C1 Campground: Secluded Pet-Friendly Free Camping at Golden Beach

For those seeking ultimate seclusion on a pet-friendly coastal adventure, the C1 Campground in Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park is the perfect destination. As the smallest of the designated dog-friendly free camps along Shoreline Drive, C1 offers a truly intimate bush camping experience. With only two small sites tucked away in the coastal scrub, it provides a genuine sense of getting away from it all. This campground is tailor-made for self-sufficient campers who cherish peace, quiet, and the raw beauty of the natural environment. A short walk through the dunes rewards you with the vast, unspoiled expanse of the Ninety Mile Beach, where you and your furry companion can walk for hours, fish in the surf, or simply sit and watch the waves roll in.

C1 is a primitive campground, and it’s vital to arrive fully prepared. There are no facilities on-site—no toilets, no water, and no bins. Campers must be completely self-contained, equipped with their own portable toilet and sufficient drinking water for their entire stay. A strict ‘leave no trace’ ethic is essential to preserve the pristine condition of this beautiful spot. The sandy access tracks make it best suited for 4WDs, high-clearance vehicles, and rugged camper trailers. Given its limited size, securing a spot requires a bit of luck, especially during peak times, but the reward is a tranquil campsite that feels like your own private piece of the coast. For the well-prepared adventurer looking for a simple, peaceful, and pet-friendly base to explore the magnificent Gippsland coastline, C1 Campground is an unparalleled choice.

Campground Information

• Name: C1 Campground, Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
• Address: Shoreline Drive, Golden Beach, Victoria 3851, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -38.217236659398644, 147.39347015128368
• Website: Managed by Parks Victoria (no direct website for the campground).

Features & Rules

• Location: Secluded bush setting behind the dunes of the Ninety Mile Beach, close to the Golden Beach township.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, and small off-road camper trailers.
• Road Access: Access via the sealed Shoreline Drive, with short, sandy tracks into the campground. 4WD or high-clearance vehicles are recommended.
• Site Surface: Natural sand and earth.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, in the two designated sites.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but short stays are encouraged due to limited space.
• Facilities: None. This is a completely self-sufficient campsite.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No. A portable toilet is essential. The nearest public toilets are in Golden Beach.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in a properly constructed fireplace, subject to seasonal fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Not permitted to preserve the quiet atmosphere.
• Number of Sites Available: 2 designated, unpowered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, portable toilet, firewood, rubbish bags, and insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, C1 is a designated dog-friendly campground. Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
• Fishing: Excellent surf fishing opportunities on the Ninety Mile Beach.
• Short Walks: Direct access to the Ninety Mile Beach for endless walking.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Golden Beach Community Club & Bistro – approx. 2 km
  • The Star Hotel (Sale) – approx. 44 km
  • Gippsland Hotel (Sale) – approx. 44 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Golden Beach General Store & Takeaway – approx. 2 km
  • A wide variety of restaurants and cafes in Sale – approx. 44 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Ninety Mile Beach – at your doorstep
  • Trinculo Shipwreck – approx. 13 km
  • Golden Beach town centre – approx. 2 km

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Golden Beach Holiday Park – approx. 2 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Other designated campgrounds along Shoreline Drive (C2-C6 are also pet-friendly) – within a few kms
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Public Dump Point at Sale Showgrounds, Sale – approx. 44 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Golden Beach General Store – approx. 2 km (may have limited hours). Major stations in Sale – approx. 44 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Water available for purchase at the Golden Beach Community Plant Nursery or public taps in Sale.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Golden Beach Community Centre Reserve – approx. 2 km.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot with strong coastal breezes. Average maximum temperatures are around 25°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, perfect for fishing and walking. Average maximums range from 18°C to 24°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often windy, with a higher chance of rain. Average maximum temperatures are around 15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and becoming warmer, with coastal wildflowers in bloom. Average maximums range from 18°C to 22°C.