Discover a peaceful, free bush camp nestled in the heart of Victoria’s historic Goldfields at Ironbark Dam. Located in the Pyrenees State Forest just a short drive from the charming town of Avoca, this campground is a favourite for gold prospectors, families, and anyone looking for a simple, quiet getaway. The site is centred around the small, scenic dam, with a number of informal campsites set amongst the tall Ironbark trees.
This is a classic bush camping experience. The main drawcard is its location, which is right next to the historical Ironbark Gully gold diggings. It serves as an excellent base for those trying their luck with a gold detector, exploring the surrounding forest, or simply relaxing by the water. The area is relatively flat, making it accessible for tents, swags, and small-to-medium-sized camper trailers. While not a designated fishing lake, the dam is a popular spot for catching yabbies, so be sure to pack a net.
Access is via unsealed state forest tracks, which are generally well-maintained. In dry weather, a 2WD vehicle can typically access the site without issue, but an AWD or 4WD is recommended, especially after rain when the tracks can become slippery. As a state forest, the campground is pet-friendly, provided pets are kept on a leash and under control.
Campers must be self-sufficient. Facilities are limited to a non-flush (pit) toilet, basic picnic tables, and wood-fired BBQs or fire pits. There is no potable water available, so you must bring all your own drinking water. There are also no rubbish bins, requiring all visitors to follow “leave no trace” principles and take all their rubbish home. Open campfires are permitted in the designated pits, but you must bring your own firewood, observe all seasonal fire restrictions, and never leave a fire unattended. Mobile phone reception is very unlikely.
Ironbark Dam – VIC Location Map
Ironbark Dam
- Address: Ironbark Dam Track, Avoca VIC 3467 (Located within the Pyrenees State Forest)
- GPS Coordinates: -37.08605, 143.52755
Site Features
- Location: Pyrenees State Forest, near Avoca, Victoria.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, camper trailers, and small caravans (access permitting).
- Road Access: Unsealed dirt road (Ironbark Dam Track). Generally 2WD accessible in dry conditions, but AWD/4WD is recommended, especially after rain.
- Site Surface: Dirt and grass clearings.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free bush camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified (standard state forest limits apply).
- Picnic Tables: Yes, basic tables available.
- Potable Water: **No.** You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Unlikely. You may find patchy Telstra service on nearby hills, but do not rely on it.
- TV Reception: Unlikely.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic non-flush (pit) toilets.
- Rubbish Bins: **No.** This is a “leave no trace” site. You must take all rubbish with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits/BBQs, subject to seasonal fire restrictions and Total Fire Bans. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Several unmarked, informal sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, and all other camping supplies.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on-leash in Victorian State Forests.
- Fishing: Yes, popular for yabbies (freshwater crayfish).
- Short Walks: Yes, informal tracks around the dam and into the surrounding state forest, popular for gold prospecting.
Local Amenities
Note: The campground is very close to the town of Avoca (approx. 5-10 km drive).
- Local Pubs:
- Avoca Hotel (approx. 5-10 km in Avoca)
- Victoria Hotel Avoca (approx. 5-10 km in Avoca)
- Places to Eat:
- Avoca Hotel (approx. 5-10 km)
- Avoca Bakery (approx. 5-10 km)
- Various cafes on High Street, Avoca (approx. 5-10 km)
- Local Attractions:
- Avoca Silo Art (approx. 5-10 km)
- Pyrenees Wineries (various, starting from 10km)
- Gold prospecting (on-site and surrounding forest)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Avoca Caravan Park (approx. 5-10 km in Avoca)
- Next Free Camps:
- Avoca Riverside Free Camping (Lions Park) (approx. 5-10 km)
- Camerons Dam (approx. 15-20 km)
- Waterfall Creek (approx. 15-20 km)
- Nearest Dump Points (Sullage):
- Avoca Public Dump Point (opposite Avoca Caravan Park) (approx. 5-10 km)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Shell Avoca (approx. 5-10 km in Avoca)
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Avoca (public tap at Lions Park or opposite Caravan Park) (approx. 5-10 km)
- Nearest Public Toilets (off-site):
- Avoca (Lions Park / town centre) (approx. 5-10 km)
Seasonal Weather Forecast
The Avoca region experiences a temperate climate.
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Days are typically warm to hot, with average maximums around 29°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): Mild, sunny days and crisp, cool nights.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cool during the day (average max 13°C) and cold at night (average min 4°C). Frosts are common.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): Mild and pleasant, but can be variable with some rainfall. The forest is green and wildflowers are common.
Note: Always check and adhere to local fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days, especially during the warmer, drier months.