Underbool Recreation Reserve – Perfect Base for the Famous Pink Lakes

Located in the heart of Victoria’s vast Mallee country, the Underbool Recreation Reserve is a standout destination for travellers, offering exceptional facilities and a warm community welcome for a very small fee. This fantastic campground is strategically positioned on the Mallee Highway, making it an ideal stopover on the Melbourne to Adelaide route, but its real claim to fame is its proximity to the stunning Pink Lakes section of the Murray-Sunset National Park. The reserve provides a spacious, well-maintained, and shady environment with plenty of large, grassy sites perfect for caravans, big rigs, and motorhomes. It’s a place where you can enjoy the peace and quiet of a classic country town while being perfectly poised for an unforgettable outback adventure.

The amenities at the Underbool Recreation Reserve are a credit to the local community and are far superior to what one might expect from a low-cost camp. Visitors have access to numerous powered sites, a clean and modern amenities block with toilets and hot showers, a camp kitchen, laundry facilities, and a public dump point. This comprehensive suite of features ensures a comfortable and convenient stay. The town of Underbool, with its classic country pub and general store, is just a short stroll away. The main attraction, the otherworldly Pink Lakes, are an easy drive north, where you can walk on the salt crusts and marvel at the incredible colours. For a comfortable, affordable, and perfectly located base to explore one of Australia’s most unique natural wonders, the Underbool Recreation Reserve is an unmissable Mallee destination.

Site Information

• Name: Underbool Recreation Reserve
• Address: Cotter St, Underbool VIC 3509, Australia
• Phone Number: Not available (Community managed).

• GPS Coordinates: -35.167966, 141.814469

• Website: underbool.com.au/index.php/tourist-information/underbool-recreation-reserve

Campground Details

• Location: In the town of Underbool on the Mallee Highway (B12).
• Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including large motorhomes and caravans.
• Road Access: Sealed road access.
• Site Surface: Mostly flat grass with good shade options.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping with fees payable via an honesty box.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Flexible, check with the caretaker for extended stays.
• Facilities: Powered sites, toilets, hot showers, camp kitchen, laundry, dump point.
• Potable Water: Yes, available on site.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra; service for other carriers may be limited.
• TV Reception: Good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Generally not permitted. Please check local fire regulations.
• Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for others, though powered sites are available.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
• Essentials to Bring: Cash for fees, a camera for the Pink Lakes, and supplies as local shops have limited hours.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are very welcome but must be on a leash.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short Walks: Pleasant walks around the reserve and the quiet streets of Underbool.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Underbool Hotel: Approx. 1 km
  • Murrayville Hotel, Murrayville: Approx. 65 km
  • Ouyen Club, Ouyen: Approx. 55 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Underbool Hotel (pub meals): Approx. 1 km
  • Underbool General Store / Cafe: Approx. 1 km
  • Mallee Bakery, Ouyen: Approx. 55 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Pink Lakes (Lake Crosbie), Murray-Sunset National Park: Approx. 25 km
  • Underbool Silo Art
  • Mallee Sunset Gallery: Approx. 1 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Ouyen Caravan Park: Approx. 55 km
  • Murrayville Caravan Park: Approx. 65 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Lake Crosbie Campground (basic, fees apply), Murray-Sunset NP: Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Located on-site at the reserve.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Available in Underbool (check hours). Major 24/7 stations in Ouyen (55 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available on-site.
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located in the main street park in Underbool.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Very hot and dry, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C. High fire danger.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for travel and visiting the Pink Lakes. Temperatures average 10°C to 28°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold with chilly nights, often with frost. Days can be clear and sunny or overcast. Average temperatures range from 4°C to 16°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant with wildflowers blooming after rain. The best time to see the lakes at their pinkest. Weather can be variable. Temperatures average 9°C to 25°C.