Discover a serene bushland escape just minutes from the heart of a major regional city at Goom Gooruduron-Yeran Campground, a beautiful Parks Victoria site within the Greater Bendigo National Park. Named in the Dja Dja Wurrung language, meaning “ancient rocks in the forest,” this campground offers a truly authentic Australian bush experience. It’s a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, nature lovers, and families seeking an affordable and accessible getaway. The campground is nestled in a peaceful, spacious clearing surrounded by a magnificent box-ironbark forest, offering well-defined, individual sites that provide a wonderful sense of seclusion. It’s the perfect place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle, waking to a vibrant chorus of native birds and watching kangaroos graze peacefully at dusk.
The main appeal of Goom Gooruduron-Yeran is its incredible location, which perfectly balances natural tranquility with urban convenience. The campground serves as a major hub for the Bendigo Bushland Trail, providing direct access to a fantastic network of walking and mountain biking tracks that wind through the rugged, gold-bearing hills of the national park. The surrounding forest is rich in biodiversity and history, with remnants of the gold rush era waiting to be discovered. As a designated national park campground, bookings are essential, and the facilities are simple but clean and well-maintained, suiting the rustic charm of the location. While it feels a world away, the vibrant city of Bendigo, with its world-class art gallery, historic attractions, and acclaimed food and wine scene, is just a short drive away. For a memorable adventure that combines beautiful bush camping with easy access to city amenities, Goom Gooruduron-Yeran is an outstanding choice.
Goom Gooruduron-Yeran Campground – VIC Location Map
Goom Gooruduron-Yeran Campground
Site Details
- Location: Bush setting in the Greater Bendigo National Park.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, and small Caravans/Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Good quality unsealed gravel road, 2WD accessible.
- Site Surface: Natural dirt and gravel base.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings and fees are mandatory via the Parks Victoria website.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check 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: Good for Telstra, patchy for other carriers.
- TV Reception: Possible but can be unreliable.
- 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: Not permitted.
- Number of Sites Available: 16 designated, bookable sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, hiking boots, mountain bike.
- Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in Greater Bendigo National Park.
Activities
- Fishing: Fishing opportunities in nearby Lake Eppalock or the Campaspe River.
- Short Walks: A premier hiking destination with direct access to the Bendigo Bushland Trail.
- Mountain Biking: The area is a major hub for mountain biking, with an extensive network of trails.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Axedale Tavern – Approx. 20 km
- The Gold Mines Hotel (Bendigo) – Approx. 15 km
- The Rifle Brigade Hotel (Bendigo) – Approx. 15 km
- Places to Eat:
- Extensive range of world-class cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Bendigo – Approx. 15 km
- Local Attractions:
- Central Deborah Gold Mine (Bendigo) – Approx. 15 km
- Bendigo Art Gallery – Approx. 15 km
- Bendigo Tramways – Approx. 15 km
- Heathcote Wine Region – Approx. 30 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- BIG4 Bendigo Park Lane Holiday Park – Approx. 12 km
- Gold Nugget Tourist Park (Bendigo) – Approx. 14 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Notley’s Campground (Paddys Ranges State Park) – Approx. 50 km
- Numerous camps in Heathcote-Graytown National Park – Approx. 30 km+
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Bendigo Showgrounds Public Dump Point – Approx. 18 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Numerous 24-hour options in Bendigo – Approx. 12-15 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available at the Bendigo Visitor Information Centre.
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite (non-flush).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry, with average temperatures of 15-31°C. High fire danger.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for walking and exploring, averaging 9-24°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and crisp, with frequent frosts, but often with clear, sunny days. Averaging 3-14°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant, a great time for wildflowers and mountain biking, averaging 8-22°C.
