Lakes and Craters
Lakes and Craters


The Lakes and Craters Region owes its existence to a period of volcanic activity that lasted tens-of-thousands of years. The largest lake in Victoria is Lake Corangamite, a salt water lake which has a salinity level that is higher than the seawater. During dry spells, the salinity of Lake Corangamite can reach hyper-salinity levels. It is home to brine shrimp that provides vital food source for local and visiting birds.
Many of Victoria's lakes have dried up and it is not uncommon to see concrete boat ramps leading to a grassy field. But other lakes continue to thrive with good water levels and excellent fish stocks.
Terang Apex Caravan Park
Terang Apex Caravan Park is a small, tidy community run caravan park offering powered and unpowered sites at a moderate fee.













- Caravan Park
- Information
Cockatoo Lake Reserve
Cockatoo Lake Reserve provides free camping where you can enjoy boating and fishing on the lake. There are toilets and picnic facilities with a shelter at this location.












- Camping Area
- Day Use Area
- Boat Ramp
- Fishing Spot
- "Children's Play Facility"
Fort O'Hare Campground
Fort O'Hare Campground is the starting point for a 4-day canoe adventure to the river mouth at Nelson, via the Lower Glenelg National Park.












- Campground
- Fishing Spot
Picnic Point Lake Bolac Foreshore Camping Area
Picnic Point Lake Bolac Foreshore Camping Area provides you with room to stretch your legs and not have to be cheek and jowl with the next camper. Magnificent location right on the lake.















- Campground
- Fishing Spot
- Camping Area
Goroke Apex Accommodation Park
Goroke Apex Accommodation Park is just outside of the township of Goroke, Next to the community pool. Powered and unpowered sites are available.















- Camping Area
Lake Ratzcastle Camping Area
Lake Ratzcastle Campground is on the banks of the lake, which has been full of water throughout 2012 and onwards. It is a wonderful place to camp and you might catch some large yabbies in the lake.










- Camping Area
- Fishing Spot
Wannon Falls Campground
Wannon Falls Campground is a free-camp just west of Hamilton. There is a 24-hour limit for campers and no camping allowed on days of Total Fire Ban.


















- Campground
- Camping Area
- Fishing Spot
- Information
Meredith Park Camping Area
Meredith Park on Lake Colac is a grassy strip between the road and the northern shore of the lake. There is room for a number of caravans and a couple of large rigs.


















- Camping Area
- Fishing Spot
- Boat Ramp
Naracoorte Holiday Park
Naracoorte Holiday Park is a spacious park with lots of grassy areas. Wide, bitumen roads ideal for bicycle riding and a walking track that abuts the park, following the pretty Naracoorte Creek. Plenty of room for big rigs on our very large powered sites






















- Caravan Park
- Cabins
- Information
- Kiosk
- "Children's Play Facility"
Merino Showground
Merino Showground provides free camping with 8 power outlets available. Hot showers and clean water are provided.













- Showground
Mount Gambier Central Caravan Park
Think of Mount Gambier and you think of that beautiful Blue Lake, a water filled crater in the heart of the city. The trademark of the Capital of the Limestone Coast.






















- Caravan Park
- Cabins
- Information
- Kiosk
- "Children's Play Facility"
Pine Country Caravan Park
Our tranquil country park is only a kilometer south from the world renowned Blue Lake, Pine Country Caravan Park offers a beautiful natural setting for you to relax and unwind in.






















- Caravan Park
- "Children's Play Facility"
- Information
- Cabins
Greenrise Lake
Greenrise Lake provides free overnight camping with a 24hr limit. There is no water in the lake, having dried up over a decade ago.













- Day Use Area
- Overnight Rest Area
Lake Bringalbert Reserve
Lake Bringalbert is a good sized lake with many camping areas around it. There is shade, fire pits and good Telstra mobile signal.










- Camping Area
- Day Use Area
- Overnight Rest Area
- Boat Ramp
Frances Recreation Ground
Frances Recreation Ground provides free overnight camping with no specific time limit, providing campers do the right thing and leave the place tidy.











- Camping Area
Naracoorte Community Park
Naracoorte Community Park is a pleasant day rest area with BBQs, picnic tables and a children's playground. There is also a BMX track and skateboard park.











- Day Use Area
- "Children's Play Facility"
Wirreanda Campground & Bunkhouse
The Wirreanda Campground & Bunkhouse is located adjacent to the Naracoorte Caves, in the Naracoorte Caves National Park. There are good facilities and room for any size rig. The sites are powered and unpowered camping is also available.






















- Campground
- National Park
- Cabins
Naracoorte Showground
Naracoorte Showground offers basic facilities and the ability to camp with your pet. The showground is only available for general camping when there are no events scheduled.











