C9 Campground: Free Coastal Camping with Facilities at Golden Beach (Pet-Free)

For self-sufficient campers seeking a free coastal escape with basic comforts, the C9 Campground within the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park is an excellent choice. Located along the scenic Shoreline Drive, this popular spot offers a perfect balance of rustic bush camping and essential amenities. The campground is nestled amongst the sheltering coastal scrub, providing a peaceful retreat just a short walk over the dunes to the magnificent Ninety Mile Beach. What sets C9 apart from many of the other free sites is the inclusion of non-flushing toilets, picnic tables, and BBQ facilities, making it a more comfortable and convenient option for families and small groups. It serves as an ideal base for classic coastal pastimes, including exceptional surf fishing, long walks on the endless beach, and simply relaxing to the sound of the ocean.

While C9 offers more facilities than its neighbours, it remains a back-to-basics campground where preparation is key. Visitors must bring their own drinking water and firewood, and are required to take all rubbish with them to help protect the pristine natural environment. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no bookings or fees. The sandy access tracks are best suited to 4WDs, high-clearance vehicles, and off-road camper trailers. It is crucial for visitors to be aware that C9 is located within a **pet-free zone** of the national park to protect native wildlife; dogs are strictly not permitted. For those who are well-equipped and looking for a fantastic free campsite that doesn’t require complete self-sufficiency in terms of toilet facilities, C9 provides an outstanding opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the Gippsland coast.

Campground Information

• Name: C9 Campground, Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
• Address: 690 Shoreline Drive, Golden Beach, Victoria 3851, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -38.24560930859674, 147.356583285747
• 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 undesignated spots within the C9 area.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but short stays are encouraged.
• Facilities: Basic, non-flushing toilets, picnic tables, and wood BBQs/fire pits.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic non-flushing toilets are available.
• 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 to preserve the quiet atmosphere.
• Number of Sites Available: Several undesignated, 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 (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. 6 km
  • The Star Hotel (Sale) – approx. 47 km
  • Gippsland Hotel (Sale) – approx. 47 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Golden Beach General Store & Takeaway – approx. 6 km
  • A wide variety of restaurants and cafes in Sale – approx. 47 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Ninety Mile Beach – at your doorstep
  • Trinculo Shipwreck – approx. 9 km
  • Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park – you are in it

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Golden Beach Holiday Park – approx. 6 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Other designated campgrounds along Shoreline Drive (C8, C10 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. 6 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: On-site (basic). Flushing toilets at Golden Beach Community Centre Reserve – approx. 6 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.