Flat Rock 2 Camping Ground | Free Lakeside Bush Camp at Lake Lonsdale

For a classic, back-to-basics free camping experience with stunning views of the Grampians (Gariwerd), Flat Rock 2 Camping Ground is a fantastic destination on the shores of Lake Lonsdale. This spacious and popular bush camp is a favourite for self-sufficient travellers, offering a true sense of freedom and a direct connection to nature. Located on the western side of the lake, it provides a more rustic and often quieter alternative to the main foreshore camping area, making it ideal for those seeking a bit more solitude. The campground is a vast, open area of natural grasses and dirt, dotted with shady trees, offering plenty of room for all types of setups, from large caravans and motorhomes to tents and swags, to find a prime spot with a beautiful waterfront outlook.

The main attraction of Flat Rock 2 is the magnificent Lake Lonsdale itself, a premier location for water-based recreation when water levels are high. It’s a paradise for boaties and anglers, with easy access to the water for fishing for the lake’s famed Redfin and Trout. The vast expanse of the lake is also perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and simply relaxing by the shore, watching the incredible sunsets behind the Grampians ranges. This is a true bush camp, encouraging self-reliance, with no formal facilities available. Its proximity to the Grampians National Park is a major drawcard, with the tourist hub of Halls Gap and its world-class hiking trails, waterfalls, and lookouts just a short, scenic drive away. The historic town of Stawell is also nearby for all essential supplies. For a memorable, pet-friendly, and budget-free adventure that combines lakeside recreation with a gateway to the Grampians, Flat Rock 2 is an outstanding choice.

Campground Information

• Name: Flat Rock 2 Camping Ground
• Address: 945 Sandbar Rd, Lake Lonsdale VIC 3381

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -37.00954130897799, 142.61955060813648

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 western shore of Lake Lonsdale.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
• Road Access: Unsealed gravel/dirt road. Generally 2WD accessible with care, but can be slippery or boggy after rain.
• Site Surface: Natural grass, dirt, and sand.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but short to medium-term stays are expected.
• Facilities: None. This is a fully self-contained campground.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy. Telstra offers the best chance of a signal.
• TV Reception: Possible but can be unreliable.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No. You must have your own toilet. The nearest toilets are at the main foreshore area.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
• 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 plenty of space.
• Essentials to Bring: Your own toilet, all drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: Excellent for Redfin and Trout when the lake has water.
• Short Walks: Plenty of space to walk along the extensive foreshore.
• Boating: A popular destination for powerboating and water skiing when water levels permit.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The National Hotel (Stawell) – Approx. 25 km
  • The Gift Hotel (Stawell) – Approx. 25 km
  • The Halls Gap Hotel – Approx. 35 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Numerous cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Stawell – Approx. 25 km
  • Extensive options in Halls Gap – Approx. 35 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Grampians National Park (Halls Gap) – Approx. 35 km
  • Stawell Gold Mine and Gift Hall of Fame – Approx. 25 km
  • Bests Wines Great Western – Approx. 20 km
  • Halls Gap Zoo – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Stawell Grampians Gate Caravan Park – Approx. 25 km
  • Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park – Approx. 35 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Lake Lonsdale Foreshore (main area) – Approx. 5 km
  • Green Hill Lake Reserve (Ararat) – Approx. 50 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Stawell Public Dump Point (at Stawell Harness Racing Club) – Approx. 28 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Stawell has multiple 24-hour options – Approx. 25 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at the Stawell Visitor Information Centre.
• Public Toilets:
  • The nearest public toilets are at the main Lake Lonsdale foreshore area.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and typically dry, perfect for water sports, averaging 14-29°C. Can be windy.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for hiking and exploring, averaging 8-22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and crisp, with frequent frosts and chilly days, averaging 3-13°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild, the best time to see the Grampians wildflowers, averaging 6-20°C.