Best Camping and Caravanning Sites in Australia

A great place to start your adventure

Lakes and Craters Holiday Park – A Volcanic Plains Retreat

Lakes and Craters Holiday Park, Camperdown’s Volcanic Lakes Getaway

Discover a truly unique holiday destination at the Lakes and Craters Holiday Park in Camperdown, spectacularly situated on the shores of the deep volcanic crater lake, Lake Bullen Merri. This beautifully maintained park offers a serene and picturesque escape in the heart of Victoria’s rich volcanic plains. Surrounded by lush, green parklands and offering panoramic views of the stunning crater lakes, it’s a paradise for anglers, water sports enthusiasts, and families seeking a holiday with a geological twist. The park’s prime location provides a peaceful retreat while being just minutes from the historic town of Camperdown and a scenic drive from the world-famous Great Ocean Road.

The park is renowned for its spacious layout and excellent family-friendly facilities. It boasts a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveller, from expansive, grassy powered and unpowered sites perfect for caravans, motorhomes, and tents, to a variety of modern, self-contained cabins with spectacular lake views. The park is a haven for family fun, featuring two swimming pools, a giant jumping pillow, a nine-hole mini-golf course, and a large adventure playground. As a pet-friendly park, your four-legged friends are welcome to join the adventure on the sites. With a well-equipped camp kitchen, multiple BBQ areas, and even an onsite kiosk, every convenience is at your fingertips.

The star attraction is undoubtedly the magnificent Lake Bullen Merri, a deep lake renowned for its exceptional trout and salmon fishing. With multiple boat ramps providing easy access, it’s a hotspot for boating, water skiing, and angling. You can also explore the adjacent (and extremely salty) Lake Gnotuk or take a drive to the summit of nearby Mount Leura for breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding volcanic landscape. After a day of exploration, return to the park, cook up your catch on the BBQ, and enjoy a stunning sunset over the water. For a holiday that combines natural wonders, outdoor adventure, and family fun, the Lakes and Craters Holiday Park is an unforgettable destination.

Lakes and Craters Holiday Park – VIC Location Map

Park Information

Name: Lakes and Craters Holiday Park
Address: 220 Park Rd, Camperdown VIC 3260
Website: www.lakesandcratersholidaypark.com.au
GPS Coordinates: -38.2358, 143.1169

Site Details

  • Location: On the shores of volcanic Lake Bullen Merri, on the outskirts of Camperdown.
  • Site Suitable For: Caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, and tents. A wide range of cabins is also available.
  • Road Access: Sealed road access.
  • Site Surface: Spacious, grassy sites.

Facilities

  • Two Swimming Pools
  • Giant Jumping Pillow & Adventure Playground
  • Mini Golf Course & Games Room
  • Multiple Boat Ramps
  • Camp Kitchen & Gas BBQs
  • Onsite Public Toilets & Showers
  • Guest Laundry
  • Onsite Dump Point
  • Potable Water, Rubbish Bins & Kiosk
  • Good Mobile Phone & TV Reception

Activities & Essentials

  • Essentials to Bring: Fishing gear for trout and salmon, boat or kayak, and walking shoes for the volcanic trails.
  • Pet-Friendly: Yes, the park is pet-friendly on sites (conditions apply, not permitted in cabins).
  • Open Fires: Campfires are permitted in portable fire pits that are raised off the ground, subject to local fire restrictions.
  • Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for other guests (check with park management for designated hours).
  • Fishing: Excellent fishing in Lake Bullen Merri for Chinook Salmon, Rainbow and Brown Trout. A Victorian fishing license is required.
  • Short Walks: Plenty of walking tracks around the lake foreshore and up nearby Mount Leura and Mount Sugarloaf.

Local Amenities

Pubs

  • Hampden Hotel, Camperdown: Approximately 3 km
  • The Commercial Hotel, Camperdown: Approximately 4 km
  • Leura Hotel, Camperdown: Approximately 4 km

Places to Eat

  • Snout in the Trough: Approximately 4 km
  • The Loaf and Lounge (Bakery Cafe): Approximately 4 km
  • Bistro meals available at the local pubs.

Local Attractions

  • Lake Bullen Merri & Lake Gnotuk: Adjacent to the park
  • Mount Leura & Mount Sugarloaf Scenic Lookout: Approximately 2 km
  • Camperdown Botanic Gardens & Arboretum: Approximately 2 km
  • Camperdown Clock Tower: Approximately 4 km
  • Great Ocean Road (12 Apostles): Approximately 55 km

Nearest Caravan Parks

  • Terang Caravan Park: Approximately 20 km
  • Corangamite Lake Caravan Park (seasonal): Approximately 20 km

Nearest Free Camps

  • Panmure Campground: Approximately 30 km
  • Free camping is limited in the immediate area; most nearby options are low-cost.

Nearest Dump Points

  • Onsite at Park
  • Cobden Public Dump Point: Approximately 20 km

Nearest Petrol Stations

  • BP Camperdown: Approximately 3 km
  • Shell (Coles Express) Camperdown: Approximately 4 km

Drinking Water Resupply

  • Onsite at Park
  • Camperdown Visitor Information Centre area.

Nearest Public Toilets

  • Onsite at Park
  • Apex Park Public Toilets, Camperdown: Approximately 3 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Camperdown

  • Summer (December – February): Warm and generally dry, with average maximum temperatures around 26°C, perfect for water activities.
  • Autumn (March – May): Mild and pleasant with sunny days, ideal for sightseeing and fishing.
  • Winter (June – August): Cool and often wet, with average maximums around 13°C. A great time to see the lush green landscape.
  • Spring (September – November): Mild but can be windy. The countryside is vibrant, and it’s a good time for walking before the summer heat.

Leave a Reply