Escape into the heart of Victoria’s renowned box-ironbark forests at Dargile Picnic Area and Campground, a fantastic free camping destination within the Heathcote-Graytown National Park. This beautiful and spacious bush camp is a haven for nature lovers, gold prospectors, and self-sufficient travellers seeking a peaceful retreat. The campground is set in a large, open clearing surrounded by a magnificent forest of native trees, offering an authentic Australian outdoor experience. With numerous well-spaced, level sites, it’s perfectly suited for all types of setups, from tents and swags to off-road caravans and camper trailers. The atmosphere is one of tranquility and adventure, where the days are spent exploring the rich biodiversity and gold rush history of the park, and the nights are for relaxing by a campfire under a brilliant, starry sky.
The main appeal of Dargile is its role as a gateway to the natural and historical wonders of the national park. It’s a popular base for gold fossicking and detecting, with the surrounding area known for its gold-bearing ground. The park is also crisscrossed with a network of tracks, making it ideal for bushwalking, birdwatching, and four-wheel driving. In spring, the forest floor comes alive with a spectacular display of native orchids and wildflowers. While it is a free, back-to-basics camp, the site is well-equipped with essential non-flush toilets, picnic tables, and wood fire pits, enhancing the rustic experience. Its location, feeling wonderfully remote yet remaining just a short drive from the acclaimed Heathcote wine region and the charming town of Nagambie, makes it a perfect weekend getaway. For a memorable, budget-friendly adventure that truly captures the spirit of the Victorian Goldfields, Dargile Campground is a top-tier choice.
Dargile Campground – VIC Location Map
Dargile Picnic Area and Campground
- Address: Dargile Rd, Mount Camel VIC 3523
- GPS: -36.85174889447184, 144.74318826631958
- Website: This is a free campground in a National Park. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.
Site Details
- Location: Forest setting in the Heathcote-Graytown National Park.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, and small to medium Off-road Caravans/Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Unsealed gravel/dirt road. Generally 2WD accessible with care, but can be slippery when wet.
- Site Surface: Natural dirt and gravel base.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe Parks Victoria guidelines.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets, shared fire pits, picnic tables. No power or showers.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very patchy to non-existent.
- TV Reception: Unlikely.
- 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 natural setting.
- Number of Sites Available: A large area with numerous unmarked sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent, gold detector.
- Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in Heathcote-Graytown National Park.
Activities
- Fishing: Limited opportunities in seasonal creeks. Better fishing at nearby Lake Nagambie.
- Short Walks: Excellent area for bushwalking, with many tracks leading from the campground.
- Gold Prospecting: The park is a well-known area for gold detecting (a miner’s right is required).
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Commercial Hotel (Heathcote) – Approx. 25 km
- The Union Hotel (Heathcote) – Approx. 25 km
- Tooborac Hotel and Brewery (Tooborac) – Approx. 40 km
- Places to Eat:
- Heathcote Bakery – Approx. 25 km
- Numerous cafes, wineries, and pubs in Heathcote – Approx. 25 km
- Local Attractions:
- Heathcote Wine Region – You are in it!
- Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve (Heathcote) – Approx. 25 km
- Nagambie Lakes – Approx. 45 km
- Historic town of Rushworth – Approx. 30 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Heathcote Queen Meadow Caravan Park – Approx. 25 km
- Nagambie Lakes Leisure Park – Approx. 45 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Whroo Historic Area Camping (fees may apply) – Approx. 40 km
- Kirwans Bridge Camping Area (near Nagambie) – Approx. 40 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Heathcote Public Dump Point (at the Showgrounds) – Approx. 26 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Heathcote has multiple options – Approx. 25 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available at the Heathcote Visitor Information Centre.
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite (non-flush).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry, with average temperatures of 15-32°C. High fire danger.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for walking and exploring, averaging 9-25°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and crisp, with frequent frosts, but often with clear, sunny days. Averaging 3-15°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant, the best time for wildflowers, averaging 8-23°C.
