Cavendish Campground: A Welcoming Camp at the Foot of the Grampians

Embodying the best of country town hospitality, the Cavendish Campground is a standout free camping destination in Victoria’s Western District. Generously provided by the local community, this spacious and well-maintained campground sits on the beautiful banks of the Wannon River, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting for travellers. The large, open, grassy area can accommodate all types of vehicles, from the biggest rigs to the smallest campervans, making it a popular and accessible stopover. Shady trees are scattered throughout the grounds, providing pleasant spots to relax and escape the afternoon sun.

What sets this campground apart is its excellent range of facilities, which are remarkable for a free site. With clean toilets, a convenient dump point, and picnic tables, it caters perfectly to the needs of self-contained travellers. The adjacent park and sporting facilities add to the family-friendly appeal. The campground’s location is a major highlight. It serves as an ideal southern base for exploring the majestic Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, with the trailheads for Mount Sturgeon (Wurgarri) and Mount Abrupt just a scenic drive away. Even closer are the spectacular Wannon and Nigretta Falls. The town’s famous Bunyip Hotel, renowned for its gourmet food, is just a short walk away, offering a taste of local culture and cuisine. For its fantastic amenities, beautiful riverside location, and welcoming community spirit, the Cavendish Campground is a must-visit for any traveller exploring this incredible part of Victoria.

Site Information

• Location: In the town of Cavendish, on the Wannon River.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed road access to the campground.
• Site Surface: Mostly flat grass and dirt areas.
• Camping Permitted: Yes.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Typically a 72-hour limit is encouraged.
• Number of Powered Sites: 0
• Number of Un-powered Sites: Numerous unmarked, unpowered sites.
• Facilities: Flushing toilets, dump point, picnic tables.
• Picnic Tables: Yes.
• Potable Water: A tap is available; it is advisable to boil water before drinking.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Yes, good coverage for Telstra and other major carriers.
• TV Reception: Yes, generally good.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Ullage / Dump Point: Yes, located within the campground.
• Drive Through Sites: Yes, the large open area allows for easy drive-through parking.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
• Open Fires: Permitted in existing fire pits, subject to local fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: First come, first served.
• Essentials to Bring: Standard camping equipment, firewood.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a leash.
• Fishing: Yes, fishing for redfin and trout in the Wannon River is popular. (Victorian fishing licence required).
• Short Walks: Yes, along the ‘Three Bridges’ river walk and around the historic town.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs: The Bunyip Hotel (Cavendish, ~500m), Caledonian Hotel (Hamilton, ~25km), Grand Central Hotel (Hamilton, ~25km).
• Places to Eat: The Bunyip Hotel is a renowned foodie destination. A general store/cafe is also in Cavendish. Hamilton (~25km) has extensive options.
• Local Attractions: Wannon Falls, Nigretta Falls, Southern Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, Settlers Walk.
• Nearest Caravan Parks: Lake Hamilton Motor Village & Caravan Park (~25km).
• Next Free Camps: Wannon Falls Campground (~15km), Nigretta Falls Campground (day use only).
• Nearest Dump Points: Onsite at the campground.
• Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Cavendish.
• Drinking Water Resupply: Hamilton (~25km) is the most reliable source for filling tanks.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Onsite at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry. A great time for swimming in the river.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights. Perfect weather for hiking in the nearby Grampians.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and can be wet. Nights are very cold, often with heavy frosts. A good time for enjoying a campfire.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild weather. The countryside is green, and waterfalls are at their best after winter rains.