Ferns Camp is a small, primitive bush campsite that offers a genuine sense of seclusion for the self-reliant 4WD enthusiast exploring the magnificent Toolangi State Forest. True to its name, the camp is nestled in a lush gully surrounded by a dense understorey of ferns and the towering, straight trunks of Mountain Ash trees, creating a serene and quintessentially Victorian forest atmosphere. Accessing this free campsite is part of the adventure, requiring a 4WD vehicle to navigate the network of forest tracks like Spraggs Road, which can become very slippery and challenging after rain. The reward is a beautifully quiet clearing, perfect for those with tents, swags, or small off-road camper trailers who want to escape the crowds of more accessible campgrounds.
This is a campsite for those who are prepared to be completely self-sufficient. There are no facilities at Ferns Camp – no toilets, no water, and no rubbish bins. Campers must bring everything they need, including a portable toilet system, all drinking water, and the means to carry out every piece of rubbish to uphold the ‘leave no trace’ principle. As it is located in a state forest, it is a pet-friendly campsite, allowing dogs to join you. The area is a haven for trail bike riding and 4WDing, with numerous tracks of varying difficulty to explore. It’s also a wonderful spot for bushwalking and wildlife spotting, with lyrebirds often heard and sometimes seen in the damp gullies. Fires are generally permitted in line with forest regulations, but you must bring your own firewood and be prepared with a fuel stove on days of Total Fire Ban. For those properly equipped, Ferns Camp provides a peaceful and immersive forest experience just a relatively short drive from Melbourne.
Ferns Camp – VIC Location Map
Ferns Camp
- Address: Spraggs Road, Toolangi State Forest, VIC 3777, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.426318021279634, 145.56876789831074
Campground Information & Features
- Location: In the Toolangi State Forest, accessible via forest tracks from the Healesville-Kinglake area.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, and small, high-clearance off-road camper trailers.
- Road Access: 4WD only. Forest tracks can be steep, rutted, and very slippery when wet. Subject to seasonal closures.
- Site Surface: Natural forest clearing, can be damp.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free dispersed camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Standard state forest 28-day limit applies.
- Facilities: None.
- Potable Water: No. Bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Highly unlikely. Satellite communication device recommended.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. A portable toilet is mandatory.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
- Open Fires: Permitted subject to regulations and fire bans. BYO firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but not suited to the quiet nature of the site.
- Number of Sites Available: A small clearing suitable for a few vehicles.
- Essentials to Bring: All water, portable toilet, vehicle recovery gear, detailed maps, PLB/sat phone, first-aid kit.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted in state forests but must be under strict control.
- Fishing: Not a primary activity at this specific site, but possible in larger nearby rivers.
- Short Walks: Informal exploring of the surrounding forest and 4WD tracks.
Nearby Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Toolangi Tavern – Approx. 15 km
- Kinglake Pub (Kinglake) – Approx. 25 km
- The Grand Hotel (Healesville) – Approx. 30 km
- Places to Eat:
- Toolangi Tavern – Approx. 15 km
- Kinglake (Bakery, cafes, pub) – Approx. 25 km
- Healesville (Wide variety of cafes, pubs, restaurants) – Approx. 30 km
- Local Attractions:
- Toolangi State Forest 4WD and trail bike network
- Wirrawalla Rainforest Walk – Approx. 15 km
- Yea River Falls
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park (Healesville) – Approx. 30 km
- Yea Riverside Caravan Park – Approx. 45 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Murrindindi Scenic Reserve (fees may apply) – Approx. 20 km
- Other clearings within the Toolangi State Forest
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Healesville – Approx. 30 km
- Yea – Approx. 45 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Healesville (Multiple major stations) – Approx. 30 km
- Yea – Approx. 45 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Healesville or Yea are the nearest reliable towns for public taps.
- Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
- Toolangi town centre – Approx. 15 km
- Murrindindi Scenic Reserve – Approx. 20 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Toolangi / Central Highlands Area
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot, but generally cooler and more humid under the dense forest canopy. High fire danger period.
- Autumn (Mar-May): A great time to visit. Mild temperatures, and the forest is beautiful. Tracks can be slippery after rain.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and very wet. Tracks become extremely slippery, boggy, and are often subject to seasonal closure. Light snow or hail is possible.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and damp. The forest is at its most lush, but be prepared for wet conditions and changeable weather.
