Hawkesdale Apex Campsite, Free Camping Near Port Fairy & Grampians

Discover the heart of country hospitality at the Hawkesdale Apex Campsite, a fantastic free camping reserve that embodies the spirit of rural Victorian generosity. Maintained by the dedicated local Apex Club, this spacious and welcoming campground offers a peaceful and budget-friendly stopover for travellers exploring the rich volcanic plains between the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians. The campsite is located within the Hawkesdale Racecourse and Recreation Reserve, providing a vast, open, and grassy environment with plenty of room for all types of vehicles, from the largest motorhomes and big rigs to campervans and tents. It’s a place where you can find your own quiet corner, enjoy the wide-open skies, and experience a genuine slice of Australian country life.

The campground’s appeal lies in its simplicity, tranquility, and the excellent value it provides. While camping is free, the community operates on an honesty system, with a donation box available to help the volunteers cover the costs of maintaining the clean and functional facilities, which include toilets and non-potable water. The location is strategically brilliant for touring the wider region. It’s just a short drive from the charming and historic fishing village of Port Fairy, the spectacular Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, and the ancient landscapes of the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site. To the north, the majestic peaks of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park are within easy reach for a day trip. The small town of Hawkesdale itself has a classic country pub and a general store for basic supplies, adding to the convenience. For a friendly, pet-welcome, and perfectly positioned base to explore some of Victoria’s most treasured destinations, the Hawkesdale Apex Campsite is an outstanding community-run gem.

Hawkesdale Apex Campsite – VIC Location Map

Hawkesdale Apex Campsite

• • Address: Penshurst-Warrnambool Rd, Hawkesdale VIC 3287
  • GPS: -38.10430503228546, 142.32152155433621

Site Details

• Location: Recreation Reserve on the edge of Hawkesdale township.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
• Road Access: Sealed road.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping (donations are highly appreciated).
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe local signage; short stays are encouraged.
• Facilities: Toilets, non-potable water, picnic tables. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. The tap water is non-potable (bore water). You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, other carriers can be patchy.
• TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Generally not permitted. Use contained cookers only.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: The nearby Moyne River at Port Fairy offers good estuary fishing.
• Short Walks: Enjoy walks around the recreation reserve and the quiet country town.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Hawkesdale Hotel – Approx. 1 km
  • Macarthur Hotel (Macarthur) – Approx. 20 km
  • Mickey Bourke’s Koroit Hotel (Koroit) – Approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Hawkesdale Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 1 km
  • Hawkesdale General Store (Takeaway) – Approx. 1 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve – Approx. 20 km
  • Port Fairy historic fishing village – Approx. 30 km
  • Budj Bim Cultural Landscape (Mt Eccles) – Approx. 40 km
  • Mount Rouse (Penshurst) – Approx. 35 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Various caravan parks in Port Fairy – Approx. 30 km
  • Various caravan parks in Warrnambool – Approx. 45 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Mount Eccles National Park (Budj Bim) – Approx. 40 km
  • Fort O’Hare (Dartmoor) – Approx. 80 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Port Fairy Public Dump Point – Approx. 30 km
  • Hamilton Showgrounds Public Dump Point – Approx. 55 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Hawkesdale – Approx. 1 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at Visitor Information Centres in Port Fairy or Warrnambool.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm and generally dry, with moderating coastal breezes, averaging 13-26°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, pleasant days and cool nights, ideal for walking and exploring, averaging 9-21°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often damp, with chilly days and a high chance of rain, averaging 6-14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with increasing sunshine, a great time to see the region’s lush green landscapes, averaging 8-19°C.