C6 Campground: Pet-Friendly Free Camping on the Ninety Mile Beach

For travellers seeking a classic Aussie beach camping experience with their four-legged friends, the C6 Campground in Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park is an absolute gem. As one of the select few designated pet-friendly free camps along the iconic Shoreline Drive, C6 offers the perfect opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a coastal getaway. This back-to-basics campground provides a sheltered setting amongst the coastal tea-tree and banksia woodland, just a stone’s throw from the thunderous waves of the Ninety Mile Beach. It’s an ideal spot for self-sufficient campers who value serenity and direct access to one of Victoria’s most spectacular coastlines. Spend your days casting a line for salmon and gummy sharks, taking long walks along the pristine sand, or simply relaxing at your campsite while listening to the sounds of the ocean and the abundant local birdlife.

C6 is a true bush camp, operating on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees or bookings required. It’s essential to arrive fully prepared, as there are no facilities on-site—not even toilets or bins. Campers must be completely self-contained, bringing their own water supply and a portable toilet, and must strictly adhere to the ‘leave no trace’ principle by taking all rubbish home. The campground is best suited for tents, swags, and small off-road camper trailers due to the sandy access tracks. Its proximity to the Golden Beach township means basic supplies are only a short drive away. For those who want to experience the raw, untamed beauty of the Gippsland coast without leaving their furry companion behind, C6 Campground provides an authentic and unforgettable free camping adventure.

Campground Information

• Name: C6 Campground, Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
• Address: Shoreline Drive, Golden Beach, Victoria 3851, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -38.234858335767505, 147.3700258833846
• Website: Managed by Parks Victoria (no direct website for the campground).

Features & Rules

• Location: Sheltered bush setting just behind the dunes of the Ninety Mile Beach.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, and small off-road camper trailers.
• Road Access: Access via the sealed Shoreline Drive, with sandy tracks into the campground. 4WD or high-clearance vehicles are recommended.
• Site Surface: Natural sand and earth.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, in undesignated spots within the C6 area.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but short stays are encouraged.
• Facilities: None. This is a completely self-sufficient campsite.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No. The nearest toilets are at other numbered campgrounds (e.g., C5 or C8) or in Golden Beach.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in a properly constructed fireplace, subject to seasonal fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Not permitted to preserve the quiet atmosphere.
• Number of Sites Available: Several undesignated, unpowered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, portable toilet, firewood, rubbish bags, and insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, C6 is a designated dog-friendly campground. Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
• Fishing: Excellent surf fishing opportunities on the Ninety Mile Beach.
• Short Walks: Direct access to the Ninety Mile Beach for endless walking.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Golden Beach Community Club & Bistro – approx. 3 km
  • The Star Hotel (Sale) – approx. 45 km
  • Gippsland Hotel (Sale) – approx. 45 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Golden Beach General Store & Takeaway – approx. 3 km
  • A wide variety of restaurants and cafes in Sale – approx. 45 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Ninety Mile Beach – at your doorstep
  • Trinculo Shipwreck – approx. 12 km
  • Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park – you are in it

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Golden Beach Holiday Park – approx. 3 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Other designated campgrounds along Shoreline Drive (C1-C5 are also pet-friendly) – within a few kms
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Public Dump Point at Sale Showgrounds, Sale – approx. 45 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Golden Beach General Store – approx. 3 km (may have limited hours). Major stations in Sale – approx. 45 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Water available for purchase at the Golden Beach Community Plant Nursery or public taps in Sale.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Golden Beach Community Centre Reserve – approx. 3 km.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot with strong coastal breezes. Average maximum temperatures are around 25°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, perfect for fishing and walking. Average maximums range from 18°C to 24°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often windy, with a higher chance of rain. Average maximum temperatures are around 15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and becoming warmer, with coastal wildflowers in bloom. Average maximums range from 18°C to 22°C.