- Campground
- Showground
Ardune Range Rest Area
Ardune Range Rest Area is a free overnight stop on a gravel strip that cuts across from Konetta-Naracoorte Road to Lucindale-Mount Burr Road at the junction.












- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
- Information
Kromelite Road Rest Area
Kromelite Road Rest Area is a free overnighter with no time limit and no facilities. Plenty of room for any size rig and some shade available,







- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Mount Schank
Mount Schank is a dormant, but not yet extinct volcano located 17km south of Mount Gambier. It rises 158m above sea level and there are two dry craters.










- Day Use Area
- Place of Interest
Little Blue Lake Rest Area
Little Blue Lake Rest Area is a roomy circular rest area with a level limestone surface. There is room for any size rig here. There are no facilities other than a rubbish bin.












- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Punt Road Rest Area
Punt Road Rest Area is a small drive through rest area with a level dirt driveway. There is a bin and a picnic table here, with some shade.








- Day Use Area
- Overnight Rest Area
Cape Northumberland
Cape Northumberland is the southernmost tip of South Australia, where the Southern Ocean crashes on the rugged limestone cliffs, carving out caves and islets where Fairy Penguins come ashore to nest.










- Day Use Area
- Information
- Place of Interest
Tenterden Reserve
Tenterden Reserve encompasses a large grassy area where there are electric BBQs, sheltered picnic tables, a toilet and a children's playground. A large parking area provides room for all size rigs. There is also a wide boat ramp at this location.

















- Day Use Area
- Fishing Spot
- Boat Ramp
- "Children's Play Facility"
- Information
Branxholme Rest Area
The Branxholme Rest Area is adjacent to the recreation reserve and near the Henty Highway.











- Day Use Area
- Overnight Rest Area
Mortlake Caravan Park
At the foot of Mt Shadwell, Mortlake is the centre of the rich agricultural and pastoral Great South Coast region of Victoria. Mortlake Caravan Park is a budget park with free washing machines.

















- Caravan Park
- Fishing Spot
Terang Day Rest Area
Terang Day Rest Area is in the centre of town and includes the grassy tree-lined park between the eastbound and westbound traffic lanes. There are BBQs, picnic tables and accessible toilets.
















- Day Use Area
- Information
- Takeaway Food
- "Children's Play Facility"
Noorat Rest Area
Noorat Rest Area provides clean accessible flushing toilets, BBQ and picnic tables in a grassy setting in the centre of the village. There is plenty of street parking for any size rig.












- Day Use Area
Mortlake Market Square
Mortlake Market Square is a handy picnic spot on the edge of town, walking distance to the shops and Post Office. There are BBQs and picnic tables, as well as accessible toilets.












- Day Use Area
- "Children's Play Facility"
Grange Burn Picnic Area
Grange Burn Picnic Area is located on the bank of this reedy waterway which is a platypus habitat and conservation area. It is also host to Australia's first Anzac Avenue, a grove of eucalyptus trees planted in 1917 by school children.













- Day Use Area
- Place of Interest
Tarrington Town Park Rest Area
Tarrington Town Park Rest Area provides clean flushing toilets, electric BBQ and picnic tables. There is a children's play facility.







- Day Use Area
- "Children's Play Facility"
Penshurst Caravan Park
Penshurst Caravan Park is a small council owned caravan park in Penshurst, in the southern Grampians region of Victoria. There are powered sites in a shaded location, with an amenities block.















- Caravan Park
Mount Sturgeon Rest Area
Mount Sturgeon Rest Area is a roomy gravel drive through rest area with some shade and a picnic table. There are no bins or toilets.







- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Wickliffe Rest Area
Wickliffe Rest Area is a tidy picnic spot with accessible toilets, covered BBQ and picnic table. Nice grassy area in the main street of this village.











- Day Use Area
- Information
Derrinallum Recreation Reserve Rest Area
Derrinallum Recreation Reserve Rest Area is an excellent overnight stop, with plenty of space and fabulous views of Mt Elephant.












- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Annya Road Picnic Area
Annya Road Picnic Area is a large secluded area in the forest. It is a very nice bush camp with BBQ pits and lots of firewood. There is a clean longdrop toilet.










- Camping Area
- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Port MacDonnell Foreshore Tourist Park
Situated on the outskirts of Port MacDonnell on beautiful Woolwash Beach, the Port MacDonnell Foreshore Tourist Park offers 130 sheltered, well grassed, powered sites and a selection of cabins and onsite vans.






















- Caravan Park
- Cabins
- Fishing Spot
- Kiosk
- "Children's Play Facility"
Lake Bolac East Beach Reserve
East Beach Reserve Camping Area is a large mown area with flushing toilets, a couple of picnic tables and camp fire pits not far off main road. Several other camping areas along the lake.













- Campground
- Fishing Spot
Lake Tooliorook Campground
Lake Tooliorook Campground is a popular fishing spot. During holiday times it can fill up so a phone call before you set out is a good idea.
















