Green Hill Lake Camping Area (FC)

Green Hill Lake has an area of 260 hectares and can easily accommodate the smallest tent to the biggest motor home. Just pull in and select your own free campsite. Choose whether you want to watch the magnificent sunsets to the West, or take in Mt Langi Ghiran to the East or you may even want to set up right on the water’s edge and hear the waves gently lapping at the shore.

Hot showers are available at the first amenities building, the second amenities block is about another kilometre further on, which is only open during busy times and only has cold showers. The disabled toilet in this block is always open. All water taps in the park dispense drinking quality water. There are dog on leash areas and dogs off leash areas – signs show you these areas. Nine solid fuel BBQs have been placed around the lake and our members can supply ‘Rotary bagged wood’ there are also four different shelter buildings on the property.

An RV black water dump point is located in Ararat in Alexander Avenue opposite the Alexander Lake and gardens. A GHLDB member visits the lake most days and can advise on tourist places to visit around Ararat or rules of the lake. The lake has two boat ramps, a pontoon and caters for skiing, fishing and sailing boats, swimming, bird watching, canoeing and walking. The lake is known for its redfin and trout fishing. Regular stockings of rainbow and brown trout are taking place. A bridge to an island and canoe trails in the abundant wetlands area are other attractions.

Many planted native trees have created bush land type settings around the area and have attracted many different bird species. There is a playground and exercise machine, walking tracks (one goes all the way to Ararat), boat ramps and lawned picnic and BBQ areas which are all available for your use. Campfires are allowed except when CFA regulations prohibit them. Check out “Can I or Can’t I” on the CFA website.

HOW TO GET THERE
Green Hill Lake is located right next to the Western Highway about 4 km East of Ararat. When coming from Melbourne take Highway 8 (Western Highway) go past the Caltex Roadhouse about 5 km East of Ararat and then after about another kilometre turn right at the Green Hill Lake sign over the railway line into the lake area and veer to the right.

From Ararat take Highway 8 East towards Ballarat. After about 4km turn left at the Green Hill Lake sign and go over the railway line and veer to the right.

SITE ACCESS
Camp sites are signposted and are 200 metres further on, over the railway line. Large vehicles are not a problem, after entering the lake area travel about a kilometre to the campsites and choose your own free site.

FEES & BOOKINGS
Free Camping is available at the lake, there is no need to book as there are acres of camping places which the campers select themselves. Donations are appreciated but not compulsory and go to the Green Hill Lake Development Board who use the money, which is their only income, to further enhance the lake complex. This Board is made up of volunteers who do many of the tasks around the Lake – some of which include mowing the grass, pick up rubbish, trim trees, minor repairs, help and advise campers and advise the Ararat Rural City Council who are the lake management authority.

THINGS TO DO
The lake caters for skiing, fishing, swimming, bush walking, bird watching, photography, cycling and just relaxing. There is a playground for the kids. Ararat’s business centre which encompasses many restaurants has everything campers could want and also has four very popular tourist attractions in the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre, Langi Morgala Museum, Railway Museum and JWard jail for the criminally insane.

Ghost tours are conducted regularly at Aradale Psychiatric Hospital and also J Ward.

Many campers use Green Hill Lake as a base site to explore the Grampians National Park and also Mt. Langi Ghiran and Mount Cole State Parks which are all within 30 minutes to an hour drive.