Deep Lake Camping | Free Lakeside Camp on Volcanic Plains Near Derrinallum

Set in the heart of Victoria’s rich volcanic plains, Deep Lake Recreation Reserve offers a fantastic free camping experience for travellers seeking tranquility and excellent freshwater fishing. This spacious, community-managed campground is nestled on the shores of Deep Lake, providing a picturesque and peaceful setting with beautiful water views and the striking silhouette of Mount Elephant on the horizon. It’s a classic Australian bush camp, perfect for self-contained caravans, motorhomes, and tents, with ample room to spread out and find your own private spot amongst the shady trees. The reserve is a haven for nature lovers, where you can wake up to the sound of native birdlife and spend your days relaxing by the water’s edge.

The lake itself is the main attraction, renowned throughout the region as a premier fishing destination. It is well-stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Chinook Salmon, making it a hotspot for serious anglers and casual fishers alike. The calm waters are also ideal for kayaking and canoeing, offering a serene way to explore the lake and its surroundings. While the camping experience is back-to-basics, the reserve provides essential amenities, including clean non-flush toilets and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay. Its location near the Hamilton Highway makes it a convenient and highly popular stopover for those travelling between the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians. With the charming town of Derrinallum just a few kilometres away for supplies, and other natural attractions like Mount Elephant and Lake Tooliorook nearby, Deep Lake Recreation Reserve is an outstanding choice for a budget-friendly and memorable Western District adventure.

Campground Information

• Name: Deep Lake Recreation Reserve C.O.M
• Address: Chatsworth Rd, Derrinallum VIC 3325

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -37.93133564436283, 143.17688619728966

Website

• Website: Managed by a Committee of Management. Information is available on the Corangamite Shire website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Lakeside reserve in the volcanic plains of Western Victoria.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
• Road Access: Sealed road to the reserve entrance, then good quality gravel roads within.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping (donations are welcome to support the volunteer committee).
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe local signage; short-term stays are encouraged.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, boat ramp. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Generally good for Telstra, other carriers can be patchy.
• TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: Limited. A carry-in, carry-out policy is strongly encouraged.
• 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: Large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, fishing gear.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: A premier destination for Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Chinook Salmon.
• Short Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the lake’s foreshore.
• Boating: A boat ramp provides access for fishing boats and kayaks.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Derrinallum Hotel – Approx. 4 km
  • Lismore Hotel (Lismore) – Approx. 15 km
  • Mount Elephant Hotel (Derrinallum) – Approx. 4 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Derrinallum Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 4 km
  • Derrinallum Takeaway & Cafe – Approx. 4 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Mount Elephant – Approx. 10 km
  • Lake Tooliorook – Approx. 12 km
  • Great Ocean Road (via Princetown) – Approx. 100 km
  • Grampians National Park (Dunkeld) – Approx. 80 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Browns Water Holes Caravan Park (Lismore) – Approx. 15 km
  • Mortlake Caravan Park – Approx. 35 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Lake Tooliorook Camping Ground – Approx. 12 km
  • Elephant Bridge Free Camp (Darlington) – Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Mortlake Public Dump Point @ Caravan Park – Approx. 35 km
  • Terang Lions Club Public Dump Point – Approx. 40 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Derrinallum – Approx. 4 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Derrinallum.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush). Full facilities in Derrinallum.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and typically dry, averaging 14-28°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for fishing, averaging 8-22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and crisp, with frequent frosts and chilly, often windy days, averaging 3-13°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with increasing sunshine, a great time for exploring the volcanic plains, averaging 6-19°C.