Freemans Camp and Picnic Area is a popular and wonderfully accessible free campsite nestled in the heart of the Tallarook State Forest. Just a short drive from Melbourne, it’s a perfect destination for a quick weekend escape into a classic Victorian bush setting. The campground is a large, open, and relatively flat area surrounded by a beautiful mixed forest of eucalypts, providing a mix of sunny and shady spots. Its ease of access via well-maintained unsealed roads makes it suitable for all vehicle types in dry weather, including 2WDs, caravans, and motorhomes. This accessibility, combined with its spacious layout, makes it a favourite for families, groups, and those new to bush camping.
The reserve is well-known as a hub for recreational activities. The extensive network of tracks throughout the Tallarook State Forest makes it a paradise for 4WDing, trail bike riding, and bushwalking. The campsite itself provides a peaceful base to return to after a day of adventure. Facilities are basic but well-maintained, including non-flush toilets, picnic tables, and wood fireplaces. As a state forest, Freemans is pet-friendly, so dogs are welcome to join the fun on a leash. Campers must be self-sufficient, bringing their own drinking water and taking all their rubbish home with them. Firewood collection from the surrounding forest is prohibited to protect the habitat, so you must bring your own. The camp offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the simple pleasures of the Australian bush – sitting by a campfire under the stars, listening to the sounds of the forest, and exploring the natural surroundings. Its convenience and welcoming atmosphere make Freemans Camp a top choice for a forest adventure.
Freemans Camp and Picnic Area – VIC Location Map
Freemans Camp and Picnic Area
- Address: Freemans Road, Tallarook State Forest, VIC 3659, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.162440038075424, 145.1655311701098
Campground Information & Features
- Location: In the Tallarook State Forest, east of the Hume Highway.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and RVs.
- Road Access: Good quality unsealed forest roads, 2WD accessible in dry weather.
- Site Surface: Level, gravel and earth clearings.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free of charge. No bookings required.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Standard state forest 28-day limit.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood fireplaces.
- Potable Water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy. Can be found on higher ground but is unreliable at the campsite.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic non-flush toilets are available.
- Rubbish Bins: No. A strict carry-in, carry-out policy applies.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fireplaces only, subject to fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Numerous unmarked sites in a large area.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash.
- Fishing: Not applicable at this site.
- Short Walks: Excellent. The campground is a trailhead for several forest walks.
Nearby Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Tallarook Hotel (Tallarook) – Approx. 20 km
- The Royal Hotel (Seymour) – Approx. 25 km
- The Prince of Wales Hotel (Seymour) – Approx. 25 km
- Places to Eat:
- Tallarook (Pub, cafe) – Approx. 20 km
- Seymour (Numerous cafes, bakeries, pubs, restaurants) – Approx. 25 km
- Broadford (Various options) – Approx. 25 km
- Local Attractions:
- Mount Hickey Lookout
- Tallarook State Forest 4WD and trail bike tracks
- Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk (Seymour) – Approx. 25 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Goulburn River Tourist Park (Seymour) – Approx. 25 km
- BIG4 Seymour Holiday Park – Approx. 25 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Trawool Reservoir Picnic Area (day use, no camping)
- Other clearings within the Tallarook State Forest
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Seymour Public Dump Point – Approx. 25 km
- Broadford RV Dump Point – Approx. 25 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Tallarook (Hume Hwy service centres) – Approx. 20 km
- Seymour (Multiple major stations) – Approx. 25 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Seymour or Broadford are the nearest towns with reliable public taps.
- Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
- Tallarook township
- Seymour township
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Tallarook Area
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Can be very hot and dry. High bushfire risk. The forest provides good shade. Temperatures often exceed 30°C.
- 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 slippery. Frosty mornings are common.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild weather, but can be variable. A fantastic time for seeing wildflowers and wildlife in the forest.
