Pleasant, level, grassed and shaded sites just below the scoria slopes of Mt Eccles.
Originally named Mt Eeles by Major Mitchell. Sites vary in size, are semi-dispersed over a large area of bush, most share the 10 BBQs and taps, 2 toilet blocks (1 with hot showers). Good shade from mature Manna Gum and scattered Blackwood with an understory of bracken and grass over scoria. Remote from main roads and day visitors. Rated 4.4/5 Parrots, kookaburras, wrens, honeyeaters and cockatoos are common, with the occasional wedge tailed eagle. Koalas are common, tiger cats, wombats and echidnas may be seen at dusk. Stunning views of the crater lake (Lake Surprise) are obtained from the crater rim. A surprise to Major Mitchell as the surrounding country is dry, especially in summer. The nature walk around the rim takes about 1hr, the walk around the lake edge takes about 45 minutes. There are other longer walks including the Canal Walk (2hrs) along the lava flow and Natural Bridge Walk (2hrs). The nearby Byaduk Caves (Mount Napier State Park) are the largest and most accessible lava caves in Australia. (No Camping)

Access
This site is accessable by caravans in good weather.

Getting there
Situated towards the west of Victoria's volcanic plains, south of Hamilton, north-east of Portland, north-west of Warrnambool. Access from Macarthur (34k south of Hamilton or 47k north-west of Port Fairy on the Hamilton-Port Fairy Rd [C184]): East 8.5k on the Mount Eccles Rd.