C7 Campground: Free Coastal Camping at Golden Beach (Pet-Free Zone)

Immerse yourself in the wild, natural beauty of the Gippsland coast at the C7 Campground, a free camping area within the spectacular Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. Situated along the famed Shoreline Drive, this campground offers a serene escape for self-sufficient campers who value peace and a direct connection to the environment. With five designated sites tucked away in the coastal scrub, C7 provides a quiet and sheltered base just a short walk from the magnificent Ninety Mile Beach. This is a place to truly unwind, where your days are governed by the tides and the weather. Spend your time casting a line into the surf, exploring the endless sandy shoreline, or simply relaxing at your campsite, surrounded by the sounds of the ocean and native birdlife.

As a designated primitive campground, it is crucial to be fully prepared. There are no facilities at C7, meaning campers must bring their own portable toilet and all necessary water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. A strict ‘leave no trace’ policy is in effect, requiring you to take all your rubbish with you to preserve the pristine nature of the park. The sandy access tracks make it most suitable for 4WDs and off-road camper trailers. It is very important for visitors to note that C7 is located within a **pet-free zone** of the national park, and dogs are not permitted. For the well-equipped adventurer seeking a tranquil retreat and an authentic Australian beach camping experience, C7 Campground is an outstanding choice.

Campground Information

• Name: C7 Campground, Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
• Address: 582 Shoreline Drive, Golden Beach, Victoria 3851, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -38.23878648736976, 147.36506992103523
• Website: Managed by Parks Victoria (no direct website for the campground).

Features & Rules

• Location: Sheltered bush setting behind the dunes of the Ninety Mile Beach.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, and small off-road camper trailers.
• Road Access: Access via the sealed 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 short stays are encouraged.
• 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 toilets are at other numbered campgrounds or 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: 5 designated, unpowered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, portable toilet, firewood, rubbish bags, and insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: No, pets are not permitted at this campground (sites 7-20 are pet-free zones).
• 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. 5 km
  • The Star Hotel (Sale) – approx. 47 km
  • Gippsland Hotel (Sale) – approx. 47 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Golden Beach General Store & Takeaway – approx. 5 km
  • A wide variety of restaurants and cafes in Sale – approx. 47 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Ninety Mile Beach – at your doorstep
  • Trinculo Shipwreck – approx. 10 km
  • Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park – you are in it

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Golden Beach Holiday Park – approx. 5 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Other designated campgrounds along Shoreline Drive (C8, C9 etc.) – within a few kms
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Public Dump Point at Sale Showgrounds, Sale – approx. 47 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Golden Beach General Store – approx. 5 km (may have limited hours). Major stations in Sale – approx. 47 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. 5 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.