Last Updated on 19 September 2026 by Rob
Lake Gairdner Camping Area is a true high-country gem and lakeside escape, offering a rugged alternative to the busy commercial parks near Cradle Mountain.
Found near Moina, this informal bush camp is situated on the banks of a picturesque hydro lake surrounded by rolling hills and tranquil forest. It is a premier “off-grid” base, providing expansive, unshaded paddock sites where you can unhitch and enjoy the absolute stillness of the Tasmanian wilderness. Whether you are spending the day trout fishing, kayaking the calm waters or using the site as a strategic base to explore Cradle Mountain (just 30 minutes away), Lake Gairdner delivers a peaceful, no-frills experience that captures the untamed spirit of the Central Highlands.
In the evenings, it is common to see a platypus or two in the area. Cradle Mountain is just 30km away, making it a great option for exploring the national park.
Other than exploring Cradle Mountain and watching platypuses, there are a number of walks nearby. We recommend the Champagne Falls and Bridal Veil Falls walk and the walk up Bell Mount for a great view.
To stay at this site you should be self-contained. If you must dispose of your waste in a way that does not pollute the nearby water. Given that the area is surrounded by private land, this is difficult.
Pets and fires are permitted. Fires must be contained.
The camping area is managed by Hydro Tasmania.
Lake Gairdner Camping Area Quick Facts
| Campground Name | Lake Gairdner Camping Area |
|---|---|
| Nearest Town | Sheffield |
| GPS | 41°28'59.38"S 146° 3'33.29"E |
| Access Road | Sealed (last 4km unsealed) |
| Number of sites | Aprox 17 |
| Toilets | No |
| Water | No |
| Dump point | No |
| Power | No |
| Pets | Yes |
| Tents | Yes |
| Fires permitted | Contained |
| Telstra coverage | Very weak |
| Optus coverage | No |
| Cost | Free |
| Booking | N/A |
Planning a West Coast Tasmania Road Trip?
This destination is featured in our complete, un-sponsored 14-Day West Coast Tasmania Route Guide. Discover uncrowded, hybrid-friendly nature camps from Lake Gairdner to Mount Field, practical towing advice for the 99 Bends, and a flexible route covering Cradle Mountain, Strahan, Queenstown, and hidden wilderness walks.
Explore the West Coast Tasmania Route Guide →Campground Layout and Features
The camping area is a grassed area, allowing for about 17 campsites. This number is dependent on how people set up their campsites. To maximise the number (and prevent people thinking poorly of you) place your van perpendicular to the sides of the area.
No facilities are provided in this campground. You must remove all of your waste.
You must have an onboard toilet to stay at this campground.
Lake Gairdner Camping Area Location
Lake Gairdner Camping Area is located 41km to the south-west of Devonport. It is a accessed by a good c-class road. The last 4km is on the unsealed Moina Road. If travelling from the south the turn onto Moina Road is fairly sharp. When we was there Moina Road was in good condition.
The map below shows the location of Lake Gairdner Camping Area. You may zoom out for a general location of the area.
What to Watch Out For at Lake Gairdner Camping Area
We did not encounter any issues at this camping area, but we did make some observations.
The area looks like it would get very sodden during wet weather. Consider this when planning your stay.
The area is very popular. Plan to arrive early and definitely do not arrive late in the afternoon during busy periods.
Mobile coverage is marginal in the area.
You may notice that on Google maps the camping area is noted on the other side of the river. It appears that this area was used in the past. It is now rocked off. Don’t expect to be able to get a vehicle into this area.
Final Words
This is a wonderful campground, and we enjoyed our stay here. Arrive early or you may not get a place to camp for the night. This one of your favourite Tasmanian free camps.
Our Cradle Mountain National Park guide suggests this as a place to stay while exploring the park.
Visiting Cradle Mountain National Park?
Get the no-fluff breakdown in our comprehensive Cradle Mountain Guide. Plan your time across the park’s top day walks—from quiet rainforest loops and late-afternoon wombat viewing at Ronny Creek to the chain scrambles of Marion’s Lookout—along with essential shuttle bus logistics, fuel stops, and nearby off-grid camping at Lake Gairdner.
Explore the Cradle Mountain Guide →From this camp, you can start our West Coast Road Trip.
Make sure that you visit the nearby Champagne and Bridal Veil Falls.
Closeby Campgrounds
Lake Mackintosh Campground provides a great place to stay if you are travelling to the south-west.
If you are heading towards the north coast, you may like Sheffield Campground.
Details checked on 19/9/26.
