Flat Rock Campsite is a primitive, free camping area that serves as a popular staging ground for recreational vehicle enthusiasts exploring the rugged Tallarook State Forest. Located a convenient distance from Melbourne, this site is not a destination for quiet solitude but rather a hub of activity, particularly for 4WD clubs and trail bike riders. The campsite gets its name from the large, flat rocky outcrop that dominates the clearing, providing a solid base for camping setups. The surrounding area is a classic Victorian dry forest, characterised by towering eucalypts and a network of tracks that spiderweb through the hills, offering endless opportunities for adventure.
This is a completely self-sufficient campsite with no facilities whatsoever. Campers must bring everything they need, including their own water, a portable toilet system, and the means to take all rubbish away with them. The principle of ‘leave no trace’ is essential to maintain the area for future users. Due to its location in a state forest, the site is pet-friendly, allowing dogs to join the family adventure. Open fires are generally permitted in line with forest regulations, but you must bring your own firewood and be acutely aware of fire restrictions. The access via Ennis Road and connecting forest tracks can be challenging, especially after rain, making a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle highly recommended. While it lacks the riverside charm of other campgrounds, Flat Rock’s appeal lies in its utility as a launching point into the heart of the Tallarook Ranges’ renowned track network, making it an ideal choice for an action-packed weekend.
Flat Rock Campsite – VIC Location Map
Flat Rock Campsite
- Address: 645 Ennis Road, Tallarook, VIC 3659, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.16888829445961, 145.1492998778464
- Website: Managed as part of Tallarook State Forest. Information can be found on the Forest Fire Management Victoria website.
Campground Information & Features
- Location: Tallarook State Forest, accessible via Ennis Road.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, and high-clearance off-road camper trailers. Popular with 4WDs and trail bikes.
- Road Access: 4WD recommended. Unsealed forest tracks can be rough and slippery when wet.
- Site Surface: Large, flat rocky area with surrounding dirt and leaf litter.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free dispersed camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Standard 28-day state forest limit.
- Facilities: None.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Unreliable; may be available on higher ground but not guaranteed at the camp.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. A portable toilet is mandatory.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
- Open Fires: Permitted, subject to fire bans. BYO firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted and common, given the recreational vehicle focus of the area.
- Number of Sites Available: Large open area that can accommodate many groups.
- Essentials to Bring: All water, portable toilet, vehicle recovery gear, detailed maps, firewood.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash.
- Fishing: Not applicable at this location.
- Short Walks: The area is a hub for extensive bushwalking and trail bike tracks.
Nearby Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Tallarook Hotel (Tallarook) – Approx. 25 km
- Hogan’s Hotel (Wallan) – Approx. 35 km
- The Royal Hotel (Seymour) – Approx. 30 km
- Places to Eat:
- Tallarook (Pub, cafe) – Approx. 25 km
- Broadford (Bakeries, cafes, pubs) – Approx. 20 km
- Seymour (Wide range of options) – Approx. 30 km
- Local Attractions:
- Tallarook State Forest 4WD and trail bike network
- Mount Hickey Lookout
- Great Victorian Rail Trail access at Tallarook
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Broadford Caravan Park – Approx. 20 km
- Goulburn River Tourist Park (Seymour) – Approx. 30 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Freemans Camp and Picnic Area – Approx. 5 km
- Other clearings within the Tallarook State Forest
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Broadford RV Dump Point – Approx. 20 km
- Seymour Public Dump Point – Approx. 30 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Broadford – Approx. 20 km
- Tallarook (Hume Hwy service centres) – Approx. 25 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Broadford or Seymour are the nearest towns with reliable public taps.
- Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
- Freemans Camp and Picnic Area – Approx. 5 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Tallarook Area
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Can be very hot and dry. High bushfire risk. The forest provides good shade.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Pleasant and mild, generally considered the best time for visiting. Ideal for hiking and exploring.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold and can be wet, making forest tracks very slippery and challenging. Frosty mornings are common.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild weather, but can be variable. A fantastic time for seeing wildflowers and wildlife in the forest.
