Nestled in the heart of the Wimmera plains, Walkers Lake is a cherished local gem offering a fantastic free camping experience for travellers and families. Located centrally between the townships of Donald, St Arnaud, and Marnoo, this freshwater lake is a hub of recreational activity and a perfect spot to unwind. The campground, situated on Crown Land, provides spacious, undesignated sites with plenty of room for caravans, motorhomes, and tents to spread out along the shoreline. It’s a place rich in history, having been a favourable camping area for the Dja Dja Wurrung People for generations, and it continues to be a celebrated destination for locals and visitors alike.
The main drawcard of Walkers Lake is the water itself. When levels are good, it’s a hive of activity with water skiing, swimming, and boating. Anglers are in for a treat, with the lake regularly stocked with Golden Perch and Murray Cod, alongside a healthy population of Redfin. The surrounding 80-hectare reserve provides a wonderful natural environment for birdwatching and leisurely walks. The campground is geared towards self-sufficient campers, providing basic but essential non-flushing toilets. Visitors must bring their own drinking water and be prepared to take their rubbish home. The campground is proudly pet-friendly, making it an ideal destination for the whole family. For a classic, budget-friendly Aussie camping holiday filled with water activities and peaceful lakeside relaxation, Walkers Lake is an unbeatable choice.
Walkers Lake Campground – VIC Location Map
Walkers Lake Campground
- Address: Walkers Lake Road, Avon Plains, Victoria 3478, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -36.53946735007636, 142.9210665076577
Features & Rules
- Location: Lakeside setting on the shores of Walkers Lake in the Wimmera region.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.
- Road Access: Good access via unsealed roads, suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry conditions.
- Site Surface: Natural earth and grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but short stays are encouraged.
- Facilities: Non-flushing toilets, boat ramp.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy, Telstra generally has the best reception.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic non-flushing toilets are available.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a carry-in, carry-out site.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to seasonal fire bans. BYO wood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Numerous undesignated, unpowered sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, and insect repellent.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash.
- Fishing: Excellent fishing for Golden Perch, Murray Cod, and Redfin.
- Short Walks: Informal walks around the lake shore.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Donald Hotel (Donald) – approx. 26 km
- Bullocks Head Tavern (Donald) – approx. 26 km
- St Arnaud Hotel (St Arnaud) – approx. 32 km
- Places to Eat:
- Various cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Donald – approx. 26 km
- A wide range of eateries in St Arnaud – approx. 32 km
- Local Attractions:
- Donald Agricultural Museum – approx. 26 km
- St Arnaud Historic Precinct – approx. 32 km
- The Silo Art Trail is accessible from the region.
Nearby Parks & Services
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Donald Lakeside Caravan Park – approx. 26 km
- St Arnaud Caravan Park – approx. 32 km
- Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
- Donald Apex Park – approx. 26 km
- St Arnaud Rest Area – approx. 30 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Donald Caravan Park – approx. 26 km
- St Arnaud (Lord Nelson Park) – approx. 32 km
- Nearest Petrol Station: Donald – approx. 26 km or St Arnaud – approx. 32 km.
- Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Donald or St Arnaud.
- Nearest Public Toilets: On-site (basic). Flushing toilets in Donald and St Arnaud.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and typically dry, ideal for water sports. Average maximum temperatures are around 31°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and milder nights. Great for fishing. Average maximums range from 18°C to 28°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool days and cold nights, often with clear skies. Average maximums are around 14°C to 16°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and becoming warmer, with pleasant conditions for all activities. Average maximums range from 19°C to 27°C.
