Yambuk Lake Caravan Park | Coastal Camping & Fishing
Discover the quiet charm of Victoria’s Discovery Coast at the Yambuk Lake Caravan Park, a hidden gem nestled between the historic towns of Port Fairy and Portland. This tranquil, council-run park offers a classic, back-to-basics coastal camping experience, making it an idyllic retreat for fishing enthusiasts, families, and travellers seeking peace and quiet away from the major tourist hubs. Positioned on the banks of the serene Yambuk Lake and just a stone’s throw from the rugged coastline of the Southern Ocean, the park provides a stunning natural backdrop for a relaxing getaway.
The caravan park is well-regarded for its spacious, grassy sites that can accommodate everything from small tents to large caravans. Campers can choose from a selection of powered and unpowered sites, many offering pleasant views and a sense of seclusion. The key attraction here is undoubtedly the fishing; the lake is renowned for its bream and estuary perch, and the nearby boat ramp provides easy access for anglers to launch their vessels. For those who prefer surf fishing, the ocean beach is just a short walk away. Beyond fishing, the area is perfect for leisurely strolls, birdwatching, and kayaking on the lake. A short walk from the park is the famous Yambuk Slide, a giant metal slide set into the hillside that provides endless fun for kids and the young at heart. While the park’s amenities are simple, they are clean and functional, including a toilet and shower block, a basic camp kitchen, and laundry facilities. It’s a proudly pet-friendly park, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the holiday. For a genuine, unspoiled coastal escape that prioritises nature and relaxation over frills, Yambuk Lake Caravan Park is a truly perfect choice.
Address: 345 Carrolls Rd, Yambuk VIC 3285
Park Information
- Location: Yambuk, on the banks of Yambuk Lake, between Port Fairy and Portland on the Princes Highway.
- Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, campervans, caravans, and larger motorhomes.
- Road access: Sealed road to the park entrance. Internal roads are gravel.
- Site surface: Mostly level grass sites.
- Camping permitted: Yes, paid camping with powered and unpowered sites available.
- Maximum overnight stays: No set maximum, subject to booking and availability.
- Facilities: Amenities block with toilets and hot showers (coin-operated), basic camp kitchen, laundry facilities, boat ramp nearby.
- Potable water: Yes, potable water is available on site.
- Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage for Telstra. Can be patchy for other carriers.
- TV reception: Generally good, but can be affected by weather.
- Onsite public toilets: Yes, within the amenities block.
- Rubbish bins: Yes, bins are provided for park guests.
- Open fires: Not permitted within the park. Contained gas or electric BBQs are allowed.
- Generator use: Generally discouraged. Check with park management for rules.
- Number of sites available: Approximately 60 sites (mix of powered and unpowered).
- Essentials to bring: Fishing gear, insect repellent, coins for showers/laundry, all personal camping supplies.
- Pet friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on leads, subject to management approval.
- Fishing: Excellent fishing in Yambuk Lake (Bream) and surf fishing at the nearby ocean beach.
- Short walks: Walk to the Giant Slide, Yambuk Lake entrance, and along the ocean beach.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- The Star of the West Hotel, Port Fairy (approx. 25 km)
- The Caledonian Inn, Port Fairy (approx. 25 km)
- Macarthur Hotel (approx. 28 km)
- Places to Eat:
- A wide range of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Port Fairy (approx. 25 km)
- Various dining options in Portland (approx. 50 km)
- Local Attractions:
- The Yambuk Slide (approx. 1 km)
- Eumeralla Coastal Park (adjacent to the park)
- Codrington Wind Farm (approx. 10 km)
- The Crags Lookout (approx. 15 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Gardens Caravan Park, Port Fairy (approx. 25 km)
- Belfast Cove Caravan Park, Port Fairy (approx. 25 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- Sawpit Free Campground, Narrawong (approx. 35 km)
- Mount Eccles (Budj Bim) National Park – fees apply (approx. 40 km)
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Port Fairy Showgrounds (approx. 25 km)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Port Fairy (approx. 25 km)
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available on-site at the caravan park.
- Public Toilets (offsite):
- Yambuk township (approx. 3 km)
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm, can be windy. Coastal breezes keep temperatures pleasant. Average temperatures range from 14°C to 24°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Cool and calm. A great time for fishing. Average temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and often wet, with strong winds possible from the Southern Ocean. Average temperatures range from 7°C to 14°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and fresh, becoming milder. Can still be windy. Good for wildflowers. Average temperatures range from 9°C to 18°C.