Campground 12 (C12): Free Coastal Camping with Toilets at Golden Beach

Discover a serene coastal escape at Campground 12 (C12), a free camping area nestled within the beautiful and rugged Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. Located along the picturesque Shoreline Drive, this campground offers a fantastic opportunity for self-sufficient campers to get back to nature. With five designated sites tucked away in the sheltered coastal scrub, C12 provides a quiet and intimate setting just a short walk from the magnificent Ninety Mile Beach. The convenience of an on-site toilet makes it a popular choice for those wanting a slightly more comfortable bush camping experience. This is the perfect base for exploring the wild coastline, where you can spend your days surf fishing, enjoying long beach walks, and spotting local wildlife in a peaceful, unspoiled environment.

As a free, first-come, first-served campground, preparation is essential for a successful stay. While a non-flushing toilet is provided, campers must be entirely self-contained, bringing their own drinking water and taking all rubbish away with them to help preserve the park’s natural state. The sandy access tracks leading from Shoreline Drive mean that 4WD or high-clearance vehicles are highly recommended. It is important for all visitors to know that Campground 12 is situated in a **pet-free zone** to protect the native fauna, so furry friends will have to stay at home. For the well-prepared camper seeking a tranquil spot to enjoy the raw beauty of the Gippsland coast, C12 offers an ideal blend of basic comfort and authentic wilderness adventure.

Campground Information

• Name: Campground 12 (C12), Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
• Address: Shoreline Drive, Golden Beach, Victoria 3851, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -38.281655967957924, 147.3110851514161
• 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: Basic, non-flushing toilet.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, one basic non-flushing toilet is available.
• 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, 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. 8 km
  • The Star Hotel (Sale) – approx. 48 km
  • Gippsland Hotel (Sale) – approx. 48 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Golden Beach General Store & Takeaway – approx. 8 km
  • A wide variety of restaurants and cafes in Sale – approx. 48 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Ninety Mile Beach – at your doorstep
  • Trinculo Shipwreck – approx. 7 km
  • Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park – you are in it

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Golden Beach Holiday Park – approx. 8 km
  • Seaspray Caravan Park – approx. 19 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Other designated campgrounds along Shoreline Drive (C11, C13 etc.) – within a few kms
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Public Dump Point at Sale Showgrounds, Sale – approx. 48 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Golden Beach General Store – approx. 8 km (may have limited hours). Major stations in Sale – approx. 48 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. 8 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.