Step into the heart of the Victorian Goldfields at Bullock Campground, a basic free bush camp located just outside Marong and a short drive from Bendigo. This unique site is set within the Bendigo Regional Park at the ruins of an old distillery, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area’s history. Campers can explore the remaining brick ruins and vats, making for an interesting backdrop to a rustic getaway.
This is a ‘back to basics’ campground and is strictly for self-sufficient campers. There are no facilities on site – meaning no toilets, no drinking water, and no rubbish bins. You must bring everything you need and follow ‘Leave No Trace’ principles, packing out all your rubbish. The campground itself is a clear, gravel area with several old (but functional) wooden picnic tables and informal fire pits.
Access is via unsealed Bullock Road, which is generally suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry conditions. However, the track can become muddy and slippery after rain, at which point a 4WD is highly recommended. The site is best suited for tents, swags, and small off-road camper trailers. While it’s a gravel area, finding a level spot is possible.
The campground sits directly below the small and scenic Green Gully Reservoir. A short walk takes you to the dam wall, which offers a pleasant circuit track for bushwalking and birdwatching. Please note that visitor restrictions are clearly signed: **camping, swimming, fishing, and boating are NOT permitted** in or around the reservoir itself. The main activities at the campground are gold prospecting (which is permitted in the surrounding Bendigo Regional Park), bushwalking, and relaxing by a campfire (when fire restrictions allow).
Bullock Camp Grounds – VIC Location Map
Bullock Camp Grounds (Bullock Campground)
- Address: Bullock Road, Marong VIC 3515, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -36.78477, 144.15555
Site Features
- Location: A basic bush camp at a historic distillery ruin, set in the Bendigo Regional Park near Marong.
- Site suitable for: Tents, swags, and small off-road camper trailers. Not ideal for large caravans.
- Road access: Unsealed road. 2WD accessible in dry weather, but 4WD is recommended after rain.
- Site surface: A clear, gravel area with some dirt patches.
- Camping permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
- Maximum overnight stays: As per Victorian state park guidelines (typically 28 days).
- Picnic tables: Yes, several old wooden tables (in deteriorating condition) are on site.
- Potable water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile phone coverage: Patchy to poor. Telstra may have some service, but do not rely on it.
- TV reception: Poor to non-existent.
- Onsite public toilets: No. This is a self-contained site. All campers must bring their own portable toilet and remove all waste.
- Rubbish bins: No. This is a strict ‘Leave No Trace’ area. You must take all rubbish with you.
- Open fires: Permitted in informal fire pits, unless a Total Fire Ban is in effect. Check CFA warnings. Bring your own milled firewood.
- Generator use: Permitted, but please be courteous to other campers regarding noise. Ensure it has a spark arrestor.
- Number of sites available: A small number of informal, undefined sites in a shared gravel area.
- Essentials to bring: Portable toilet, drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, and prospecting gear.
- Pet friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash and must be under control, as per Bendigo Regional Park rules.
- Fishing: **Not permitted** in the adjacent Green Gully Reservoir.
- Short walks: Yes, a track leads to and around the Green Gully Reservoir dam wall.
Local Amenities
The nearest town for basic supplies is Marong (approx. 1-2km). The nearest major city is Bendigo (approx. 13-15km).
Food & Drink
- Local Pubs: Marong Family Hotel (Calder Hwy, Marong, approx. 1-2km), Pratty’s Patch (Maiden Gully, approx. 7-8km), The Hibernian (Golden Square, approx. 13km).
- Places to Eat: Marong Family Hotel, takeaway shops in Marong, and extensive options in Bendigo (approx. 13km+).
Attractions & Activities
- Local Attractions: Historic Distillery Ruins (on site), Green Gully Reservoir walk (on site), Central Deborah Gold Mine (Bendigo, approx. 14km), Bendigo Tramways (Bendigo, approx. 14km), Great Stupa of Universal Compassion (approx. 15km).
Caravan & Camping
- Nearest Caravan Parks: BIG4 Bendigo Marong Holiday Park (1449 Calder Hwy, Marong, approx. 1-2km).
- Next Free Camps: Marong Tourist Camping Reserve (Marong, very basic, no facilities), dispersed camping in other areas of Bendigo Regional Park (check signage).
- Nearest Dump Points: No public dump point in Marong. Available at BIG4 Bendigo Marong for guests (fees may apply for non-guests). Nearest free public dump point is in Clunes (approx. 60km).
- Nearest Petrol Station: Riordan Fuels Marong (10 High St, Marong, approx. 1-2km).
- Drinking Water Resupply: No public tap in Marong. Nearest public taps at parks/toilets in Bendigo (e.g., Lake Weeroona).
- Nearest Public Toilets: Marong Public Toilets (14 High Street, Marong, approx. 1-2km).
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Marong, VIC
Marong shares Bendigo’s climate, which is generally dry with four distinct seasons.
- Summer (December – February): Warm to hot and dry, with average maximum temperatures from 26°C to 31°C. Heatwaves are common.
- Autumn (March – May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights. This is often considered the most pleasant season.
- Winter (June – August): Cool to cold and damp, with average highs around 12-14°C. Nights are cold, with frost being common.
- Spring (September – November): Mild and becoming warmer, but can be unsettled with some wind and rainfall as the weather transitions.