For a magnificent and secluded camping experience on the shores of Victoria’s High Country jewel, The Orchard Campground in Lake Eildon National Park is an unbeatable destination. This beautiful and popular Parks Victoria site offers the perfect blend of a remote bush setting with direct access to the vast, stunning waters of Lake Eildon. It is a paradise for boaties, anglers, families, and anyone looking to escape into a classic Australian landscape of rugged hills and tranquil waters. The campground is a spacious, grassy flat that was once a historic orchard, set in a sheltered cove and surrounded by towering eucalypt forest. The well-defined, individual campsites are suitable for tents, camper trailers, and small campervans, providing a serene base to soak in the magnificent natural environment.
The main attraction of The Orchard is its incredible lakeside location. A boat ramp directly within the campground provides effortless access to the southern reaches of Lake Eildon, making it a hotspot for water skiing, fishing, and exploring the many hidden coves and inlets. The fishing is legendary, with the lake renowned for its trophy-sized Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Trout. The campground is also a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos and wallabies frequently grazing amongst the campsites and a rich diversity of birdlife in the surrounding forest. While it’s a back-to-basics bush camp, the facilities are clean and well-maintained. As a bookable national park campground, it never feels overcrowded, preserving its peaceful atmosphere. Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring the nearby historic town of Jamieson and the gateway to the High Country, Mansfield. For an unforgettable waterside adventure in a truly spectacular setting, The Orchard is one of Lake Eildon’s finest campgrounds.
The Orchard Campground – VIC Location Map
The Orchard Campground
Site Details
- Location: Lakeside bush camp in Lake Eildon National Park.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, and small Campervans. Not suitable for caravans or large motorhomes.
- Road Access: Unsealed gravel road. Generally 2WD accessible with care, but can be slippery when wet.
- Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings and fees are mandatory via the Parks Victoria website.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check Parks Victoria guidelines for booking limits.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets, shared fire pits, picnic tables, boat ramp. No power or showers.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very patchy to non-existent. A satellite messenger is recommended.
- TV Reception: Unlikely.
- 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 fireplaces only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
- Generator Use: Not permitted.
- Number of Sites Available: 18 designated, bookable sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, boat/kayak, fishing gear.
- Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in Lake Eildon National Park.
Activities
- Fishing: A premier destination for Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Trout.
- Short Walks: Access to the walking track to The Paps Lookout for incredible views.
- Boating & Water Skiing: The onsite boat ramp provides direct access to Lake Eildon.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Jamieson Hotel (Jamieson) – Approx. 35 km
- The Courthouse Hotel (Jamieson) – Approx. 35 km
- The Commercial Hotel (Mansfield) – Approx. 40 km
- Places to Eat:
- Jamieson Brewery & Grill – Approx. 35 km
- Extensive range of cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Mansfield – Approx. 40 km
- Local Attractions:
- Lake Eildon – You are on it!
- The Paps Lookout – Accessible from the campground
- Historic town of Jamieson – Approx. 35 km
- Mount Buller (seasonal) – Approx. 85 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Jamieson Caravan Park – Approx. 35 km
- Mansfield Holiday Park – Approx. 40 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Grannys Flat Reserve (near Jamieson) – Approx. 30 km
- Numerous sites in the surrounding State Forest areas (e.g., Big River).
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Mansfield Public Dump Point – Approx. 40 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Jamieson (check hours) – Approx. 35 km
- Mansfield has multiple 24-hour options – Approx. 40 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available in Jamieson or Mansfield.
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite (non-flush).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days with cool mountain nights, perfect for water sports. Averaging 12-28°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, the peak season for autumn colours and fishing. Averaging 7-22°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frequent frosts and a chance of snow on nearby peaks. Averaging 1-12°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild, with the lake levels rising and the countryside green and lush. Averaging 5-19°C.