- Campground
- Boat Ramp
- Fishing Spot
Dunkeld Caravan Park
Dunkeld caravan park offers a great retreat at the base of the Grampians National park. There are grassed sites and well kept amenities. The Caravan Park is operated entirely by unpaid volunteers.













- Caravan Park
Baileys Rocks Campground
At Baileys Rocks Campground you can camp, have a picnic or take the short (330 metre) loop walking track to view and explore the large 500 million year old granite rocks at Baileys Rocks.













- Campground
Forestry Information Stop
The Forestry Information Stop is a free overnighter on the Riddock Highway with no toilets. It features an information board and picnic facilities. Generous space with good shade.









- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
- Information
Mount Gambier Showground
The Mount Gambier Showground has a small campsite open for public use most times through out the year. It is unavailable during major events.












- Showground
- Campground
Browns Waterholes Caravan Park
Browns Waterholes Caravan Park, in Lismore Victoria, is managed by the Lions Club. Prices are, Powered site $20.00 per night. Unpowered site $15.00 per night.
















- Caravan Park
Limestone Coast Tourist Park
Limestone Coast Tourist Park is the perfect place to recharge your batteries and experience all the rewards the Limestone Coast has to offer.
Set on 8 acres of tranquil parkland, overlooking surrounding countryside. 36 powered Ensuite sites 49 brick units






















- Caravan Park
- Cabins
- Information
- "Children's Play Facility"
- Kiosk
Blue Lake Holiday Park
The Blue Lake Holiday Park offers different types of accommodation for all budgets, along with sites for caravanners and campers.


















- Caravan Park
- Cabins
- "Children's Play Facility"
Edenhope North Rest Area
Edenhope North Rest Area is a narrow dirt drive through rest area that provides free overnight stop. A picnic table is the only facility here. Good shade with limited space.








- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Edenhope Lakeside Toursit Park
Edenhope Lakeside Tourist Park is nestled on the banks of Lake Wallace. A nature lover's paradise, Edenhope and the surrounding areas are dotted with chains of wetlands, lakes and majestic Red Gums.






















- Caravan Park
- Kiosk
- Cabins
- Fishing Spot
- Boat Ramp
Deep Lake Recreation Reserve Camping Area
Deep Lake Recreational Reserve Camping Area is a pleasant spot to camp, just off Chatsworth Road at Derrinallum. This campground is maintained by a volunteer committee. Fees go to maintenance and can be paid at cave in town
















- Campground
- Boat Ramp
- Fishing Spot
- Day Use Area
Hotspur Bridge Camping Area
Hotspur Camp is on the banks of the Crawford River. This is a free camp suitable for an overnight stop. There is sufficient room for a big rig.










- Camping Area
Nigretta Falls Picnic Area
Nigretta Falls Picnic Area provides a spacious picnic area with large shady trees and plenty of grassy spots. Great spot for a BBQ and enjoying the scenery.













- Day Use Area
- Fishing Spot
Bool Lagoon Turnoff Rest Area
Bool Lagoon Turnoff Rest Area is a free overnighter beside Narracoorte Road with good shade. Drive through configuration. No toilets.










- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Naracoorte Caves
Science and theatre come together at the Wonambi Fossil Centre, the Naracoorte Caves National Park visitor centre, to provide a snapshot of ancient Naracoorte. Step back in time and discover what Naracoorte was like over 200,000 years ago!



















- National Park
- Gift & Souvenir Shop
- Cafe
- Day Use Area
Edenhope Lake Wallace Recreation Ground Rest Area
Edenhope Lake Wallace Recreation Ground Rest Area is a day rest area with street parking. There are toilet facilities and shady areas.




- Day Use Area
Engelbrecht Cave
Renowned as one of the fascinating cave sites in Limestone Coast area, the Engelbrecht Cave is a stunning natural setting where you can get some of the greatest experiences of the Mount Gambier region.











- Day Use Area
- Place of Interest
- Cafe
Glenelg River Rest Area
Glenelg River Rest Area is a small pleasant day rest area adjacent to the highway, beside the Glenelg River, with a drive through configuration.









- Day Use Area
- Information
Lucindale Caravan Park
Lucindale Caravan Park is adjacent to the tennis courts and sports oval in Oak Avenue. It features lush grassy sites with good shade and amenities.
















- Caravan Park
Colac Otway Caravan & Cabin Park
Colac Otway Caravan & Cabin Park is situated on 5 beautiful acres, just west of Colac on the road to Warrnambool. It is the perfect location as a base for exploring the Otway National Park and the Great Ocean Road, the 12 Apostles and Red Rock.






















