Nestled deep within the state forest near the historic gold mining area of Bullumwaal, Blacks Camp offers a genuine Australian bush camping experience for those willing to venture off the beaten path. This secluded, free campsite is a true haven for self-sufficient travellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature. Located in the picturesque East Gippsland region of Victoria, the camp provides a serene base for exploring the surrounding rugged landscape, which is rich in both natural beauty and gold rush history. The journey into the camp itself is part of the adventure, with access via unsealed forest roads that wind through towering eucalypts and dense fern gullies.The campsite is set in a spacious clearing, offering a number of informal sites scattered amongst the trees, ensuring a good degree of privacy from other campers. The tranquil ambiance is punctuated by the sounds of local birdlife, including kookaburras and lyrebirds, with kangaroos and wallabies often spotted grazing at dawn and dusk. While facilities are basic, they cater to the essential needs of bush campers, promoting a low-impact, leave-no-trace ethos. The camp’s remoteness means you’ll need to bring all your own supplies, including sufficient drinking water and firewood, especially if planning to enjoy a campfire outside of fire restriction periods. Its location makes it an ideal spot for 4WD enthusiasts, trail bike riders, and anyone with a love for prospecting or simply unwinding under a brilliant canopy of stars, far from any city lights. Blacks Camp is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the wild, unspoiled heart of the Victorian high country.
Blacks Camp – VIC Location Map
Blacks Camp
- Address: Blacks Camp Road, Bullumwaal, Victoria 3875, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.66711380784144, 147.6573881771398
Campground Information & Features
- Location: Secluded bush setting in Bullumwaal State Forest, East Gippsland.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, off-road caravans, and swags.
- Road Access: Dirt / Gravel road (Blacks Camp Rd). Can be slippery when wet, 4WD recommended.
- Site Surface: Dirt and grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Generally 14 days, check local Parks Victoria/DELWP guidelines.
- Facilities: Basic, non-flush (long-drop) toilet.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent. Telstra may have intermittent service on high ground nearby.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, one long-drop toilet.
- Rubbish Bins: No. Please take all your rubbish with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. Check CFA website before lighting.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Approximately 10-15 informal sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent, first-aid kit.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are generally permitted but must be under control at all times.
- Fishing: Limited opportunities in nearby creeks for small native fish.
- Short Walks: Numerous informal walking tracks and 4WD trails to explore the surrounding forest.
Nearby Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs: Bruthen Inn Hotel (~35km), various pubs in Bairnsdale (~45km), Dargo Hotel (~60km).
- Places to Eat: Cafes and bakeries in Bruthen (~35km), wide selection of restaurants in Bairnsdale (~45km).
- Local Attractions: Boggy Creek Pub (historic landmark), Mitchell River National Park, Buchan Caves.
- Nearest Caravan Parks: Bairnsdale (~45km) offers multiple caravan parks with full facilities.
- Next Free Camps: Mitchell River National Park sites (e.g., Billy Goat Bend), Dargo River Inn.
- Nearest Dump Points: Bairnsdale Visitor Information Centre (~45km).
- Nearest Petrol Station: Bruthen (~35km), multiple options in Bairnsdale (~45km).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Bairnsdale or Bruthen.
- Public Toilets: Bruthen (~35km) and Bairnsdale (~45km).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days (25-35°C), cooler nights. High risk of bushfires.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days (15-25°C) and cool nights. Ideal camping weather.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold days (5-15°C) with very cold, often frosty nights that can drop below 0°C. Occasional snow on higher peaks.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild days with increasing warmth (15-22°C), but can be unpredictable with rain. Wildflowers are abundant.
