Uncover a piece of Victoria’s golden history at Glenalbyn Campground, a spacious and free bush camping area located near Brenanah. Perfectly positioned on the edge of Kooyoora State Park and the Glenalbyn State Forest, this campground serves as an ideal base for adventurers keen to explore the rich natural and historical tapestry of the Goldfields region. This is a classic, no-frills Aussie bush camp, offering plenty of room to spread out, making it a fantastic choice for large groups, families, or solo travellers with caravans or RVs.
The campground is set in a large, open clearing, surrounded by dry forest and historic landscapes. The primary drawcard here is, without a doubt, gold prospecting. The surrounding state forests and designated areas of the state park are renowned for yielding gold, and the campground is a popular spot for weekend prospectors dreaming of finding their own “Hand of Faith” nugget. Beyond the allure of gold, the area is a haven for bushwalkers and birdwatchers, with numerous tracks winding through the forest and leading to significant sites like Melville Caves, a nearby rocky outcrop steeped in bushranger lore.
It is crucial to understand that Glenalbyn is a fully self-sufficient campground. The most important facility *missing* is a toilet, so all campers must bring their own portable toilet system and take all waste with them. The site provides basic amenities in the form of several picnic tables and metal fire pits, many with pivoting barbecue plates perfect for cooking over an open fire (fire restrictions permitting). There is no potable water or rubbish bin service, meaning you must bring in every-single-thing you need and pack everything out. Access is generally good via graded dirt roads, suitable for 2WD vehicles and caravans in dry conditions.
For those prepared to be fully self-contained, Glenalbyn Campground offers a peaceful and spacious retreat into nature. Its proximity to the historic towns of Inglewood and Wedderburn makes it a convenient yet wonderfully remote-feeling location to soak in the unique atmosphere of the Victorian Goldfields.
Glenalbyn Campground – VIC Location Map
Glenalbyn Campground
- Address: Intersection of Brenanah-Glenalbyn Road and Sunday Morning Hills Road, Brenanah VIC 3517
- GPS Coordinates: -36.53415, 143.74279
Site Features
- Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and RVs. The spacious, open area is ideal for large groups.
- Road access: Graded dirt road (Brenanah-Glenalbyn Rd). Generally 2WD accessible in dry conditions; caution advised after heavy rain.
- Site surface: Dirt and gravel in a large clearing.
- Camping permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
- Maximum overnight stays: Check local signage for regulations and any length-of-stay limits.
- Picnic tables: Yes, several picnic tables are available.
- Potable water: No. You must bring all your own drinking and washing water.
- Mobile phone coverage: Patchy. Telstra 4G service may be available (approx. 1-2 bars) but is not guaranteed.
- TV reception: No.
- Onsite public toilets: **No.** All campers must be fully self-contained with a portable toilet.
- Rubbish bins: No. You must take all rubbish with you (Leave No Trace).
- Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits/barbecue plates only. Subject to seasonal fire restrictions (Total Fire Bans). BYO firewood.
- Generator use: Not specified. Be considerate of other campers if you must use one.
- Number of sites available: Not specified, but it is a very large, open campground with plenty of room.
- Essentials to bring: **Portable toilet**, drinking water, rubbish bags, firewood, toilet paper, insect repellent, and all food supplies.
- Pet friendly: Yes, pets are allowed (must be kept under control).
- Fishing: No, not onsite. Fishing is available in nearby reservoirs like Inglewood.
- Short walks: Yes, numerous bushwalking tracks are accessible directly from the campground into the State Forest and Park.
Local Amenities
Local Pubs
- Wedderburn Hotel: Approximately 20-25km away in Wedderburn.
- Empire State Hotel Inglewood: Approximately 20-25km away in Inglewood.
- Inglewood Hotel: Approximately 20-25km away in Inglewood.
Places to Eat
- Wedderburn & Inglewood Bakeries/Cafes: A selection of bakeries, cafes, and takeaway options are available in Wedderburn and Inglewood (approx. 20-25km).
Local Attractions
- Kooyoora State Park: Onsite. Features Melville Caves (historic bushranger hideout) and walking tracks.
- Glenalbyn State Forest: Onsite. Popular for gold prospecting and bushwalking.
- Gold Prospecting: The entire area is a designated Goldfield.
- Mount Korong Scenic Reserve: A short drive away, offering views and walks.
- Inglewood Eucalyptus Distillery Museum: Located in Inglewood (approx. 20-25km).
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Wedderburn Caravan Park: Approximately 20-25km away.
- Inglewood Caravan Park: Approximately 20-25km away.
Next Free Camps
- Melville Cave Campsite: Located nearby within Kooyoora State Park (has toilets).
- Mt Korong Scenic Reserve: Free camping available at the base.
- Possum Camp: Located in Wedderburn.
Nearest Dump Points
- Wedderburn: Public dump point available in town (approx. 20-25km).
- Inglewood: Public dump point available in town (approx. 20-25km).
Nearest Petrol Station
- Wedderburn (Mobil): Approximately 20-25km away.
- Inglewood: Petrol stations available (approx. 20-25km).
Drinking Water Resupply
- Wedderburn / Inglewood: Public taps available for water container refills in town parks (approx. 20-25km).
Nearest Public Toilets
- Melville Cave Campground: Nearby in Kooyoora State Park.
- Wedderburn / Inglewood: Public toilets available in town centres (approx. 20-25km).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (December – February): Hot and dry, with average maximums around 28-30°C. Days can frequently exceed 35-40°C. High fire danger season.
- Autumn (March – May): Warm days cooling to mild, with average maximums dropping from 26°C to 17°C. Nights become cool.
- Winter (June – August): Cool to cold, with average maximums around 13-14°C. Nights are very cold, with average minimums of 3-4°C. Expect frosts.
- Spring (September – November): Mild days warming up, with average maximums rising from 17°C to 25°C. A popular time for prospecting and hiking.