Step back in time and immerse yourself in nature at the Kurth Kiln Scout Loop Camping Area, a fantastic free campground nestled within the historic Kurth Kiln Regional Park. Just a short drive from Melbourne, this beautiful bush retreat offers a unique blend of industrial heritage and serene forest surroundings. The campground itself is set in a spacious, open clearing surrounded by tall eucalypts, providing a peaceful and sheltered environment. It’s a popular spot for families, history buffs, and anyone looking for an easy weekend escape into the Victorian bush. The main attraction, the imposing Kurth Kiln, stands as a fascinating relic from the World War II era, and is just a short walk from the camping area.
The campground is well-suited for self-sufficient campers, with sites catering to tents, camper trailers, and small to medium-sized caravans. The facilities are basic but well-maintained, including non-flush toilets, picnic tables, and communal fire pits that create a friendly and social atmosphere on cooler evenings. Being a regional park, it is a pet-friendly destination, making it a wonderful choice for those who love to travel with their dogs. The area is a haven for walkers, with numerous tracks winding through the forest, including the Tomahawk Creek Walking Track. While there are no formal fishing spots, the nearby creeks offer a chance to explore. Campers must bring their own drinking water and firewood, and adhere to a strict carry-in, carry-out policy for rubbish. With its rich history, beautiful forest setting, and proximity to the charming town of Gembrook, the Kurth Kiln Scout Loop is a truly special free camping experience.
Kurth Kiln Scout Loop Campground – VIC Location Map
Kurth Kiln Scout Loop Camping Area
Features & Facilities
- Location: Forested setting within Kurth Kiln Regional Park.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, small to medium caravans.
- Road Access: Unsealed forest road, generally 2WD accessible with care.
- Site Surface: Dirt and grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with Parks Victoria, but short stays are typical.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, communal fire pits.
- Potable Water: No. Bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy to non-existent.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush toilets.
- Rubbish Bins: No. Carry-in, carry-out policy applies.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire restrictions.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers (daylight hours).
- Number of Sites Available: Numerous unmarked, dispersed sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, food, rubbish bags.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
- Fishing: Limited opportunities in small local creeks.
- Short Walks: Direct access to several walking tracks, including the Tomahawk Creek Walk and trails around the kiln.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- The Independent (Gembrook) – approx. 10 km
- Gembrook Hotel – approx. 10 km
- The Pakenham Hotel (Pakenham) – approx. 20 km
- Places to Eat:
- Multiple cafes and bakeries in Gembrook – approx. 10 km
- Wide range of dining options in Pakenham – approx. 20 km
- Local Attractions:
- Kurth Kiln Historic Site
- Puffing Billy Railway (Gembrook Station) – approx. 10 km
- Bunyip State Park
Nearby Parks & Services
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Gembrook Caravan Park – approx. 10 km
- Emerald Tourist Park – approx. 20 km
- Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
- Nash Creek Campground (Bunyip State Park, 4WD recommended) – approx. 20 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Pakenham Public Dump Point – approx. 20 km
- Nearest Petrol Station: Gembrook – approx. 10 km.
- Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Gembrook or Pakenham.
- Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite. Also in Gembrook.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm days with mild evenings. Ideal for picnics and walks. Average maximums are around 26°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, pleasant days and cool nights. Forest colours are a highlight. Average maximums range from 16°C to 23°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often damp days with cold nights. Tracks can be muddy. Average maximums are around 13°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days with the forest coming alive with wildflowers. Average maximums range from 16°C to 21°C.
