Manna Gum Campsite 7 is one of a series of thirteen idyllic, free camping areas strung along the picturesque Wellington River, just a short drive from the gateway town of Licola. Set beneath the shade of towering Manna Gums and Peppermint Gums, this campsite offers a classic Victorian High Country experience with the soothing sound of the river flowing just metres away. It’s a large, open, and relatively flat grassy area, making it an incredibly popular and accessible destination for all types of campers, from those in tents and swags to families with camper trailers and caravans. The direct access to the river is a major highlight, providing fantastic opportunities for swimming in the cool, clear water on hot summer days, launching a kayak, or simply relaxing on the bank. It’s also a well-regarded spot for trout fishing.
As part of a designated camping zone in the state forest, bordering the vast Alpine National Park, the Manna Gum sites offer basic but welcome facilities. Site 7, like several others along the river, is equipped with non-flush toilets, which is a significant convenience for a free campground. While fires are permitted in the provided pits (subject to fire restrictions), campers must bring their own firewood to help preserve the local environment. It’s crucial for visitors to be self-sufficient with all other needs, most notably drinking water, as none is available on-site. The popularity of the Wellington River campsites means they can get quite busy, especially on long weekends and during school holidays, so arriving early is advisable to secure a good spot. Being pet-friendly is another major drawcard, allowing the whole family to enjoy a fantastic bush getaway. Remember, there are no rubbish bins, so a strict ‘carry-in, carry-out’ ethos is essential to keep this beautiful area pristine for everyone to enjoy.
Manna Gum Campsite 7 – VIC Location Map
Manna Gum Campsite 7
- Address: Tamboritha Road, Licola, VIC 3858, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.53288950786613, 146.60833446340368
- Website: Information is available on the Parks Victoria website under Alpine National Park dispersed camping.
Campground Information & Features
- Location: Along the Wellington River on Tamboritha Road, approximately 10-15 km north of Licola.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and RVs.
- Road Access: Good quality gravel road, accessible by 2WD vehicles in most conditions.
- Site Surface: Mostly flat grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping. No bookings taken.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Up to 28 days in state forests.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets. Some sites have picnic tables and fire pits.
- Potable Water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to none.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic non-flush toilets are available at this and other designated Wellington River sites.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of noise.
- Number of Sites Available: Many unmarked sites within a large area.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, insect repellent.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
- Fishing: Yes, the Wellington River is popular for trout fishing.
- Short Walks: Plenty of opportunities for informal walks along the riverbank and surrounding bush.
Nearby Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- The closest is the Licola General Store which is licensed – Approx. 15 km
- Heyfield Railway Hotel (Heyfield) – Approx. 85 km
- Dargo Hotel (Dargo) – Approx. 50 km (via challenging 4WD tracks)
- Places to Eat:
- Licola General Store (basic takeaway) – Approx. 15 km
- Heyfield Cafe & Bakery (Heyfield) – Approx. 85 km
- Maffra (various options) – Approx. 100 km
- Local Attractions:
- Alpine National Park (Southern entrance) – Adjoins the area
- Licola township, the gateway to the High Country – Approx. 15 km
- Moroka Hut & Falls (requires 4WD) – Further up Tamboritha Rd
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Licola Caravan Park – Approx. 15 km
- Lake Glenmaggie Caravan Park – Approx. 75 km
- Next Free Camps:
- The other 12 numbered campsites along the Wellington River
- Barkly River Camp Site – Approx. 25 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Heyfield RV Stop Spot – Approx. 85 km
- Maffra – Approx. 100 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Licola General Store (expensive, limited hours) – Approx. 15 km
- Heyfield – Approx. 85 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Heyfield or Maffra are the nearest reliable towns.
- Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
- Licola township – Approx. 15 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Licola Area
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Days are warm to hot, ideal for river swimming. Nights are generally mild. High fire danger period. Temperatures range from 15°C to 35°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Pleasant, mild days and cool nights. Scenery is beautiful with autumn colours. Temperatures range from 8°C to 25°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and often wet, with frosty mornings. Higher roads into the Alpine Park will be closed. Temperatures range from 0°C to 15°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild but can be unpredictable with rain. The river can be high. A great time for wildflowers. Temperatures range from 5°C to 22°C.
