Green Lake Recreation Area is a popular and highly-prized free camping spot, perfectly situated just off the Western Highway between Horsham and Dadswells Bridge. This beautiful freshwater lake offers a fantastic recreational hub for locals and travellers alike, especially those interested in water sports. The campground consists of a vast, open, and mostly level grassy foreshore, providing an enormous amount of space for all types of camping setups, from tents to the largest caravans and motorhomes. The ease of access, combined with the sheer amount of room, makes it a go-to destination, particularly on long weekends and during the summer holidays.
The lake itself is the main attraction, renowned as a premier location for waterskiing, boating, and fishing when water levels permit. A boat ramp provides easy access to the water, and the expansive shoreline offers plenty of spots to set up for a day of swimming and picnicking. As a community-managed reserve, it has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and is proudly pet-friendly. The facilities are basic but cover the essentials, with several non-flush toilet blocks dotted around the camping area. Campers need to be self-sufficient, bringing their own drinking water and taking all rubbish home with them to help maintain the site’s appeal. Open fires are generally permitted in designated fire pits or your own off-the-ground fire pit, but it is crucial to adhere to seasonal fire restrictions. Its strategic location makes it an excellent base for exploring the northern part of the Grampians National Park or for a convenient and scenic stopover when travelling through the Wimmera region.
Green Lake Recreation Area – VIC Location Map
Green Lake Recreation Area
- Address: 8283 Western Highway, Bungalally, VIC 3401, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -36.78701800734916, 142.2979114080389
Campground Information & Features
- Location: On the shores of Green Lake, just off the Western Highway, between Horsham and Dadswells Bridge.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.
- Road Access: Excellent 2WD access via a short unsealed road from the highway.
- Site Surface: Large, open, grassy areas.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping (donations are often encouraged).
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Not specified, but intended for short-term stays.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets, boat ramp, picnic tables.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Generally good coverage from major providers.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, multiple blocks of non-flush toilets are available.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated pits or contained fire pits, subject to fire restrictions.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Hundreds of unmarked sites around the lake foreshore.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome.
- Fishing: Yes, the lake is known for redfin and other species when water levels are sufficient.
- Short Walks: Plenty of space for leisurely walks around the lake’s edge.
Nearby Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Dadswells Bridge Hotel – Approx. 10 km
- The Commercial Hotel (Horsham) – Approx. 25 km
- National Hotel (Stawell) – Approx. 35 km
- Places to Eat:
- Dadswells Bridge (Pub, Roadhouse) – Approx. 10 km
- Horsham (Full range of cafes, restaurants, fast food) – Approx. 25 km
- Stawell (Various options) – Approx. 35 km
- Local Attractions:
- Grampians National Park (Northern Section) – Approx. 20 km
- Giant Koala Tourist Complex (Dadswells Bridge) – Approx. 10 km
- Horsham Regional Art Gallery – Approx. 25 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Horsham Riverside Caravan Park – Approx. 25 km
- Stawell Grampians Gate Caravan Park – Approx. 35 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Lake Lonsdale (Flat Rock) – Approx. 40 km
- Wimmera River Camping (Horsham) – Approx. 25 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Horsham Public Dump Point – Approx. 25 km
- Stawell Public Dump Point – Approx. 35 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Dadswells Bridge – Approx. 10 km
- Horsham (Multiple major stations) – Approx. 25 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Horsham is the nearest reliable town for public taps.
- Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
- Dadswells Bridge rest area – Approx. 10 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Horsham / Grampians North Area
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Very hot and dry. The lake is very popular for water sports. High to extreme bushfire risk.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Pleasant, with warm days and cool nights. Ideal weather for visiting the Grampians and camping.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold with chilly nights and frequent frosts. Often damp, making the ground soft.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild but can be windy. The best season for wildflowers in the nearby Grampians National Park.
