Step back in time at the Landsborough Hill Nature Conservation Reserve, a rugged and historic slice of the Victorian Goldfields. Located near the small town of Landsborough, this reserve offers a genuine bush camping experience for those who are truly self-sufficient. This isn’t your standard campground; it’s a dispersed camping area set within a protected reserve, meaning you trade facilities for solitude and spectacular natural beauty.
The reserve is a dream for gold prospectors, 4WD enthusiasts, and history buffs. The landscape is scattered with the ruins and remnants of a busy mining past, including old diggings, stone chimney ruins, and deep (and often open) mine shafts—care is essential when walking off-track. The main draw for many is the challenging Landsborough Ridge Track, a steep and rocky 4WD track that cuts across the top of the hill, rewarding drivers with stunning panoramic views over the surrounding Pyrenees wine region and the nearby Kara Kara National Park.
Camping here is a serious, self-contained affair. There are absolutely no facilities: no toilets, no picnic tables, no bins, and no potable water. You must bring everything you need, including a portable toilet, and strictly adhere to Leave No Trace principles by packing all rubbish out. Access to the small, dispersed clearings is best suited for 4WD vehicles, especially if you plan to explore the ridge. Some tracks on the eastern side may be accessible by 2WD in dry conditions, but this is not guaranteed.
Crucially, as a Nature Conservation Reserve, this area has stricter rules than a state forest. **Dogs and other pets are not permitted** to protect the native flora and fauna. If you are prepared for the rugged access and can be fully self-reliant, Landsborough Hill offers a magnificent and free escape where you can immerse yourself in history and nature, far from any crowds.
Landsborough Hill Nature Conservation Reserve – VIC Location Map
Landsborough Hill Nature Conservation Reserve
- Address: Landsborough Ridge Track, Landsborough VIC 3384
- GPS Coordinates: -36.96771, 143.14806
Site Features
- Site suitable for: Tents and off-road camper trailers. 4WD is highly recommended.
- Road access: Steep, rocky, and eroded 4WD tracks. Limited 2WD access to eastern side tracks (e.g., Glenisters Track) only in very dry conditions.
- Site surface: Natural dirt clearings in bushland.
- Camping permitted: Yes, free, dispersed bush camping is permitted.
- Maximum overnight stays: Check local signage. Standard for Victorian state forests is 28 days, but reserve rules may differ.
- Picnic tables: No.
- Potable water: No. You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile phone coverage: Patchy. May be available on hilltops (Telstra).
- 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.
- Open fires: Permitted, subject to seasonal fire restrictions (Total Fire Bans). Use existing fire pits where possible and BYO firewood.
- Generator use: Not specified (discouraged in a conservation reserve to minimise noise).
- Number of sites available: Not specified; consists of various small clearings.
- Essentials to bring: **Portable toilet, all drinking water, rubbish bags,** firewood, toilet paper, recovery gear (if 4WDing).
- Pet friendly: **NO. Dogs and other pets are not permitted.**
- Fishing: No.
- Short walks: Yes, extensive network of bushwalking and 4WD tracks. Be cautious of open mine shafts.
Local Amenities
Local Pubs
- Murphy’s Country Pub: Approximately 5-10km away in Landsborough.
- The Avoca Hotel: Approximately 25-30km away in Avoca.
- Railway Hotel Avoca: Approximately 25-30km away in Avoca.
Places to Eat
- Murphy’s Country Pub: Pub meals available (approx. 5-10km).
- Landsborough General Store: Basic takeaway (approx. 5-10km).
- Avoca & Beaufort Bakeries/Cafes: A wider selection of cafes and bakeries are available in Avoca (approx. 30km) or Beaufort (approx. 45km).
Local Attractions
- Gold Prospecting & Mining Ruins: Onsite.
- Landsborough Ridge Track: Challenging 4WD track with views (onsite).
- Pyrenees Wine Region: The reserve is located within this renowned wine-producing area.
- Kara Kara National Park: Nearby, offering more bushwalking and nature.
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Landsborough Community Resource Centre and Caravan Park: Approximately 5-10km away.
- Avoca Public Park & Caravan Park: Approximately 25-30km away.
Next Free Camps
- Various sites in nearby State Forests: (e.g., Pyrenees State Forest) Note: rules for pets may differ from this reserve.
- Avoca RV Free Stop: Located in Avoca (approx. 25-30km).
Nearest Dump Points
- Landsborough Caravan Park: May be available for guests or a small fee (approx. 5-10km).
- Avoca Public Park: Public dump point available (approx. 25-30km).
Nearest Petrol Station
- Mogas Landsborough Unmanned: 24/7 self-serve petrol & diesel (approx. 5-10km).
Drinking Water Resupply
- Landsborough / Avoca: Check for public taps in town parks (e.g., Avoca Public Park) for water container refills.
Nearest Public Toilets
- Landsborough: Public toilets available in town, near the Community Centre / Caravan Park (approx. 5-10km).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (December – February): Hot and very dry, with average maximums around 27-30°C. Frequent days over 35°C. Very high fire danger.
- Autumn (March – May): Warm days cooling to mild, with average maximums dropping from 24°C to 15°C. Nights become cool.
- Winter (June – August): Cool and often damp, with average maximums around 12-13°C. Nights are cold, dropping to 3-4°C with frequent frosts.
- Spring (September – November): Mild days that become progressively warmer, with average maximums rising from 15°C to 22°C. A good time for hiking.