For a truly immersive and secluded outback adventure, the Lake Becking Camping Area offers a magnificent experience in the heart of the Murray-Sunset National Park. As one of the dedicated campgrounds for the iconic Pink Lakes, this remote Parks Victoria site is a destination for well-prepared, self-sufficient travellers seeking solitude and a deep connection with the unique Mallee landscape. The campground is a small, intimate clearing set amongst a beautiful woodland of Cypress Pines and eucalypts, offering a distinct sense of tranquility away from the more frequented Lake Crosbie site. The designated sites are perfect for tents, swags, and rugged off-road camper trailers, providing a private and serene base from which to explore one of Victoria’s most spectacular natural phenomena.
The main allure of Lake Becking is its incredible proximity to the Pink Lakes, a series of salt lakes that, under the right conditions, turn a breathtaking shade of pink due to a salt-loving alga. The campground provides direct access to the circuit walk that encompasses the lakes, allowing for stunning photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The area is steeped in the history of the 20th-century salt harvesting industry, with remnants of the past adding another layer to the landscape. Far from any light pollution, the campground is a premier destination for stargazing, offering an unparalleled view of the Milky Way against the dark Mallee sky. As a remote national park campground, bookings are essential, and visitors must be entirely self-reliant. For those prepared for a genuine outback journey, Lake Becking offers an unforgettable and peaceful experience in a truly magical and colourful landscape.
Lake Becking Camping Area – VIC Location Map
Lake Becking Camping Area
Site Details
- Location: Remote bush setting in Murray-Sunset National Park, by the Pink Lakes.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, and rugged Off-road Camper Trailers.
- Road Access: Unsealed gravel/sand roads. Generally 2WD accessible with care in dry conditions, but 4WD is recommended.
- Site Surface: Natural sand and dirt base.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings and fees are mandatory via the Parks Victoria website.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check Parks Victoria guidelines.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets, shared fire pits, picnic tables. No power or showers.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Non-existent. A satellite phone or personal locator beacon (PLB) is essential.
- TV Reception: Not applicable.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. Fuel stoves preferred. BYO firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted during designated hours. Be considerate of the wilderness values.
- Number of Sites Available: 6 designated, bookable sites.
- Essentials to Bring: PLB/Sat Phone, all water and food, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, fly nets.
- Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in Murray-Sunset National Park.
Activities
- Fishing: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: The Pink Lakes Nature Walk is directly accessible from the campground.
- Photography & Stargazing: A premier location for both, especially for the unique lake colours and dark night skies.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Underbool Hotel (Underbool) – Approx. 60 km
- The Royal Hotel (Ouyen) – Approx. 95 km
- Robinvale Hotel (Robinvale) – Approx. 95 km
- Places to Eat:
- Underbool Store & Takeaway – Approx. 60 km
- Ouyen has bakeries and pubs – Approx. 95 km
- Local Attractions:
- The Pink Lakes – Onsite
- Murray-Sunset National Park – You are in it!
- Hattah-Kulkyne National Park – Approx. 95 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Underbool Caravan Park – Approx. 60 km
- Ouyen Caravan Park – Approx. 95 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Shearers Quarters Campground (within the park, fees apply) – Approx. 5 km
- Walpeup Caravan Park (donation) – Approx. 95 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Ouyen Public Dump Point – Approx. 95 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Underbool – Approx. 60 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available in Underbool or Ouyen.
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite (non-flush).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Extremely hot and dry, with average temperatures of 17-35°C, often exceeding 40°C. Travel is not recommended.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm days and cool nights, the ideal time for desert travel and viewing the lakes, averaging 9-28°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frosty nights and mild, often sunny days. Averaging 4-16°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild to warm, a great time for wildflowers, but can become hot. Averaging 8-26°C.
