Holey Hill Free Camping – Holey Plains State Park, VIC

Holey Hill Camping Area offers a serene and secluded bush camping experience for those looking to immerse themselves in the unique landscape of Central Gippsland. Located at the highest point within the 10,600-hectare Holey Plains State Park, this free campground is a fantastic spot for self-sufficient campers who appreciate peace and quiet. The park is renowned for its beautiful open forests of Banksia and Eucalypt, which thrive on the low sandy ridges and provide a habitat for an incredible diversity of native flora and wildlife. The journey into the campground along narrow, winding sandy tracks sets the scene for a remote getaway, and a 4WD vehicle is highly recommended to ensure safe and easy access, especially after wet weather.

The campground itself is basic, providing essential facilities like non-flush toilets and fire pits, but campers must be entirely self-reliant, bringing their own drinking water and taking all rubbish home. This commitment to leave-no-trace camping helps preserve the pristine environment. From Holey Hill, visitors have direct access to some of the park’s best features, including the Banksia Forest Walking Track, a short loop that showcases the area’s beautiful flora. For a longer hike, the Long Swamp Walking Track leads to the largest swamp in the park, a vital habitat for native shrubs and wildlife like Lace Monitors and emus. While it feels a world away from everything, the campground is only a short drive from the town of Rosedale, making it a convenient yet wonderfully wild destination for a weekend escape.

Campground Details

• Name: Holey Hill Camping Area
• Address: Holey Hill Track, Holey Plains State Park, Longford, VIC 3851, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -38.23186052291955, 146.93969378213217
• Website: Part of Holey Plains State Park.

Park Facilities & Information

• Road Access: Unsealed, narrow, and sandy tracks. 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended.
• Site Surface: Sand and natural earth.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but short-term stays are standard.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, and fireplaces.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited to none within the park.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush toilets are available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fireplaces only, subject to fire restrictions and Total Fire Bans. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of the natural quiet.
• Number of Sites: Several undefined sites.
• Essentials to Bring: All drinking water, rubbish bags, firewood, a portable toilet if preferred, and recovery gear for your vehicle.
• Location: Holey Plains State Park, south of Rosedale.
• Pet Friendly: No, dogs, cats and other pets are not permitted in the park.
• Fishing: Not a primary activity at this location.
• Short Walks: Yes, Banksia Forest Walking Track (1km) and Long Swamp Walking Track (3.2km) start from near the campground.

Nearby Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Rosedale Hotel – Approx. 20 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Smokehouse 81 (Rosedale) – Approx. 20 km
  • Various cafes and bakeries in Rosedale – Approx. 20 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Harrier Swamp – within Holey Plains State Park
  • Scenic drives along Wildflower Track and Jacks Track – within the park
• Nearest Alternate Caravan Parks:
  • Rosedale Caravan Park – Approx. 20 km
  • BIG4 Traralgon Park Lane Holiday Park – Approx. 40 km
  • Sale Motor Village – Approx. 45 km
• Alternate Free Camps:
  • Harrier Swamp Campground (within Holey Plains State Park) – Approx. 5 km
  • Willow Park Rosedale (48hr stop) – Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Alternate Dump Points:
  • Rosedale Bowls Club – Approx. 20 km
  • Sale Showgrounds – Approx. 45 km
  • Traralgon (various locations) – Approx. 40 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • BP Rosedale – Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Alternate Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Willow Park, Rosedale – Approx. 20 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Holey Plains State Park has a temperate climate, with mild conditions year-round.

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days, with average maximums around 25-26°C. The sandy tracks can become very dry.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and often calm, making it ideal for bushwalking and exploring. Wildflowers may begin to appear.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool, with average maximums around 14-15°C. Nights can be cold with occasional frosts. Tracks can become wet and challenging.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant. This is the peak season for wildflowers, making the scenic drives and walks particularly beautiful.