An iconic and much-loved destination in Western Victoria, the Lake Bolac Foreshore Camp Reserve is one of the state’s premier free campgrounds, offering an exceptional lakeside experience. This vast and beautifully maintained reserve, managed with pride by the local community, is a paradise for families, anglers, boaties, and any traveller seeking a scenic and budget-friendly holiday. The campground is set on the sprawling, grassy foreshore of the magnificent Lake Bolac, a huge freshwater lake renowned for its spectacular sunsets and recreational opportunities. The sheer size of the reserve provides an abundance of fantastic, level sites, making it perfect for all setups, from the biggest rigs and motorhomes to tents, with many spots offering uninterrupted water views.

What elevates Lake Bolac to legendary status among free campers are its outstanding facilities. For a donation-based camp, the amenities are second to none, featuring clean flushing toilets, hot showers, a dedicated dump point, and even powered sites for a small fee. This level of comfort makes it an incredibly popular and accessible destination. The lake itself is a natural playground, famous for its excellent trout and redfin fishing. Multiple boat ramps provide easy access for water skiers, sailors, and fishermen alike. The pet-friendly policy and wide-open spaces are perfect for a family adventure. Strategically located between the Grampians National Park and the Great Ocean Road, it serves as the perfect base for exploring the wider region’s volcanic lakes and craters, historic homesteads, and charming country towns. For an unbeatable free camping experience that combines natural beauty, top-tier facilities, and a welcoming community spirit, Lake Bolac is a true Victorian treasure.

Campground Information

• Name: Lake Bolac Foreshore Camp Reserve (also known as Fishermans Point)
• Address: Frontage Rd, Lake Bolac VIC 3351

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -37.721446592272024, 142.85148016538457

Website

• Website: This is a public reserve. Information is available on the Ararat Rural City Council website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Expansive lakeside reserve on the edge of Lake Bolac township.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
• Road Access: Sealed road.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free for unpowered sites (donations are essential). A small fee applies for powered sites.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but medium-term stays are typical.
• Facilities: Flushing toilets, hot showers (fee), dump point, powered sites, boat ramps, playground, BBQs.
• Potable Water: Yes, available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes.
• Open Fires: Permitted in contained fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of the large number of campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with room for hundreds of campers.
• Essentials to Bring: Donation money, fishing gear, boat/kayak, coins for showers.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very popular pet-friendly campground.

Activities

• Fishing: A premier destination for Rainbow Trout and Redfin.
• Short Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the extensive foreshore.
• Boating & Water Skiing: The large lake is perfect for all forms of water sports.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Lake Bolac Hotel – Approx. 1 km
  • Wickliffe Hotel (Wickliffe) – Approx. 20 km
  • Derrinallum Hotel (Derrinallum) – Approx. 30 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Lake Bolac Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 1 km
  • Lake Bolac Cafe & Takeaway – Approx. 1 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Narrapumelap Historic Homestead – Approx. 30 km
  • Grampians National Park (Dunkeld) – Approx. 60 km
  • Mount Elephant – Approx. 35 km
  • Deep Lake & Lake Tooliorook – Approx. 30-35 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Ararat Holiday Park – Approx. 55 km
  • Mortlake Caravan Park – Approx. 50 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Streatham Riverside Recreation Reserve – Approx. 25 km
  • Deep Lake Recreation Reserve – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Located onsite at the Lake Bolac reserve.
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Lake Bolac – Approx. 1 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available onsite.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and typically dry, can be windy. Averaging 14-29°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for fishing, averaging 8-22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and crisp, with frequent frosts and chilly, often windy days, averaging 3-13°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with increasing sunshine, a great time for exploring, averaging 6-20°C.