One of Victoria’s most acclaimed free camping destinations, Meredith Park Camping Grounds offers a spectacular lakeside experience on the northern shores of the vast Lake Colac. This magnificent, community-managed reserve is a favourite among families, grey nomads, and budget-conscious travellers, providing an incredible base for exploring the Great Otway National Park and the surrounding volcanic plains. The campground is set across a sprawling, grassy foreshore, offering an enormous amount of space for all types of setups, from the largest motorhomes and big rigs to simple tents. Campers can choose their own perfect spot, with many sites offering direct, uninterrupted views across the expansive waters of the lake, famous for its incredible sunsets.
The appeal of Meredith Park lies in its fantastic combination of natural beauty, space, and excellent community-provided facilities. For a free campground (with donations gratefully accepted to help with upkeep), the amenities are outstanding, including clean flushing toilets and access to non-potable water. The lake itself is a natural playground, popular for boating, kayaking, and especially fishing, with a reputation for healthy populations of Redfin. The vast open spaces are perfect for kids to ride bikes and play, and the pet-friendly policy means the whole family can join the adventure. The campground’s location is a huge advantage, situated just a short drive from the major regional town of Colac for all supplies, and perfectly positioned as a gateway to the Otways’ lush rainforests and waterfalls. For a top-tier free camping holiday that delivers on views, recreation, and convenience, Meredith Park is a true Victorian treasure.
Meredith Park Camping Grounds – VIC Location Map
Meredith Park Camping Grounds
- Address: 175 Meredith Park Rd, Ondit VIC 3249
- GPS: -38.269568246706896, 143.61264943160015
Site Details
- Location: Lakeside reserve on the northern shore of Lake Colac.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
- Road Access: Sealed road to the entrance, then good quality gravel roads within the reserve.
- Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping (donations are crucial for upkeep).
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe local signage, short stays are encouraged to allow others to enjoy the site.
- Facilities: Flushing toilets, boat ramp, picnic tables. No power or showers.
- Potable Water: No. The tap water is non-potable (lake water). You must bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for all major 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 volunteers.
- 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, insect repellent.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.
Activities
- Fishing: The lake is very popular for Redfin (English Perch) fishing.
- Short Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the vast foreshore.
- Boating & Kayaking: A boat ramp provides access to the large lake.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Union Club Hotel (Colac) – Approx. 20 km
- Austral Hotel (Colac) – Approx. 20 km
- The Terminus Hotel (Forrest) – Approx. 40 km
- Places to Eat:
- Extensive range of cafes, bakeries, pubs, and restaurants in Colac – Approx. 20 km
- Local Attractions:
- Red Rock Volcanic Lookout – Approx. 15 km
- Colac Botanic Gardens – Approx. 20 km
- Great Otway National Park (starts near Forrest) – Approx. 40 km
- Otway Fly Treetop Adventures – Approx. 60 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Colac Lake Caravan Park – Approx. 20 km
- Colac Central Caravan Park – Approx. 20 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Deep Lake Recreation Reserve (Derrinallum) – Approx. 40 km
- Lake Tooliorook Camping Ground – Approx. 45 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Colac Public Dump Point (at Showgrounds) – Approx. 22 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Multiple 24-hour service stations in Colac – Approx. 20 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available at the Colac Visitor Information Centre.
- Public Toilets:
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and can be windy across the lake, averaging 13-27°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for fishing and exploring, averaging 8-21°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and crisp, with frequent frosts, but often with clear, sunny days, averaging 3-13°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with increasing sunshine and lush green surrounds, averaging 7-19°C.
