Hunts Bridge Camping Area | Free Moorabool River Bush Camping Near Ballarat

Escape into the serene bushland of the Victorian Goldfields at Hunts Bridge Camping Area, a beautiful and popular free campground nestled on the banks of the Moorabool River East Branch. Located near the small locality of Morrisons, this is a classic Australian bush camp, offering a peaceful back-to-basics experience for self-sufficient travellers. The campground is set in a clearing within the Morrisons Diggings Historic Area, surrounded by native forest and the gentle sounds of the river. It’s a fantastic spot for those looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in nature. The spacious, informal sites are scattered amongst the trees, providing a good degree of privacy and shade, making it suitable for tents, camper trailers, and small to medium-sized caravans.

The Moorabool River is the centrepiece of this tranquil location, providing opportunities for a refreshing paddle or swim in the warmer months and a peaceful spot for a bit of fishing, with Redfin and Trout being the likely catches. The area’s gold rush history is palpable, and Hunts Bridge serves as a great base for those interested in gold fossicking and exploring the surrounding historic diggings. While facilities are minimal, which is part of its charm for seasoned bush campers, the essentials are there. The campground is conveniently located between the major regional city of Ballarat and the rural hub of Ballan, making it an accessible weekend getaway or a strategic stopover. For a free, pet-friendly bush camping experience that offers riverside relaxation and a glimpse into Victoria’s golden past, Hunts Bridge Camping Area is a true gem.

Campground Information

• Name: Hunts Bridge Camping Area
• Address: Hunts Bridge Track, Morrisons VIC 3334

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -37.7103069064925, 144.0955292996221

Website

• Website: This is a free campground in a State Forest. Information is available via the Forest Fire Management Victoria website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Riverside bush camp in Morrisons Diggings Historic Area.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, small to medium Caravans and Motorhomes.
• Road Access: Unsealed gravel/dirt road (Dollys Creek Rd). Generally 2WD accessible but can be slippery when wet.
• Site Surface: Dirt and grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check for local signage, short stays are expected.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood fire pits. No showers or power.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very patchy. Telstra may have a weak signal in some spots.
• 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 fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of the peaceful environment and other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Unmarked sites with space for approximately 15-20 setups.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, toilet paper, rubbish bags, insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: Fishing for Redfin and Trout in the Moorabool River.
• Short Walks: Bushwalking along the river and exploring the historic gold mining area.
• Gold Fossicking: The area is popular for gold prospecting (a miner’s right is required).

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Lal Lal Falls Hotel (Lal Lal) – Approx. 15 km
  • Meredith Hotel (Meredith) – Approx. 20 km
  • Wallace Hotel (Wallace) – Approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Lal Lal Falls Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 15 km
  • Meredith Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 20 km
  • Numerous options in Ballan – Approx. 25 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Lal Lal Falls Reserve – Approx. 15 km
  • Ballarat Bird World – Approx. 28 km
  • Sovereign Hill (Ballarat) – Approx. 30 km
  • Fairy Park (Anakie) – Approx. 40 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Ballan Caravan Park – Approx. 25 km
  • BIG4 Ballarat Goldfields Holiday Park – Approx. 30 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Smythesdale Gardens – Approx. 35 km
  • Bunjil’s Lookout – Approx. 35 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Ballan Public Dump Point – Approx. 25 km
  • Ballarat Transfer Station (fee applies) – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Lal Lal – Approx. 15 km
  • Ballan – Approx. 25 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in towns like Ballan or Meredith.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush). Full facilities in nearby towns.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry, averaging 14-28°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for bushwalking, averaging 8-22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and crisp, with frequent frosts and chilly days, great for campfires, averaging 3-12°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with increasing sunshine and wildflowers, averaging 6-19°C.