An absolute favourite among Victoria’s free camping community, the Laanecoorie River Reserve is a spectacular destination offering a quintessential Australian bush camping experience on the banks of the Loddon River. This vast and picturesque reserve is a paradise for families, anglers, kayakers, and anyone looking for a budget-friendly escape in the heart of the historic Goldfields region. The campground is spread across an enormous, flat, and grassy area, shaded by magnificent, ancient river red gums. The sheer size of the reserve means there is an abundance of fantastic sites to choose from, with many offering direct water frontage and a wonderful sense of space and privacy. It’s a place that buzzes with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, especially on weekends, as people gather to enjoy the simple pleasures of riverside life.
The Loddon River is the star attraction, providing a natural playground for all ages. A boat ramp allows for easy launching of tinnies and kayaks, and the river is renowned as a premier fishing location, famous for its large populations of Murray Cod, Golden Perch (Yellowbelly), and Redfin. The calm waters are also perfect for a refreshing swim or a leisurely paddle. The pet-friendly policy and wide-open spaces make it a perfect holiday spot for the whole family. For a free camp, the facilities are excellent, with clean flushing toilets that are well-maintained by the local community. Its location is also a major drawcard, being just a short drive from the beautifully preserved historic town of Maldon and the larger regional cities of Bendigo and Maryborough. For an unbeatable free camping experience that combines natural beauty, fantastic recreation, and a welcoming community vibe, the Laanecoorie River Reserve is a true Victorian icon.
Laanecoorie River Reserve – VIC Location Map
Laanecoorie River Reserve
- Address: Unnamed Road (off Laanecoorie-Newbridge Rd), Laanecoorie VIC 3463
- GPS: -36.82536865499514, 143.89897699027435
- Website: This is a public reserve. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website for the broader river reserve.
Site Details
- Location: Riverside reserve on the Loddon River.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
- Road Access: Sealed road to the reserve, then good quality gravel/dirt tracks within.
- Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping (donations are crucial for upkeep).
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe local signage; short-term stays are encouraged.
- Facilities: Flushing toilets, boat ramp, picnic tables. No power or showers.
- Potable Water: No. The tap water is non-potable. You must bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, patchy for other carriers.
- TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, flushing toilets.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, but please take your rubbish with you if possible to help the volunteer-run site.
- Open Fires: Permitted in contained fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with room for hundreds of campers.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, fishing gear, kayak.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.
Activities
- Fishing: Premier location for Murray Cod, Golden Perch (Yellowbelly), and Redfin.
- Short Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the riverbank and around the Laanecoorie Weir.
- Boating & Kayaking: A boat ramp provides excellent access to the Loddon River.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Baringhup Hotel – Approx. 10 km
- Kangaroo Hotel (Maldon) – Approx. 20 km
- Newbridge Hotel (Newbridge) – Approx. 15 km
- Places to Eat:
- The Baringhup Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 10 km
- Numerous cafes and bakeries in Maldon – Approx. 20 km
- Local Attractions:
- Laanecoorie Weir – Adjacent
- Historic town of Maldon – Approx. 20 km
- Cairn Curran Reservoir – Approx. 20 km
- Bendigo Pottery (Bendigo) – Approx. 45 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Maldon Gardens Caravan Park – Approx. 20 km
- BIG4 Bendigo Marong Holiday Park – Approx. 35 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Hamilton’s Crossing – Approx. 5 km
- Notley’s Campground (Paddys Ranges State Park) – Approx. 25 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Maldon Racecourse Recreation Reserve – Approx. 20 km
- Maryborough Public Dump Point – Approx. 35 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Newbridge – Approx. 15 km
- Maldon – Approx. 20 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available in Maldon or Newbridge townships.
- Public Toilets:
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry, perfect for river activities, with average temperatures of 15-31°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for walking and exploring, averaging 8-24°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and crisp, with frequent frosts, but often with clear, sunny days. Great for campfires. Averaging 3-14°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant, with the countryside green and lush, averaging 7-22°C.
