Discover the serene bushland escape of Emu Bight Camping Area, a hidden gem nestled within the magnificent Lakes National Park near Loch Sport, Victoria. This tranquil campground offers an authentic Australian camping experience on the peaceful shores of Lake Victoria, providing a perfect base for exploring the vast Gippsland Lakes system and the nearby wonders of the Ninety Mile Beach. Ideal for families, couples, and solo travellers seeking a quiet retreat, Emu Bight combines natural beauty with essential amenities for a memorable getaway.
The campground itself is set back from the water, offering 20 spacious, unpowered sites sheltered among the native bush. This quiet setting is perfect for pitching a tent, parking a caravan, or settling in with a campervan. The proximity to Lake Victoria means activities like fishing, swimming, kayaking, and boating are just moments from your campsite. Cast a line from the shore, launch a small boat to explore the waterways, or simply relax and enjoy the abundant birdlife and resident kangaroos that frequent the area. The calm waters of the lake make it particularly suitable for families with young children.
Access to Emu Bight is via unsealed roads within The Lakes National Park, manageable for 2WD vehicles and caravans in good weather, but caution is advised. As a Parks Victoria site, bookings are essential and must be made in advance, especially during peak holiday seasons. Visitors should come prepared for a semi-off-grid experience. While non-flushing toilets and picnic tables are provided, there is no potable (drinking) water available, so you must bring your own supply. Furthermore, generators and pets are not permitted, preserving the park’s peaceful atmosphere. Mobile phone reception is notoriously unreliable, offering a genuine opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature. Remember to be fully self-sufficient and pack out everything you bring in, as there are no rubbish bins on site. Emu Bight is more than just a campsite; it’s a gateway to the untamed beauty of coastal Gippsland.
Emu Bight Camping Area – VIC Location Map
Emu Bight Camping Area
Name: The Lakes National Park
Address: Loch Sport, VIC 3851
GPS Coordinates: -37.99538, 147.65199
Site Features and Facilities
Location and Access
- Location: Located within The Lakes National Park, on the shores of Lake Victoria.
- Site suitable for: Tents, caravans, campervans, and RVs.
- Road access: Access is via unsealed park roads, generally 2WD accessible in dry conditions.
- Site surface: Natural bush setting (dirt/grass).
Camping and Amenities
- Camping permitted: Yes, bookings are essential and must be made online via the Parks Victoria website.
- Maximum overnight stays: Refer to Parks Victoria booking information for current limits.
- Number of sites available: 20 unpowered sites.
- Picnic tables: Yes, available in the area.
- Potable water: No. Non-potable water may be available from tanks, but it is not suitable for drinking. You MUST bring your own drinking water.
- Onsite public toilets: Yes, non-flushing drop toilets are available.
- Mobile phone coverage: Very limited to non-existent. Do not rely on mobile service.
- TV reception: Not available.
Rules and Regulations
- Rubbish bins: No. This is a ‘carry-in, carry-out’ park. You must take all your rubbish with you.
- Open fires: Permitted only in the designated fireplaces provided. Not permitted on days of Total Fire Ban.
- Generator use: Not permitted.
- Pet friendly: No. Dogs, cats, and other pets are not permitted in the campground or The Lakes National Park.
Recreation
- Fishing: Yes, very popular in Lake Victoria.
- Short walks: Yes, there are walking tracks within the national park.
What to Bring
- Essentials to bring: Drinking water (ample supply), firewood (if lighting a fire), toilet paper, hand sanitiser, insect repellent, sun protection, first-aid kit, and garbage bags.
Local Amenities (Near Loch Sport)
The following services are located in or near the township of Loch Sport, a short drive from the campground.
Food and Drink
- Local Pubs: Loch Sport Marina Hotel (approx. 10-15 min drive)
- Places to Eat: Nauti Bites Cafe, Loch Sport Kebabs, Neirbos Eats (all in Loch Sport).
Services and Supplies
- Nearest Petrol Station: BP Loch Sport (89 Goodlett Avenue, Loch Sport).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Bring your own. Supplies can be purchased at the Loch Sport General Store or BP.
- Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is available in Loch Sport. The Loch Sport Caravan and Holiday Park also has facilities.
- Nearest Public Toilets: Onsite at the campground, and in the Loch Sport township.
Nearby Parks and Attractions
- Local Attractions: Ninety Mile Beach, Lake Victoria (for fishing, boating, swimming), Loch Sport Shell Museum, Loch Sport Golf Club.
- Nearest Caravan Parks: Loch Sport Caravan and Holiday Park.
- Next Free Camps: Other basic campgrounds are located within the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, such as Spoon Bay, Paradise Beach, and Red Bluff.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
Weather in Loch Sport is temperate, with four distinct seasons.
- Summer (December – February): Features warm to hot weather, perfect for all water activities. Average high temperatures are in the mid-20s (°C), but can climb significantly during heatwaves.
- Autumn (March – May): Generally mild and pleasant, with clear days and cooler nights. Ideal conditions for walking, fishing, and boating.
- Winter (June – August): Cool to cold, with average high temperatures around 14-16°C and colder nights. This is the wettest time of year, but offers a quiet, tranquil park experience.
- Spring (September – November): Mild temperatures return, and the park comes alive with wildflowers. Conditions are excellent for all activities, though it can be windy.
