Cherry Pool Campground | Free Rocklands Reservoir Camping Near Grampians

Embrace the freedom and vastness of the Victorian bush at Cherry Pool, one of the premier free camping areas on the shores of the massive Rocklands Reservoir. This is a classic, sprawling bush camp, offering a true sense of adventure for self-sufficient travellers. Located at the southern end of the reservoir, Cherry Pool provides a spectacular natural setting, renowned for its incredible fishing, boating, and stunning sunsets over the water. The camping experience here is about finding your own perfect spot along the extensive foreshore, with the rugged hills of the Black Range State Park providing a beautiful backdrop. It’s a paradise for anglers, boaties, and anyone looking to escape into a vast, open landscape.

As a true bush camp, Cherry Pool is for those who come fully prepared. The reward is an unparalleled sense of space and tranquility. The main drawcard is the reservoir itself, a legendary fishing destination for Redfin, Trout, and Yellowbelly. The boat ramp provides access to the immense waterway, which is popular for all forms of boating. The surrounding area is rich in natural beauty and wildlife, with kangaroos, emus, and a vast array of birdlife frequently seen along the shoreline. While the campsite feels wonderfully remote, it serves as an excellent base for exploring the region. The western edge of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is within reach, as are the hiking trails and Aboriginal rock art shelters of the Black Range State Park. For a memorable, budget-free adventure that offers some of the best freshwater fishing and boating in the state, Cherry Pool at Rocklands Reservoir is an iconic Victorian destination.

Campground Information

• Name: Cherry Pool Campground, Rocklands Reservoir
• Address: Henty Hwy (A200), Brimpaen VIC 3401

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -37.10793572957429, 142.1871983057392

Website

• Website: This is a public recreation area managed by GWMWater. Information is available on the GWMWater website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Lakeside bush camp on the southern edge of Rocklands Reservoir.
• Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, and Tents.
• Road Access: Unsealed gravel road from the Henty Highway. Can be corrugated and slippery when wet.
• Site Surface: Natural grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but short-term holiday stays are expected.
• Facilities: Boat ramp. There are no toilets, showers, or power.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very patchy. Telstra offers the best chance of a weak signal.
• TV Reception: Unreliable.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No. You must be fully self-contained with your own toilet.
• Rubbish Bins: No. A strict carry-in, carry-out policy applies.
• Open Fires: Permitted in contained fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with room for hundreds of campers.
• Essentials to Bring: Your own toilet, drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: A premier destination for Redfin, Trout, and Yellowbelly.
• Short Walks: Explore the vast foreshore and surrounding bushland.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Cavendish Hotel (Cavendish) – Approx. 30 km
  • Bunyip Hotel (Cavendish) – Approx. 30 km
  • Balmoral Hotel (Balmoral) – Approx. 35 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Cavendish Hotel & The Bunyip Hotel (Bistros) – Approx. 30 km
  • The Bridge Cafe (Cavendish) – Approx. 30 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Rocklands Reservoir Dam Wall – Approx. 20 km
  • Black Range State Park (Aboriginal Rock Art) – Approx. 25 km
  • Grampians National Park (Southern entrance) – Approx. 60 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Cavendish Recreation Reserve – Approx. 30 km
  • Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park – Approx. 85 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Glendinning Campground (Rocklands Reservoir) – Approx. 25 km
  • Fergusons Campground (Rocklands Reservoir) – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Cavendish Public Dump Point – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Cavendish – Approx. 30 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Cavendish.
• Public Toilets:
  • The nearest public toilets are at Glendinning Campground (approx. 25 km) or in Cavendish (approx. 30 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry, perfect for boating, with average temperatures of 14-30°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for fishing and hiking, averaging 8-23°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and crisp, with frequent frosts, but often with clear, sunny days, averaging 3-14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild, a beautiful time to explore the national parks, averaging 6-21°C.