Good to know

  • Drive in site
  • No facilities available
  • Portable toilet required
  • Campfires not permitted
  • No dogs allowed
  • Livestock graze this area
  • Mobile phone coverage may be available

Activities

  • Dispersed camping
  • Walking

Camping area description

Dering Channel Camping Area provides drive-in camping and recreation, approximately 3 km west of Speed. This area is accessed directly off Patchewollock-Sea Lake Road (refer to the map below).

The camping area is on a licensed Crown water frontage that has been designated for camping. Before visiting this site, find out about access to Crown water frontages.

The camping area is mostly flat, surrounded by dense scrub and bordered by the channel.

Camping is only permitted in a specifically designated area on this frontage (see map below). Other areas of Crown water frontage can be accessed for recreational activities other than camping, such as fishing, walking, and picnicking.

Safety

Crown water frontages are rough and rugged bush camp areas. Before you go, it is important to consider all potential risks and hazards when accessing and camping at this location. Campers are responsible for their own safety and the safety of those in their care.

Tree hazard

  • Trees and limbs may fall unexpectedly. Avoid camping under trees.
  • Stormy and windy weather increases the risk that trees and limbs may fall.

Livestock

  • This site may be part of a working farm
  • Cattle may be present on this water frontage and access the river.
  • If cattle approach you, avoid sudden movements and loud noises.
  • Farm animals  are not pets. They can be large and unpredictable and should not be approached.
  • Store your food in a secure container to avoid attracting livestock and other animals.
  • Leave all gates as you find them.

Water and flood safety

  • Play it safe by the water.
  • Hidden dangers may include submerged objects and debris and strong currents. A storm well upstream from you could cause flash flooding.
  • Check the Bureau of Meteorology for weather forecasts and flood warnings, or visit Play it Safe by the Water for more information.

Bushfires

  • Be aware of dangerous weather and bushfire conditions.
  • Check VicEmergency for information about current fires, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans.

Other risks that may be present include dangerous terrain, animals and adjoining farming operations.

How to get there

  1. From Speed travel west along Patchewollock-Sea Lake Road
  2. Enter licensed Crown water frontage via a gate at the north-east corner, adjacent to the Speed Cemetery
  3. Drive in following a track that leads south to the designated camping area
  4. Park vehicle trackside and walk in to designated camping area
  5. Campsite is bordered by the channel

Get directions to the camping area access point

Map - camping area

Resources

Further information

Page last updated: 05/06/23