C5 Campground: Free Pet-Friendly Camping with Toilets at Golden Beach

The C5 Campground offers a fantastic free camping opportunity for travellers and their pets within the magnificent Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. As one of the designated dog-friendly sites along the renowned Shoreline Drive, C5 provides a perfect blend of convenience and natural beauty. This back-to-basics campground is nestled in the coastal scrubland, providing shelter from the ocean breeze while being just a short, sandy walk from the pristine Ninety Mile Beach. It’s an ideal spot for self-sufficient campers looking to escape the crowds and enjoy classic coastal activities like surf fishing, beachcombing, and long walks with their furry companions. The presence of a basic toilet facility makes it a slightly more comfortable option than some of the other nearby sites, reducing the need for a portable toilet.

Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, C5 is a true bush camp where preparation is key. Visitors must be self-contained, bringing their own drinking water and taking all rubbish with them, as no bins are provided. The sites are undesignated, allowing campers to find their own private nook amongst the tea-trees. Access via the sandy tracks from Shoreline Drive makes it most suitable for 4WDs, high-clearance vehicles, and off-road camper trailers. Campfires are permitted in designated spots outside of fire ban periods, adding to the authentic Aussie camping experience. Its location near the Golden Beach township provides easy access to basic supplies and a friendly community atmosphere. For those wanting a simple, pet-friendly coastal retreat with the added convenience of a toilet, C5 Campground is an excellent choice for an unforgettable Gippsland adventure.

Campground Information

• Name: C5 Campground, Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
• Address: Shoreline Drive, Golden Beach, Victoria 3851, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -38.23077860756158, 147.37537280727446
• 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 C5 area.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but short stays are encouraged.
• Facilities: Basic, non-flushing toilet.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, one basic non-flushing toilet is available.
• 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, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, and insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, C5 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. 4 km
  • The Star Hotel (Sale) – approx. 46 km
  • Gippsland Hotel (Sale) – approx. 46 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Golden Beach General Store & Takeaway – approx. 4 km
  • A wide variety of restaurants and cafes in Sale – approx. 46 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Ninety Mile Beach – at your doorstep
  • Trinculo Shipwreck – approx. 11 km
  • Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park – you are in it

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Golden Beach Holiday Park – approx. 4 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Other designated campgrounds along Shoreline Drive (C1-C6 are pet-friendly) – within a few kms
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Public Dump Point at Sale Showgrounds, Sale – approx. 46 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Golden Beach General Store – approx. 4 km (may have limited hours). Major stations in Sale – approx. 46 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Water available for purchase at the Golden Beach Community Plant Nursery or public taps in Sale.
• Nearest Public Toilets: On-site (basic). Flushing toilets at Golden Beach Community Centre Reserve – approx. 4 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.