Discover the serene beauty of Parkers Flat, a picturesque boat-in campground situated on the tranquil northern shores of Lake Eildon. As one of the dedicated waterside camps within the expansive Lake Eildon National Park, Parkers Flat offers an idyllic escape for boat owners, fishing enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat away from road-accessible crowds. This campsite provides the perfect opportunity to fully embrace lakeside living; you can pull your boat right up to the grassy banks, set up camp just metres from the water, and settle in for a relaxing stay surrounded by classic Victorian high country bushland.

The campground itself is a charming, open grassy area that provides a comfortable and scenic base for your adventures. With direct access to the water, it’s an ideal launchpad for a day of water skiing, wakeboarding, or exploring the lake’s many hidden inlets by kayak. Anglers will appreciate the convenience of being able to cast a line for Murray cod, golden perch, or trout right from the campsite’s edge. The true appeal of Parkers Flat is its atmosphere of seclusion. Arriving by water fosters a sense of journey and discovery, leaving the noise and pace of daily life far behind on the mainland.

Like other boat-in sites in the park, Parkers Flat has minimal facilities, requiring campers to be well-prepared and self-sufficient. Bookings are essential through Parks Victoria, and a ‘leave no trace’ ethic is paramount to preserving the area’s natural charm. While a challenging 4WD track does lead into the vicinity, boat access remains the most reliable and enjoyable way to reach this lakeside gem. For those with a vessel, Parkers Flat Camp Ground is a fantastic choice for experiencing the best of what Lake Eildon has to offer: water sports, fishing, and peaceful camping in a stunning setting.

Campsite Information

• Location: Northern shoreline of Lake Eildon, accessible by boat.
• Site Suitable For: Tents and swags.
• Road Access: Very difficult. Primarily a boat-access campsite. Nearest public boat ramps are at Goughs Bay, Howqua Inlet, and Jamieson.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings and fees are required through the Parks Victoria website.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Governed by your booking.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilet. No other facilities are provided.
• Potable Water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy and unreliable. Do not depend on it for safety.
• TV Reception: None.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, one basic non-flush toilet.
• Rubbish Bins: No. A strict carry-in, carry-out policy is in place.
• Open Fires: Only permitted in the designated fireplaces provided, subject to fire restrictions (including Total Fire Bans).
• Generator Use: Permitted, but hours of use are restricted. Please be considerate of fellow campers.
• Number of Sites Available: A number of designated, unpowered sites. Bookings essential.
• Essentials to Bring: All drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, first-aid kit, insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets and other domestic animals are not permitted in Lake Eildon National Park.

Local Area & Amenities (Distances from nearest towns/ramps)

• Fishing: Excellent opportunities for popular freshwater species like Murray cod and golden perch. A Victorian Fishing Licence is required.
• Short Walks: Explore the immediate shoreline and surrounding bushland.
• Nearest Town for Supplies: Mansfield (~35-40 km drive from the Goughs Bay boat ramp).
• Local Pubs:
  • Goughs Bay Boat Club (check for seasonal operation): ~10 km by water.
  • The Mansfield Hotel (Mansfield): ~35 km from Goughs Bay ramp.
  • The Commercial Hotel (Mansfield): ~35 km from Goughs Bay ramp.
• Places to Eat:
  • Goughs Bay General Store offers basic takeaway food.
  • Mansfield has a wide selection of pubs, cafes, and restaurants.
• Local Attractions:
  • The vast expanse of Lake Eildon for boating and water sports.
  • The nearby towns of Mansfield and Jamieson.
  • Mount Buller for alpine activities (accessible via Mansfield).
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Goughs Bay Holiday Park.
  • Many choices in and around the town of Mansfield.
• Next Free Camps: Other boat-in campsites on the lake. Land-based free camping can be found in the nearby state forests.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Mansfield Showgrounds.
• Nearest Petrol Station: Mansfield has multiple service stations. Boat fuel is available at some local marinas.
• Drinking Water Resupply: Fill up all containers in Mansfield before launching your boat.
• Public Toilets: Available at major public boat ramps (e.g., Goughs Bay).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot days and mild nights, ideal for water activities. High fire danger season. Average temperatures: 15°C to 32°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, clear days and cool nights. Excellent boating and camping weather. Average temperatures: 8°C to 24°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and often wet. Water levels are typically high. Suitable for hardy campers. Average temperatures: 2°C to 13°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and mild, but can be windy. Water levels rise with snowmelt. A good time for fishing. Average temperatures: 6°C to 20°C.