Wooroonook Lakes Camping | Free Lakeside Camp Near Charlton & Wycheproof

An absolute gem of the Buloke Shire, Wooroonook Lakes Campground is a massive and hugely popular free camping destination that perfectly captures the spirit of the Victorian Mallee. This fantastic, community-supported reserve is set on the vast foreshore of the twin lakes, offering a classic Australian bush camping experience with incredible space and serenity. It is a paradise for self-contained travellers of all kinds, with an enormous, flat, grassy and sandy area that can easily accommodate the biggest rigs, caravans, and motorhomes, alongside countless perfect spots for tents and camper trailers. The sheer size of the reserve means you can always find a secluded spot with beautiful water views, making it a reliable and beloved destination for families, grey nomads, and large groups.

The main attraction is the beautiful lake system itself, a hub of activity for water sports enthusiasts. When water levels are good, the lake is a premier spot for water skiing, jet skiing, and boating, with a boat ramp providing easy access. The shallow edges make it a safe and fun place for kids to splash and play. The campground’s facilities are exceptional for a free site, a testament to the local Lions Club and community who maintain it. Clean flushing toilets and even hot showers (for a small donation) provide a level of comfort that makes it stand out. Its location on the Borung Highway makes it an excellent base for exploring the region’s unique attractions. It’s a perfect stopover for those travelling the Silo Art Trail or heading further north to the spectacular Lake Tyrrell. With the charming country towns of Charlton and Wycheproof nearby for supplies, Wooroonook Lakes offers an unbeatable combination of recreation, relaxation, and value.

Campground Information

• Name: Wooroonook Lakes Campground
• Address: 1432 Borung Hwy, Wooroonook VIC 3525

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -36.26068703766986, 143.19593104662212

Website

• Website: This is a public reserve. Information is available on the Buloke Shire Council website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Expansive lakeside reserve in the Victorian Mallee.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
• Road Access: Sealed highway to the entrance, then good quality dirt/sand tracks within.
• Site Surface: Grass, sand, and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping (donations are essential for the upkeep of facilities).
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but short to medium-term stays are encouraged.
• Facilities: Flushing toilets, hot showers (donation), boat ramp, playground, BBQs. No power.
• 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, patchy for other carriers.
• 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: Very large, unmarked area with room for hundreds of campers.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, coins for the shower donation box.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: Fishing for Redfin and Yellowbelly when the lake has water.
• Short Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the extensive foreshore.
• Boating & Water Skiing: A popular destination for water sports when conditions are suitable.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Cricket Club Hotel (Charlton) – Approx. 20 km
  • The East Charlton Hotel – Approx. 20 km
  • The Royal Mail Hotel (Wycheproof) – Approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Charlton Bakery – Approx. 20 km
  • Both Charlton pubs offer bistro meals – Approx. 20 km
  • Wycheproof Bakery – Approx. 25 km
• Local Attractions:
  • The Travellers Rest (Historic Mural in Charlton) – Approx. 20 km
  • Mount Wycheproof – Approx. 25 km
  • Lake Tyrrell (via Wycheproof) – Approx. 90 km
  • Silo Art Trail (starts at Nullawil) – Approx. 50 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Charlton Caravan Park – Approx. 20 km
  • Wycheproof Caravan Park – Approx. 25 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Tchum Lake – Approx. 35 km
  • Teddywaddy Park (near Wycheproof) – Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Charlton Public Dump Point – Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Charlton has multiple options – Approx. 20 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Charlton or Wycheproof.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and very dry, with average temperatures of 16-33°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm sunny days and cool nights, ideal for travel, averaging 9-26°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold, with frosty mornings and crisp days, averaging 4-15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant, a great time to see the Mallee wildflowers after rain, averaging 8-23°C.