Lake Burrumbeet Foreshore Camping | Free Lakeside Camping Near Ballarat

Discover one of the best free camping spots in Victoria’s Goldfields at the Lake Burrumbeet Foreshore Camping Area. This spacious and popular campground offers an incredible opportunity to camp right on the edge of Western Victoria’s largest shallow freshwater lake, providing a stunning natural backdrop for a relaxing and budget-friendly getaway. Located just a 20-minute drive west of Ballarat, it’s the perfect destination for families, boating enthusiasts, anglers, and anyone looking for a classic Aussie bush camp with beautiful water views. The camping area is spread across a wide, open grassy foreshore, allowing plenty of room for caravans, motorhomes, and tents to find their own piece of lakeside paradise.

The main attraction is, of course, the expansive Lake Burrumbeet itself. It’s a hive of activity for water sports, with boat ramps providing easy access for those keen on water skiing, jet skiing, sailing, and fishing. The lake is particularly well-known for its healthy populations of Redfin, making it a popular spot for anglers. The vast, open space is also perfect for families, where kids can run, play, and ride their bikes in a safe and scenic environment. As a basic free camp, it encourages a self-sufficient style of camping that gets you back to nature. While you’re enjoying the tranquility, you remain conveniently close to all the world-class attractions of Ballarat, including Sovereign Hill, the Ballarat Wildlife Park, and the city’s vibrant food scene. For a memorable lakeside escape that won’t break the bank, the Lake Burrumbeet Foreshore Camping Area is an unbeatable choice.

Campground Information

• Name: Lake Burrumbeet Foreshore Camping Area
• Address: Canico Dr, Burrumbeet VIC 3352

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -37.53081281801214, 143.62921898320823

Website

• Website: This is a council-managed public reserve.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Lakeside foreshore of a large freshwater lake.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
• Road Access: Sealed road to the foreshore area.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt. Can be boggy after rain.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted in designated areas.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe local signage, short stays (e.g., 72 hours) are generally expected.
• Facilities: Public toilets, boat ramps. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. 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.
• Rubbish Bins: Limited bins available. A carry-in, carry-out philosophy is strongly encouraged.
• Open Fires: Permitted in contained fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. Check local CFA advice.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area. Can accommodate many campers.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, levelling blocks.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: Excellent for Redfin (English Perch).
• Short Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the expansive foreshore.
• Boating: Very popular for water skiing, jet skiing, and sailing.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Avoca Hotel (Avoca) – Approx. 15 km (Note: Burrumbeet itself has no pub)
  • Numerous pubs in Ballarat West (e.g., The Park Hotel) – Approx. 20 km
  • Beaufort Hotel (Beaufort) – Approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • The Avoca Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 15 km
  • Extensive range of cafes and restaurants in Ballarat – Approx. 20-25 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Ballarat city centre – Approx. 22 km
  • Sovereign Hill – Approx. 25 km
  • Ballarat Wildlife Park – Approx. 30 km
  • Pyrenees Wine Region (starts near Avoca) – Approx. 15 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park – Approx. 15 km
  • Beaufort Lake Caravan Park – Approx. 25 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Smythesdale Gardens – Approx. 30 km
  • Streatham Riverside Recreation Reserve – Approx. 65 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Ballarat Transfer Station (fee applies) – Approx. 18 km
  • Beaufort RV Park Dump Point – Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • BP Truckstop (Westbound on Western Hwy) – Approx. 10 km
  • Multiple options in Wendouree/Ballarat – Approx. 20 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at public taps in Ballarat (e.g., near Lake Wendouree).
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry, perfect for water sports, averaging 13-26°C. Can be windy.
• 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. Can be very windy across the lake, averaging 3-11°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with increasing sunshine, a beautiful time for exploring the region, averaging 6-18°C.