Lake Tooliorook Camping | Free Lakeside Fishing & Volcanic Plains Camp

Widely celebrated as one of the best free camping grounds in Western Victoria, Lake Tooliorook offers a spectacular lakeside experience set against the stunning backdrop of the region’s volcanic plains. This spacious, community-managed reserve is a paradise for anglers, boating enthusiasts, and any traveller seeking a beautiful and budget-friendly basecamp. Located just a few kilometres from the charming town of Lismore, the campground is situated on a vast, grassy foreshore, providing an abundance of shady, level sites with magnificent, uninterrupted views across the water to the majestic peak of Mount Elephant. It’s a place that buzzes with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, perfectly suited to all types of setups from big rigs and caravans to tents.

What truly sets Lake Tooliorook apart is its combination of natural beauty and excellent facilities. For a free camp (donations are vital and gratefully accepted), it offers an exceptional level of comfort, including clean flushing toilets and even hot showers. The lake itself is a premier fishing destination, famous for its healthy stock of Chinook Salmon, Rainbow and Brown Trout, making it a hotspot for boat and shore-based anglers. A boat ramp provides easy access to the water for fishing and recreational boating. The pet-friendly policy and wide-open spaces make it a perfect destination for the whole family. Strategically located, it serves as a fantastic hub for exploring the Great Ocean Road hinterland, the 12 Apostles Food Artisan Trail, and other natural wonders of the volcanic lakes and craters district. For an unbeatable free camping experience that delivers on scenery, facilities, and recreation, Lake Tooliorook is a must-visit Victorian destination.

Campground Information

• Name: Lake Tooliorook campground
• Address: Lake Tooliorook Rd, Lismore VIC 3324

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -37.9765, 143.2848

Website

• Website: Managed by a Committee of Management. Information is available on the Corangamite Shire website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Lakeside reserve in Victoria’s volcanic plains.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
• Road Access: Sealed road.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping (donations are essential for the upkeep of facilities).
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe local signage; short-term stays are encouraged.
• Facilities: Flushing toilets, hot showers (donation), boat ramp, BBQs, picnic tables.
• Potable Water: No. The tap water is non-potable (bore/lake water). You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, other carriers may be patchy.
• TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, available.
• Open Fires: Permitted in contained fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, fishing gear, donation for the honesty box.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: A premier destination for Chinook Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout.
• Short Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the lake’s foreshore with views of Mount Elephant.
• Boating & Kayaking: A boat ramp provides access for recreational boating and paddling.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Lismore Hotel – Approx. 5 km
  • Derrinallum Hotel (Derrinallum) – Approx. 12 km
  • Commercial Hotel (Terang) – Approx. 30 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Lismore Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 5 km
  • The Bank Cafe (Lismore) – Approx. 5 km
  • Derrinallum Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 12 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Mount Elephant – Approx. 15 km
  • Deep Lake Recreation Reserve – Approx. 12 km
  • 12 Apostles Food Artisan Trail (Timboon) – Approx. 45 km
  • Great Ocean Road (Princetown) – Approx. 95 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Browns Water Holes Caravan Park (Lismore) – Approx. 5 km
  • Deep Lake Recreation Reserve (free camp with toilets) – Approx. 12 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Deep Lake Recreation Reserve – Approx. 12 km
  • Elephant Bridge Free Camp (Darlington) – Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Terang Public Dump Point – Approx. 30 km
  • Mortlake Public Dump Point @ Caravan Park – Approx. 40 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Lismore – Approx. 5 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Lismore township.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and typically dry, averaging 14-28°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 the volcanic plains, averaging 6-19°C.