C2 Campground: Free Coastal Bush Camping near Golden Beach

Discover the simple joys of coastal bush camping at the C2 Campground, one of the many free camping areas scattered along Shoreline Drive within the magnificent Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. This small, secluded campground offers a genuine escape for self-sufficient travellers who want to immerse themselves in nature. With just five designated sites tucked into the coastal scrub, C2 provides a more intimate and private experience than some of the larger camping areas. The main attraction is its unbeatable location, just a short walk over the dunes to the vast and untamed Ninety Mile Beach. Here, you can spend your days surf fishing, beachcombing for treasures, or taking long, soul-reviving walks along the endless stretch of sand, with nothing but the sound of the waves and the sea breeze for company.

This is a campground for the prepared camper. As a free site managed by Parks Victoria, the facilities are basic but functional, consisting of a single non-flushing toilet. There is no potable water or rubbish collection, so visitors must adhere to a strict ‘leave no trace’ principle by bringing all their own water and taking all rubbish home. The campground is best suited for tents, swags, and small off-road camper trailers. Access is via unsealed tracks that can be sandy, so a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Campfires are permitted in the provided fireplaces, but you must bring your own firewood and adhere to all fire restrictions. For those seeking an authentic, no-frills camping adventure where the focus is on the stunning natural environment, the C2 Campground is a perfect choice.

Campground Information

• Name: C2 Campground, Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
• Address: Shoreline Drive, Golden Beach, Victoria 3851, Australia
• GPS Coordinates -38.2208,147.38936
• 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.
• Road Access: Access via Shoreline Drive, with sandy tracks into the campground. 4WD or high-clearance vehicles are recommended.
• Site Surface: Natural sand and earth.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, in the five designated sites.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but long stays are discouraged to allow others to enjoy the site.
• Facilities: Non-flushing pit toilet.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, one basic non-flushing toilet.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in provided fireplaces, subject to seasonal fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Not permitted in this campground.
• Number of Sites Available: 5 designated, unpowered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, and insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: No, pets are not permitted at this campground.
• 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:
  • Loch Sport RSL – approx. 20 km
  • The Star Hotel (Sale) – approx. 40 km
  • Gippsland Hotel (Sale) – approx. 40 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Loch Sport Bakery & Cafe – approx. 20 km
  • Various takeaways in Loch Sport – approx. 20 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Ninety Mile Beach – at your doorstep
  • The Lakes National Park – approx. 30 km
  • Sale Common Nature Conservation Reserve – approx. 40 km

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Loch Sport Caravan Park – approx. 20 km
  • Golden Beach Holiday Park – approx. 25 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Red Bluff Campground (Gippsland Lakes CP) – approx. 15 km
  • Spoon Bay Campground (Gippsland Lakes CP) – approx. 18 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Loch Sport Caravan Park (for guests) – approx. 20 km
  • Public Dump Point at Sale Showgrounds – approx. 40 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Loch Sport – approx. 20 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Loch Sport or Sale.
• Nearest Alternate Public Toilets: Public toilets available in Loch Sport township – approx. 20 km.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot with 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.