource and a premier recreational destination, and the Elliots camping zone is particularly favoured for its direct shoreline access and the unique, semi-shaded environment provided by mature native eucalypts. Whether you are a local Wimmera resident or a traveller exploring the great Dividing Range, Elliots Camping provides a restful sanctuary to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Australian bush.

The camping experience at Elliots is defined by its simplicity and the raw, shifting character of the lake. As a primitive bush camp, it encourages a “back-to-basics” lifestyle where self-sufficiency is the key to a successful stay. Because Lake Lonsdale is an ephemeral water body, visitors get to witness the dramatic seasonal changes of the Victorian landscape—from a vast, shimmering aquatic playground ideal for kayaking and fishing during wet years, to a serene wetland and grassy flatland during drier spells. The site offers a variety of natural clearings that are well-suited for larger caravan setups and motorhomes, while still maintaining enough scrub and timber to provide privacy for those in smaller tents or camper trailers. The absence of modern intrusions ensures that the primary soundtrack to your stay is the wind through the gum leaves and the diverse calls of native birdlife, including pelicans, swans, and cockatoos.

For those wishing to use Elliots Camping as a regional base, the gateway to the Grampians National Park (Gariwerd) is only a short drive away, offering world-class hiking, ancient rock art, and breathtaking lookouts. The historic town of Stawell is also nearby, providing a touch of gold-mining heritage and all the modern supplies required for a comfortable off-grid stay. We promote a strict “leave no trace” philosophy at Elliots to ensure the local habitat remains a safe and pristine environment for the kangaroos and emus that frequently wander through the camp. Whether you are looking for a weekend of stargazing under the clear outback canopy or a week of restorative riverside-style living, Elliots Camping provides the space and serenity required to truly disconnect. We look forward to seeing you at the lake soon.

Elliots Camping (Lake Lonsdale)

• Address: Sandbar Rd, Lake Lonsdale VIC 3381, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.00986, 142.60536

Interactive Location Map

Site Information

• Location: Western shoreline of Lake Lonsdale, accessed via Sandbar Road from the Western Highway.
• Site Suitable For: Big Rigs, Caravans, Motorhomes, Camper Trailers, and Tent Camping.
• Road Access: Sealed road to the Sandbar Road turnoff, followed by unsealed dirt and gravel tracks. 2WD accessible in dry weather.
• Site Surface: Natural ground with sandy soil, grass, and occasional leaf litter under mature trees.

Facilities & Features

• Primitive bush camping with no formal power or water connections.
• Informal fire pits (subject to seasonal fire bans).
• No on-site toilets; pit toilets are available at the North Boat Ramp (approx. 2.5km drive).
• Direct shoreline access for small watercraft (water level dependent).
• Generators permitted (please be respectful of other campers).
• Strictly “Carry in, Carry out” rubbish policy.

Essentials to Bring

• Full drinking water supply (none available on-site).
• Portable camping toilet (highly recommended as no toilets are on-site).
• Solar panels or batteries for off-grid power needs.
• Levelling blocks for parking on natural lakeside ground.
• Firewood (collection of fallen timber is permitted within the reserve).

Pet Friendly Features

• Dogs are permitted but must remain on-lead and under control at all times.
• Wide-open shoreline and sandbar areas perfect for long walks with your pet.
• Strict requirement to remove all pet waste immediately.

Recreation & Nature

• Fishing: Good fishing for Redfin and Trout when lake levels are sufficient.
• Short Walks: Exploration of the western sandbars and fringe woodland trails.

Local Amenities

Nearby Pubs

• Diamond House Heritage Restaurant (Stawell) – Approx. 14.5km
• Royal Hotel Stawell – Approx. 15km
• Halls Gap Hotel – Approx. 23km

Places to Eat

• Stawell Town Centre Bakeries – Approx. 14.5km
• Halls Gap Village Cafes – Approx. 21km
• Gold Reef Chinese Restaurant (Stawell) – Approx. 15.5km

Local Attractions

• Grampians National Park (Gariwerd) – Approx. 21km
• Halls Gap Zoo – Approx. 19.5km
• Stawell Gift Hall of Fame – Approx. 15km
• Bunjil’s Shelter (Historic Rock Art) – Approx. 33km
• Mount William Summit – Approx. 40km

Travel Services

• Caravan Parks: Breeze Holiday Parks – Grampians (approx. 10km); NRMA Halls Gap (approx. 21km).
• Free Camps: Flat Rock Camping Area (adjacent shore); Diggers Rest Sites (opposite shore).
• Dump Points: Stawell Public Dump Point (approx. 14.5km); Halls Gap Public Dump Point (approx. 21km).
• Petrol Stations: BP Stawell – Approx. 14.5km; Shell Stawell – Approx. 15.5km.
• Drinking Water: Stawell Public Parks / Visitor Centre – Approx. 14.5km.
• Public Toilets: Lake Lonsdale North Boat Ramp – Approx. 2.5km; Stawell CBD – Approx. 15km.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Lake Lonsdale

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to very hot (Avg 27°C – 34°C). Extreme fire danger periods can occur.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Very pleasant (Avg 17°C – 24°C). Calm days and crisp, clear nights.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and damp (Avg 11°C – 15°C). Frequent overnight frosts with lows near 0°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and breezy (Avg 18°C – 25°C). Peak wildflower season and bird activity.