Lake Charlegrark Caravan Park | Yabbying & Waterside Camping
Discover a hidden gem of the Wimmera region at Lake Charlegrark Caravan Park, a classic Aussie holiday spot that offers a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation. Nestled on the shores of the freshwater lake near Minimay, this park is a beloved destination for families, anglers, and water sports enthusiasts. However, it’s most famous for transforming into a vibrant hub of entertainment each February when it hosts the ‘Music From The Docks’ Country Music Marathon. This iconic event sees talented musicians performing on a floating stage on the lake, drawing crowds from all over the country for a weekend of fantastic music and community spirit.
Outside of festival season, the park reverts to its natural, tranquil state. It’s an idyllic setting for a laid-back getaway, with the lake providing a fantastic playground for boating, water skiing, and swimming. The shallow, sandy shores are perfect for kids, and the lake is renowned for its yabbying, offering hours of fun for the whole family. The caravan park itself provides all the essential comforts with powered and unpowered sites spread across spacious, shady grounds. The amenities are clean, and the pet-friendly policy means no one gets left behind. With a boat ramp providing easy access to the water and plenty of space to unwind, it’s an ideal location to disconnect from the daily grind. Whether you’re launching a tinnie for a spot of fishing, cooking up a BBQ by the water, or simply enjoying the sunset over the lake, Lake Charlegrark offers an authentic and memorable bush camping experience.
Address: 78 Lake Charlegrark Rd, Minimay VIC 3413
Park Information
- Location: On the banks of Lake Charlegrark, near the small locality of Minimay in Western Victoria.
- Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
- Road access: Sealed road to Minimay, then a short stretch of good quality unsealed road to the park.
- Site surface: Grass and dirt sites, some with shade.
- Camping permitted: Yes, paid camping with powered and unpowered sites.
- Maximum overnight stays: Subject to booking and availability.
- Facilities: Amenities block with toilets and hot showers, camp kitchen, laundry, playground, boat ramp.
- Potable water: Yes, available on site.
- Mobile phone coverage: Limited and unreliable. Telstra provides the best chance of service.
- TV reception: Poor.
- Onsite public toilets: Yes, for paying guests.
- Rubbish bins: Yes, bins are available.
- Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator use: Permitted with consideration for other campers (check with management for rules).
- Number of sites available: A good selection of sites. It gets very busy during the music festival.
- Essentials to bring: Yabby nets, fishing gear, water sports equipment, insect repellent, groceries (nearest major supermarket is a considerable drive).
- Pet friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
- Fishing: Known for redfin and yabbying. A Victorian fishing licence is required.
- Short walks: Pleasant walks around the lake foreshore.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Kaniva Commercial Hotel (approx. 35 km)
- Goroke Hotel (approx. 38 km)
- Frances Hotel, SA (approx. 35 km)
- Places to Eat:
- Limited to the local pubs in nearby towns. Best to be self-sufficient.
- Kaniva has bakeries and cafes.
- Local Attractions:
- Lake Charlegrark (on-site for swimming, boating, fishing)
- ‘Music From The Docks’ Country Music Marathon (February annually)
- Big Billy Bore in the nearby state forest
- Kaniva Silo Art (approx. 35 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Kaniva Caravan Park (approx. 35 km)
- Goroke Caravan Park (approx. 38 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- Mooree Reserve, Edenhope (approx. 60 km)
- Campsites in the Little Desert National Park (check Parks Victoria).
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Kaniva Showgrounds (approx. 35 km).
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Kaniva (approx. 35 km).
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available on-site.
- Public Toilets (offsite):
- Located in the Kaniva township (approx. 35 km).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry, perfect for water activities. The music festival is held in this period. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 32°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Pleasant, warm days and cooler nights. Great for fishing and camping. Average temperatures range from 9°C to 25°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, especially at night, with a higher chance of rain. A quiet time to visit. Average temperatures range from 4°C to 15°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild days, with the countryside turning green. A beautiful and peaceful time of year. Average temperatures range from 8°C to 22°C.