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Lake Lascelles Campground, Hopetoun | Lakeside Camping in Victoria’s Mallee
- Wander * Explore * Discover
- Jul 23, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Lake Lascelles Campground, Hopetoun - Lakeside Camping in Victoria’s Mallee
Lake Lascelles is a peaceful, man-made lake originally created as a water storage reservoir for the town of Hopetoun, in Victoria. Today, it’s a much-loved destination for lakeside camping, water sports, fishing, and relaxed bush getaways.
Located just 500 metres from the town of Hopetoun, Lake Lascelles offers the perfect balance of nature and convenience. Hopetoun and Lake Lascelles are approximately 400 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, in Victoria’s scenic Mallee region.
Camping Sites & Cost
We prefer camping in the unpowered section right on the lake’s edge, where many sites offer beautiful water views. Some of these spots also include fire pits with built-in cooking plates, which are perfect for campfire meals.
Camping is available all around the Lake Lascelles waterfront, as well as in the bush areas just behind the lake, giving you plenty of choice depending on how close you’d like to be to the water. Unpowered camping costs $5.00 per adult per night, with children staying free. Payment is easy — simply place your cash in the donation box near the main shower block.
Lake Lascelles also offers 12 powered sites for $30 per night. These sites are first come, first served, with no bookings available. Once you arrive and secure a site, payment can be made via the QR code located at your site or by placing cash in the donation box.
The powered sites overlook the lake and are conveniently located close to the main amenities block and camp kitchen, making them a great option for caravans and motorhomes.
Amenities
Near the powered sites is the main amenities block, which is a little rustic but functional, offering unisex toilets and hot showers. Additional amenities blocks with hot showers and toilets are located at various points around the lake, so you’re never too far from facilities.
There is also a camp kitchen equipped with a sink, fridge, BBQ, vending machine, and tables and chairs — ideal for shared meals or shelter on cooler evenings.
Other Accommodation
Lake Lascelles also offers a range of cabin-style accommodation that reflects the rugged charm of the Mallee. Built with corrugated iron, timber accents, and simple, sturdy lines, the cabins honour the region’s pioneering farming heritage.
A dedicated volunteer committee proudly maintains the Lake Lascelles cabins and camping areas, and their care and commitment are evident throughout the campground.
More Information
Lake Lascelles is dog-friendly, just keep your dogs on a lead and clean up after them.
Fires are allowed as long as there is no a Fire Ban.
The camping spots are easily accessible for motorhomes.
We had good Telstra mobile coverage when we stayed.
There is potable water available and rubbish bins.
There is a public dump point on the other side of the Hopetoun Caravan Park.
Hopetoun Victoria
It’s an easy 500-metre walk into the friendly town of Hopetoun, which has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Facilities include an IGA supermarket, petrol station, chemist, post office, bakery, café, and hotel.
There’s also a lovely picnic area with an eye-catching mural in the centre of town near the IGA, making it a nice spot to stop and relax.
Things to do at Lake Lascelles
Lake Lascelles has a boat ramp located at the end of Austin Street, with boating rules and regulations clearly displayed nearby.
Fishing is popular here, with Lake Lascelles and the adjacent Willow Lake home to a variety of fish, including Redfin, Cod, Bream, Catfish, and Yellowbelly.
You can also enjoy swimming, kayaking, boating, or simply relaxing under the shady trees and soaking up the peaceful lakeside atmosphere.
An Evening at Lake Lascelles
In the late afternoon, we decided to get the fire started and settle in for a relaxed evening by the lake. When we stayed, members of the local cricket club drove around the campground selling firewood straight from the back of their ute — $20 for 20 kilograms, which was very handy.
Once the fire was going and we had some hot coals, I started cooking naan bread on the hotplate. Earlier in the day, when we walked into Hopetoun, we stopped by the Meals Box Coffee Shop and picked up a couple of takeaway curries.
The Meals Box Coffee Shop is open daily and has a fantastic range of homemade curries. While I cooked the naan, Sandy prepared some basmati rice and warmed up the lamb curry and butter chicken in the motorhome.
Enjoying a hot meal by the campfire while watching the sunset over the lake was the perfect way to end the day.
A Perfect Lakeside Escape in the Mallee
Lake Lascelles is one of those special places where you can truly slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of camping. With peaceful lakeside sites, great facilities, easy access for motorhomes, and the friendly town of Hopetoun just a short walk away, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxed stay in Victoria’s Mallee.
Whether you’re fishing, kayaking, enjoying a campfire meal, or watching the sunset over the water, Lake Lascelles offers a welcoming and memorable camping experience that’s easy to settle into and hard to leave.
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