Camping in Lakes Entrance, VIC, AU: 12 Best Campgrounds 2024

Set near Australia's largest inland network of waterways, Lakes Entrance has long been popular among families and boaters from East Gippsland and beyond. Lakes Entrance is on the doorstep of one of Victoria’s best beaches: the Ninety Mile Beach, a spectacular and unspoiled 90-mile long stretch of sand that separates the Southern Ocean from the Gippsland Lakes. Given this location, boat cruises, fishing, and whale watching are a big focus. But there’s also excellent biking and great seafood cuisine. Lakes Entrance has a wide range of camping grounds, including campsites nestled within lake inlets and along the foreshore of Ninety Mile Beach.

Metung

One of Gippsland’s neatest and prettiest towns, Metung attracts a stylish, artistic crowd. Given its location on an inlet, this is the place to go boating and waterskiing. There’s boat and fishing equipment for hire and great places to dine. Legend Rock, an important indigenous site, is accessible along the town boardwalk. A Big4 Caravan Park is the in-town option, but the coastal and wilderness areas have oodles of excellent camping options.

Orbost

Situated on the Snowy River, one of Australia's most important landmarks, sits the pretty Alpine town of Orbost. This is the place to grab a craft beer or a treat (or three) from the many cafes and bakeries before heading off into neighboring national parks, forests and beaches. Campers can stay at Orbost’s own caravan park whose lovely setting is on the banks of the Snowy River. Orbost is a good jumping off point to the nearby township of Marlo, and inland to national parks, such as the Snowy River National Park which offers bush camping and some beautiful hikes.

National Parks

Lakes Entrance and the Gippsland Lakes are enveloped by an array of national parks. Most have wilderness camping options on the coast, in temperate rainforests, and by lakes or river gorges. These include The Snowy River National Park and Mitchell River. The closest is The Lakes National Park, which has bush camping at Emu Bight Camping Area. The World Biosphere Reserve Croajingolong National Park offers basic but lovely campgrounds that are dotted along the many inlets. (These are great for Australian wildlife: Long-nosed Bandicoots, Brush-tailed Possums, and the Yellow-Bellied Glider). Bush and coastal walks, indigenous sites, and boating and fishing are on the adventure menus here.

When to go

Summer months bring excellent fishing, but it also brings bushfires. Summer holidays (end of December and January) are busy so be sure to reserve ahead.

Know before you go

It’s best to have your own transport to explore this region. Although East Gippsland appears as a small area on the Victorian map, be aware that distances are still large.
Bairnsdale, the region’s main hub, is a good place to stock up on supplies for camping.
Wildlife is prolific: bring binoculars, insect repellant and covered shoes, even if you’re sticking to the coast.
Heed all bushfire warnings; only one main arterial road serves this area and it’s surrounded by bush.