- Caravan Park
- Cabins
- Information
- "Children's Play Facility"
Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park
Explore the spectacular underwater world of Piccaninnie Ponds. Snorkel across the top of The Chasm and peer down into the dark depths below or dive down into the large underwater cavern known as The Cathedral.









- Day Use Area
- Place of Interest
Kalganyi Holiday Park
Rated by patrons as one of "Australia's Great Parks", Kalganyi Holiday Park is where you will enjoy friendly service in superb private parkland setting of established trees and lawns.



















- Caravan Park
- Cabins
- Information
- "Children's Play Facility"
Hiscocks Crossing Camping Area
Camping is permitted at Hiscocks Crossing where toilets are provided.














- Camping Area
- Fishing Spot
Tarpeena Rest Area
Tarpeena Rest Area is a day rest are beside the Tarpeena Memorial Hall. You'll have to park your rig on the grassy verge, as there is insufficient room in the parking area for anything but cars.





- Day Use Area
Island Park Caravan Park
The Island Park Caravan Park is located in Malcolm Carmichael Drive in Island Park Recreation Reserve fronting Murray Street Casterton.













- Caravan Park
Pirron Yallock Rest Area
Pirron Yallock Rest Area is a very ordinary bitumen drive through rest area on either side of the highway.







- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
Donovans Landing Picnic Area
Donovans Landing Picnic Area is a small day rest area by the bank of the Glenelg River. The road down to the river is a bit steep with some sharp turns, so not really suitable for caravans and large rigs.









- Day Use Area
- Fishing Spot
Bool Lagoon Game Reserve
Bool Lagoon is one of the largest and most diverse freshwater lagoon systems in southern Australia. This seasonal wetland is home to a wide range of wildlife and provides essential drought refuge for many rare and endangered bird species.

















- Campground
Digby Hotel Camping Area
This is the 3rd incarnation of the historic Digby Hotel stands on this site. It was officially opened in 1936, but the original first operated here in 1843. Named the Woolpack Inn, it burned down in 1887.













- Overnight Rest Area
- Day Use Area
- Fuel Available
- Kiosk
- Convenience Store
Lake Hamilton Motor Village and Caravan Park
Situated along the Banks of the Grange Burn, within walking distance of the City Centre and Lake Hamilton, Lake Hamilton Top Tourist Park is the ideal place to stay in Hamilton and tour the Southern Grampians, Coastal Towns & Cities.



















- Caravan Park
- "Children's Play Facility"
Coleraine Caravan Park
Coleraine Caravan Park is a council owned caravan park with powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites. There are amenities and laundry facilities including washing machines, dryers and ironing.














- Caravan Park
Cape Banks Lighthouse
Cape Banks Lighthouse Reserve provides camping along the track before the lighthouse.









- Campground
- Fishing Spot
- Place of Interest
Hamilton Caravan Park
Hamilton Caravan Park is conveniently located adjacent to the Hamilton Indoor Leisure & Aquatic Centre, a state of the art sporting facility with heated indoor leisure pool, fully equipped gymnasium, squash/racquetball facilities and Cafe.















- Caravan Park
- Cabins
- Kiosk
- "Children's Play Facility"
- Information
Princess Margaret Rose Caves Camping Area
Our interpretive centre provides a visual display on how the cave was first formed, the discovery of the cave by the early pioneers and the opening.


















- Campground
- National Park
- Fishing Spot
- Kiosk
- Gift & Souvenir Shop
- Information
About
Lake Bullen Merri near Camperdown is a popular boating venue, with a dual concrete boat ramp it caters for water skiers and fishers. The lake was formed in a crater that had become clogged with rocks and debris after the volcano had become dormant. Much of the water comes from runoff, however most of it is sourced from the underground water table seeping into the lake.Lake Purrumbete is a world renowned fishing venue with excellent stocks of Brown and Rainbow Trout as well as Chinook Salmon. There is a boat ramp located at the Caravan Park, offering the convenience of access to the lake and accommodation for keen fishers from around the world.
Lake Colac is the largest freshwater lake in Victoria. The town of Colac is situated on the southern shore of the lake. To the south is the Great Otway Ranges National Park.
Industries in this region include Dairy, Timber and Potato Growing. Tourism is also important, with many caravan parks, B&Bs and guest houses providing a good range of choice for the visitor to this area.
A great place to view a panorama of the Lakes and Craters region is at the Red Rock Lookout, near Lake Corangamite. Here, on a clear day, you can enjoy a near 360º view of the craters and lakes in this section of the volcanic precinct.
Mt Gambier in South Australia is one of the younger of the volcanos in the Lakes and Craters Region. The eruptions that formed Mt Gambier occurred only about 5,000 years ago and eye-witness accounts of this activity have been told and passed down the generations of the aboriginal tribes of the area. Mt Gambier is famous for the Blue Lake in the crater which is about 70m deep. There are many interesting geological features to explore in this area.
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