Greens Campground: Free Historic Goldfields Camping at Whroo

Step into a living museum of Victoria’s gold rush past with a stay at Greens Campground, a fantastic free camping area located in the heart of the Whroo Historic Area. This spacious and peaceful bush camp is the perfect base for history buffs, prospectors, and nature lovers to explore the extensive remnants of what was once a bustling gold mining town. The campground itself is set in a large, open clearing surrounded by shady trees, offering plenty of room for all types of setups, from tents to large caravans and RVs. The real magic of staying here is the direct access to a network of walking tracks that wind through the historic reserve, leading you to fascinating sites like the Balaclava Mine open cut, a reconstructed gold puddler, old cemeteries, and Aboriginal rock wells.

As a free bush camp, Greens Campground is geared towards self-sufficient travellers. It provides basic but welcome facilities, including non-flushing toilets and several fire pits with barbecue plates. Campers must bring their own drinking water and take all their rubbish home to help preserve the historic and natural values of the area. The campground is easily accessible for 2WD vehicles in dry conditions, making it a convenient option for all. It is important for visitors to know that to protect the heritage and wildlife of the reserve, **pets are not permitted** at this campground. With the charming town of Rushworth just a short drive away for supplies and a pub meal, Greens Campground offers an unbeatable combination of history, nature, and tranquility for a memorable and budget-friendly Goldfields adventure.

Campground Information

• Name: Greens Campground
• Address: Greens Road, Whroo, Victoria 3612, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -36.645575103305795, 145.0311761555099
• Website: Managed by Parks Victoria (no direct website for the campground).

Features & Rules

• Location: Spacious bush setting within the Whroo Historic Area.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.
• Road Access: Good access via unsealed roads, suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry conditions.
• Site Surface: Natural earth and grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit.
• Facilities: Non-flushing toilets and fire pits with BBQ plates.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy, Telstra generally has the best reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic non-flushing toilets are available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in provided fireplaces, subject to seasonal fire bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Numerous undesignated, unpowered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, and toilet paper.
• Pet Friendly: No, pets are not permitted in the Whroo Historic Area.
• Fishing: Not applicable at this location.
• Short Walks: Direct access to numerous historical walking tracks, including Balaclava Mine.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Criterion Hotel (Rushworth) – approx. 8 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Rushworth Bakery & Cafe – approx. 8 km
  • Various cafes and takeaways in Rushworth – approx. 8 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Balaclava Mine open cut – walking distance
  • Whroo Cemetery – walking distance
  • Rushworth Museum – approx. 8 km

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Nagambie Lakes Leisure Park – approx. 18 km
  • Rushworth Holiday Park – approx. 8 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Major Creek Reserve – approx. 23 km
  • Greens Lake (Corop) – approx. 30 km (low-cost)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Nagambie Lakes Leisure Park (check for public access/fee) – approx. 18 km
  • Rushworth (behind Shire Hall) – approx. 8 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Rushworth – approx. 8 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Rushworth – approx. 8 km.
• Nearest Public Toilets: On-site (basic). Flushing toilets in Rushworth – approx. 8 km.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry. Average maximum temperatures are around 29°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for walking and exploring. Average maximums range from 17°C to 26°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool days and cold nights with frequent frosts. Average maximums are around 13°C to 15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and becoming warmer, with pleasant conditions and wildflowers. Average maximums range from 17°C to 24°C.