For those who dream of camping with the sound of the ocean as their soundtrack, Pettmans Beach Campground is a fantastic free camping destination within the beautiful and rugged Lake Tyers State Park. This is the perfect spot for self-sufficient campers looking to enjoy the surf and sand of the iconic Ninety Mile Beach. What sets Pettmans Beach apart from other free camps in the park is the provision of basic facilities, including non-flush toilets and firepits, making it a slightly more comfortable option for a bush camping experience. The campground offers a limited number of smaller, defined sites, making it best suited for tents, camper trailers, and smaller groups seeking a more intimate setting.
Access to the campground is via unsealed park roads, which can be challenging in wet weather, so visitors should exercise caution. While 2WD vehicles may manage in dry conditions, the tracks can have potholes and wheel ruts. Once settled, a short walk over the dunes leads you directly onto the vast expanse of the beach, which is unpatrolled but popular for surf fishing and long, scenic walks. As with all camps in the park, you must be self-reliant, bringing your own drinking water and firewood, and you must take all your rubbish home with you. A major bonus for many is that dogs are permitted, as long as they are kept on a leash at all times. Pettmans Beach offers a wonderful opportunity to disconnect and enjoy a raw, natural coastal environment without the crowds.
Pettmans Beach Free Camping – VIC Location Map
Pettmans Beach Campground
- Address: Pettman Road, Tostaree, VIC 3888, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.82902503478624, 148.1858641002231
- Website: Part of Lake Tyers State Park.
Park Facilities & Information
- Location: Lake Tyers State Park, with access to the Ninety Mile Beach.
- Road Access: Unsealed park roads. Can be impassable in wet weather. 2WD access possible in dry conditions but care is needed.
- Site Surface: Natural sand and earth.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted. No bookings required.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but short-term stays are standard.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets, firepits, picnic tables.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to none.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush toilets are available.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated firepits only, subject to fire restrictions and Total Fire Bans. BYO firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of the natural quiet and other campers.
- Number of Sites: A limited number of smaller, defined sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, and all camping supplies.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted but must be on a leash at all times.
- Fishing: Yes, excellent surf fishing on the Ninety Mile Beach.
- Short Walks: Yes, a short walk over the dunes to the beach.
Nearby Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Water Wheel Beach Tavern (Lake Tyers Beach) – Approx. 20 km
- Central Hotel (Lakes Entrance) – Approx. 30 km
- Orbost Club Hotel – Approx. 35 km
- Places to Eat:
- Nowa Nowa General Store (takeaway) – Approx. 25 km
- A wide variety of cafes and restaurants in Lakes Entrance – Approx. 30 km
- Local Attractions:
- Ninety Mile Beach – Direct access
- Lake Tyers – Approx. 15 km
- Stony Creek Trestle Bridge (Nowa Nowa) – Approx. 30 km
- Nearest Alternate Caravan Parks:
- Lake Tyers Camp & Caravan Park – Approx. 20 km
- Mingling Waters (Nowa Nowa) – Approx. 25 km
- Eastern Beach Holiday Park (Lakes Entrance) – Approx. 30 km
- Alternate Free Camps:
- The Glasshouse (Lake Tyers State Park, no toilets) – Approx. 10 km
- Nearest Alternate Dump Points:
- Lakes Entrance Public Dump Point – Approx. 30 km
- Orbost Public Dump Point – Approx. 35 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Nowa Nowa – Approx. 25 km
- Lakes Entrance – Approx. 30 km
- Nearest Alternate Drinking Water Resupply:
- Nowa Nowa or Lakes Entrance – Approx. 25-30 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast
The weather is typical of the East Gippsland coast, with conditions that can change quickly.
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot, with average maximums around 24-25°C. Ideal for beach activities, but be prepared for sun exposure.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and often calm. A great time for fishing as the crowds thin out.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often windy and wet, with average maximums around 14-15°C. The coastline is wild and dramatic.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild but can be windy. A good time to see coastal wildflowers in the park.
