Lake Ratzcastle Camping | Free Goroke Bush Camp & Wimmera Nature Reserve

For travellers seeking a peaceful and authentic bush camping experience in the heart of Victoria’s Wimmera region, Lake Ratzcastle is a true hidden gem. This delightful and spacious free campground is set within a beautiful bushland reserve, offering a tranquil escape for self-sufficient campers. Located between the small towns of Goroke and Kaniva, it’s an ideal spot for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and anyone looking for a quiet base to explore the nearby Little Desert National Park. The campground is situated in a large, open area with numerous sites scattered amongst native vegetation, including majestic Yellow Gums, providing ample shade and a wonderful sense of seclusion. While the lake itself is often dry, the reserve’s natural beauty and serene atmosphere remain a significant drawcard.

The main appeal of Lake Ratzcastle is its incredible tranquility and the opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique Mallee environment. It’s a classic, back-to-basics bush camp that encourages a respectful and self-reliant style of travel. The reserve is a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos, emus, and an incredible variety of birdlife, making it a fantastic destination for photography and nature walks. For a free camp, the facilities are a welcome bonus, with a clean non-flush toilet and picnic tables available. Its location makes it a great strategic stopover, providing easy access to the western block of the Little Desert National Park and the Silo Art Trail. The nearby town of Goroke, known for its magpie theme and impressive silo art, offers basic supplies and a classic country pub. For a memorable, pet-friendly, and budget-free adventure that captures the quiet spirit of the Wimmera, Lake Ratzcastle is an outstanding choice.

Campground Information

• Name: Lake Ratzcastle Campsite
• Address: Mallee Dam Rd, Karnak VIC 3401

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -36.81150836820376, 141.46554076127236

Website

• Website: This is a public reserve. Information can be found on the Hindmarsh Shire Council website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Bushland reserve in the Wimmera region.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
• Road Access: Unsealed gravel/dirt road, generally 2WD accessible with care.
• Site Surface: Natural dirt and grass base.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe local signage; short stays are encouraged.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, fire pits. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy. Telstra offers the best chance of a signal.
• TV Reception: Possible but can be unreliable.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of the peaceful environment.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: Limited to non-existent as the lake is often dry.
• Short Walks: Excellent for bushwalking and exploring the reserve.
• Birdwatching: The reserve is a known habitat for a variety of Mallee bird species.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Goroke Hotel – Approx. 20 km
  • Kaniva Commercial Hotel (Kaniva) – Approx. 30 km
  • Club Hotel (Kaniva) – Approx. 30 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Goroke Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 20 km
  • Goroke Cafe & Takeaway – Approx. 20 km
  • Various bakeries and cafes in Kaniva – Approx. 30 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Little Desert National Park (Western Block) – Approx. 15 km
  • Goroke Silo Art – Approx. 20 km
  • Kaniva Sheep Art Trail – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Kaniva Caravan Park – Approx. 30 km
  • Nhill Caravan Park – Approx. 40 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Lawloit I50 Bushland Reserve – Approx. 25 km
  • Broughtons Water Hole (Little Desert NP, fees apply) – Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Kaniva Public Dump Point – Approx. 30 km
  • Nhill Public Dump Point – Approx. 40 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Goroke (check hours) – Approx. 20 km
  • Kaniva has 24-hour options – Approx. 30 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Goroke or Kaniva.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and very dry, with average temperatures of 16-33°C. High fire danger.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm sunny days and cool nights, ideal for travel, averaging 9-26°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold, with frosty mornings and crisp days, averaging 4-15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant, a great time to see wildflowers, averaging 8-23°C.