AN update was provided by Parks Victoria regarding Lake Eildon National Park. The upgrade process was completed in June, with the update provided in late September. New toilet blocks have been installed at Candlebark, Lakeside and Devil Cove campgrounds, and at the main boat ramp next to the Herb Fitzroy Day Visitor Area. A new education shelter at Candlebark Campground has also been installed. Showers, drinking water, non-potable water, flushing toilets, picnic tables and barbecues are no longer available at Fraser Block campgrounds. Non-flushing toilets are available. Parks Victoria said, “Campground booking fees have been reduced to reflect the change in facilities, in line with other similar campgrounds.” Picnic shelters, tables and gas barbecues are available at Forsyth Flat and Herb Fitzroy Day Visitor Areas only. Much of the water supply and wastewater infrastructure serving the Fraser Block campgrounds was built in the 1960s and had reached the end of its life. Breakdowns were frequent, all water had to be carted into the park by truck, and camper numbers sometimes had to be limited while repairs were carried out. Parks Victoria sought independent advice on providing a permanent supply of drinking water to the campgrounds. UV disinfection and chemical treatment were not viable onsite and connecting to mains water and sewerage at nearby Alexandra was not feasible. Park Victoria said that removing the reliance on running water altogether, by decommissioning the showers and installing non-flushing toilets, was the most environmentally sustainable, reliable and cost-effective way to keep the campgrounds open long term. Each new toilet block uses a dry-vault system, which removes the previous reliance on running water. The facilities were replaced and issues with the ageing water and wastewater systems were resolved. The project was funded by $3.4 million from the Victorian Government’s Victoria’s Great Outdoors program. Initially, the upgrade was expected to be completed by the end of 2025, however there were delays due to final approvals and permitting. On November 12, 2025, it was announced that Candlebark, Lakeside and Devil Cove Campgrounds would close from January 7, 2026, to allow the contractors onto the site. Construction was expected to finish in early April, with all three campgrounds open for Easter. This led to concerns locally that the campgrounds would be closed during the busiest time of the year, and that the shire would be economically impacted. Following concerns from local businesses about the proposed peak-season closure for these works, local council advocacy successfully led Parks Victoria to adjust the construction schedule to keep the campgrounds open during the busy summer holiday period.
