Campground 17: Free Bush Camping on the Ninety Mile Beach

Escape to the rugged, unspoiled coastline of Gippsland at Campground 17, a free camping area situated within the magnificent Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. Located along the scenic Shoreline Drive between Golden Beach and Seaspray, this campground offers a quintessential Australian bush-and-beach experience for the self-sufficient traveller. The sites are nestled amongst the hardy coastal vegetation, providing a welcome sense of seclusion and shelter from the elements. A short, sandy track is all that separates you from the vast expanse of the Ninety Mile Beach, where you can indulge in world-class surf fishing, beachcombing, or simply walking for kilometres along the pristine shoreline with uninterrupted ocean views. This is the perfect spot for those looking to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature in its purest form.

As a primitive campground, it is essential to arrive fully prepared. There are no facilities at Campground 17—no toilets, no drinking water, and no rubbish bins. Campers must be completely self-contained, carrying in all necessary supplies, including a portable toilet, and adhering to a strict ‘leave no trace’ policy by taking all rubbish out. The unsealed, sandy access tracks make this site best suited for 4WDs, high-clearance vehicles, and robust off-road camper trailers. It is important to note that, unlike some other sites at the Golden Beach end of the park, pets are not permitted at Campground 17. For adventurers who are well-equipped and seeking solitude, the reward is an incredibly peaceful and authentic coastal camping experience, with the soundtrack of crashing waves and the vast southern sky as your nightly entertainment.

Campground Information

• Name: Campground 17, Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
• Address: Shoreline Drive, between Golden Beach and Seaspray, Victoria 3851, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -38.326076923220576, 147.25460059568263
• 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.
• 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 C17 area.
• 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.
• 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: Several undesignated, 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. 12 km
  • Seaspray Sport and Community Club – approx. 15 km
  • The Star Hotel (Sale) – approx. 45 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Golden Beach General Store & Takeaway – approx. 12 km
  • Seaspray General Store & Takeaway – approx. 15 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Ninety Mile Beach – at your doorstep
  • Trinculo Shipwreck – approx. 2 km
  • Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park – you are in it

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Golden Beach Holiday Park – approx. 12 km
  • Seaspray Caravan Park – approx. 15 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Other designated campgrounds along Shoreline Drive (C18, C19 etc.) – within a few kms
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Public Dump Point at Sale Showgrounds, Sale – approx. 45 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Golden Beach General Store – approx. 12 km or Seaspray General Store – approx. 15 km (may have limited hours).
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Water available for purchase at Golden Beach or public taps in Sale.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Golden Beach Community Centre Reserve – approx. 12 km or Seaspray Foreshore – approx. 15 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.