Allenvale Mill Campground | Lorne Rainforest Camping Near Erskine Falls

Escape into the lush, temperate rainforest of the Great Otway National Park with a stay at Allenvale Mill Campground, a serene and secluded walk-in campground just minutes from the vibrant coastal town of Lorne. This beautiful Parks Victoria site offers an authentic bush camping experience, nestled in a picturesque valley on the banks of the St George River. It’s a paradise for hikers and nature lovers who want to immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of the Otways, surrounded by towering eucalyptus trees, magnificent tree ferns, and the gentle sounds of the forest. The campground is designed for tent-based camping, with sites located a short walk from the carpark, ensuring a peaceful environment free from vehicle noise and creating a true sense of a wilderness retreat.

The main appeal of Allenvale Mill is its incredible location as the primary trailhead for the iconic walk to Erskine Falls, one of the region’s most spectacular waterfalls. Campers can leave their tent and embark on a stunning hike that follows the river through a beautiful fern-filled gully. The campground also provides access to other wonderful trails, including the paths to Cora Lynn Cascades and Henderson Falls. While the setting feels wonderfully remote, the campground is just a few kilometres from the heart of Lorne, offering the best of both worlds. You can spend your day hiking in the rainforest and your evening enjoying the acclaimed restaurants, pubs, and shops of the bustling seaside town. As a popular national park campground, bookings are essential. With its basic but well-maintained facilities and unbeatable location, Allenvale Mill Campground provides an unforgettable and affordable way to experience the magic of the Lorne hinterland.

Campground Information

• Name: Allenvale Mill Campground
• Address: Allenvale Rd, Lorne VIC 3232

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -38.550219723877284, 143.95939060573306

Website

• Website: Parks Victoria – Allenvale Mill

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Walk-in campground in a rainforest valley near Lorne.
• Site Suitable For: Tents and swags only. All gear must be carried in from the carpark (approx. 100-200m).
• Road Access: Sealed road to the dedicated Allenvale Mill carpark.
• Site Surface: Natural dirt and leaf litter base.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings and fees are mandatory via the Parks Victoria website.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check Parks Victoria guidelines.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, shared fire pits, picnic tables. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very poor to non-existent in the valley.
• TV Reception: Not applicable.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated communal fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Not permitted.
• Number of Sites Available: 16 designated, bookable sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, head torch, waterproof gear.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in the Great Otway National Park.

Activities

• Fishing: Possible for small trout in the St George River.
• Short Walks: This is a premier hiking location, being the main starting point for the Erskine Falls Walk. Also close to Cora Lynn Cascades and Henderson Falls.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Lorne Hotel – Approx. 4 km
  • The Grand Pacific Hotel (Lorne) – Approx. 4.5 km
  • Aireys Pub (Aireys Inlet) – Approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Extensive range of high-quality cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Lorne – Approx. 4 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Erskine Falls – Accessible via walking track from the campground
  • Lorne Main Beach & Pier – Approx. 4.5 km
  • Teddy’s Lookout – Approx. 6 km
  • Split Point Lighthouse (Aireys Inlet) – Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park – Approx. 4 km
  • BIG4 Wye River Holiday Park – Approx. 20 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Stevensons Falls Campground (inland) – Approx. 45 km
  • Sharps Camping Area (inland) – Approx. 35 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park (fee may apply) – Approx. 4 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Lorne – Approx. 4 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at the Lorne Visitor Information Centre.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush). Full facilities in Lorne.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm and can be humid in the forest, averaging 14-25°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Cool and calm, often with beautiful misty mornings, averaging 10-21°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and wet, the peak season for flowing waterfalls. Averaging 7-15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and crisp, with frequent showers bringing the rainforest to life. Averaging 9-19°C.