Nestled on the tranquil banks of the Glenelg River, Ess Lagoon offers one of the most convenient and picturesque free camping experiences in Western Victoria. This beautiful reserve, located right on the edge of the historic town of Casterton, provides a perfect blend of natural serenity and town convenience. It’s a highly popular spot for travellers exploring the region, offering a spacious and shady environment ideal for caravans, motorhomes, and tents. The campground is set within a lovely parkland area, with majestic river red gums providing welcome shade and a classic Australian backdrop. The main feature is the lagoon itself, a beautiful anabranch of the Glenelg River that creates a peaceful habitat for an abundance of birdlife.
What makes Ess Lagoon stand out is its fantastic balance of amenities and value. Managed by the local Lions Club, the site offers unpowered camping completely free of charge (though donations are gratefully accepted to assist with upkeep), with a limited number of powered sites available for a small nightly fee. The facilities are excellent for a community camp, including access to clean toilets and hot showers. The location is a paradise for anglers, with the Glenelg River known for its healthy populations of Redfin, Trout, and the prized Estuary Perch. It’s also a wonderful spot for kayaking or simply enjoying a walk along the riverbank. Being just a short stroll from the heart of Casterton, the birthplace of the Australian Kelpie, means you have easy access to pubs, cafes, and shops. For a relaxing, budget-friendly, and perfectly located base to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the Glenelg Shire, Ess Lagoon is an unbeatable destination.
Ess Lagoon Camping – VIC Location Map
Ess Lagoon Camp Sites
- Address: Murray St, Casterton VIC 3311
- GPS: -37.5855, 141.3910
Site Details
- Location: Riverside parkland on the edge of Casterton township.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
- Road Access: Sealed road.
- Site Surface: Mostly grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free for unpowered sites. A small fee applies for powered sites (honesty box system).
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe local signage, short stays of a few nights are typical.
- Facilities: Toilets, hot showers, powered sites, picnic tables, BBQs.
- Potable Water: Yes, available.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
- TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Generally not permitted. Check for local fire restrictions.
- Generator Use: Permitted in designated areas, but please be considerate of others.
- Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area. Can get busy during peak times.
- Essentials to Bring: Fishing gear, kayak, coins for powered sites/showers if required.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very popular pet-friendly campground. Pets must be on a lead.
Activities
- Fishing: Excellent fishing in the Glenelg River for Redfin, Trout, and Estuary Perch.
- Short Walks: The “Kelpie Trail” walking path runs alongside the lagoon and into town.
- Kayaking: The calm waters of the lagoon and river are perfect for paddling.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Albion Hotel Casterton – Approx. 1 km
- Glenelg Inn – Approx. 1.2 km
- Casterton Hotel – Approx. 1.2 km
- Places to Eat:
- Herbert’s Cafe – Approx. 1.2 km
- All three local pubs offer bistro meals – Approx. 1-1.2 km
- Local Attractions:
- The Australian Kelpie Centre – Approx. 1.5 km
- Casterton Town Centre & Kelpie Statues – Approx. 1 km
- Mickle Lookout – Approx. 3 km
- Baileys Rocks – Approx. 30 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Island Park Caravan Park (Casterton) – Approx. 2 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Dergholm State Park (various sites) – Approx. 45 km
- Wilkin Flora and Fauna Reserve – Approx. 30 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Casterton Showgrounds Public Dump Point – Approx. 2.5 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Multiple service stations in Casterton – Approx. 1.5 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Public Toilets:
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry, averaging 14-29°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for walking and exploring, averaging 9-23°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often damp, with chilly days, averaging 5-14°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with increasing sunshine, a beautiful time to see the countryside green, averaging 8-20°C.
