Visitors flocking to Meredith Park Campground for the holiday season

Published on 15 April 2025

Council is delighted to welcome campers and caravanners to Colac Otway with Meredith Park Campground at full capacity during the Easter-Anzac Day public holiday period.

Meredith Park is a free campground maintained by Colac Otway Shire Council with an online, no-charge permit system that was implemented in September 2023 to assist Council to manage this popular camping destination.

General Manager Community and Economy Ian Seuren said the capacity of Meredith Park was monitored by Council through the permit system and observing general park usage.

“Council’s permit system doesn’t apply to day visitors or single overnight campers, and is aimed at assisting us to understand the interest in longer stays. The park increasingly attracts a variety of users and historically high volumes have led to a strain on facilities and a diminished experience for visitors,” Mr Seuren said.

“Being able to monitor permits and encourage longer-stay campers to plan to stay in the region at other wonderful campsites helps to avoid unmanageable numbers, to help guide management of the park’s facilities, the natural environment and ensure the park can be enjoyed sustainably by visitors.

“It is through this process that Council has now closed camping permit applications and will review permit applications and camping numbers after Anzac Day with the view to re-opening online camping permits.

“We’re passionate about Colac Otway and the tourism opportunities the shire offers, and welcome visitors to explore the naturally beautiful sites and our great restaurant and retail offerings through the shire.

“Following consultation with the local CFA, Council has recently installed 10 firepits on the foreshore. The new firepits encourage safer fire activities at Meredith Park going forward,” Mr Seuren said.

The firepits are located on the lake foreshore side of the campground, away from vegetated areas of the campsite.

Council reminds visitors and residents fire restrictions remain in place and to be aware of conditions and advice of authorities.