Pardalote Campground offers a fantastic and accessible bush camping experience within the beautiful and biodiverse Brisbane Ranges National Park. Located just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, it’s the perfect spot for a quick city escape. The campground is set in a peaceful clearing amongst the park’s renowned ironbark and stringybark forests, providing a tranquil base for exploring what is considered Victoria’s richest wildflower habitat. The park’s unique geology has allowed over 600 plant species to flourish, making it a spectacular sight, especially during the vibrant spring wildflower season.
The campground itself is well-suited for tents, camper trailers, and small caravans, with several well-defined, unpowered sites. While camping is free, bookings must be made in advance via the Parks Victoria website to secure a spot. The facilities are basic but well-maintained, including non-flush toilets, picnic tables, and communal wood fireplaces. As it is a national park, strict rules apply: dogs and generators are not permitted, ensuring a peaceful experience for all campers and the protection of the abundant native wildlife, which includes kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and over 170 species of birds. Campers must be self-sufficient, bringing their own drinking water and taking all rubbish home. Firewood collection is also prohibited, so you must bring your own supply. Pardalote Campground is an excellent launching point for some of the park’s best walking trails, such as the Anakie Gorge Walk and the Ted Errey Nature Circuit, making it an ideal choice for hikers, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking a restorative break in nature.
Pardalote Campground – VIC Location Map
Pardalote Campground
Campground Information & Features
- Location: In the Brisbane Ranges National Park, near the Anakie Gorge area.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, and small caravans.
- Road Access: Unsealed park roads, generally 2WD accessible in dry conditions.
- Site Surface: Compacted earth/gravel sites.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free but bookings are mandatory via the Parks Victoria website.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: As per booking and park regulations.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, communal fireplaces.
- Potable Water: No. Bring all your own drinking water. Tank water is not suitable for drinking.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited and unreliable.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic non-flush toilets.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fireplaces only, subject to fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
- Generator Use: Prohibited in the National Park.
- Number of Sites Available: A designated number of bookable sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Booking permit, drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper.
- Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in the Brisbane Ranges National Park.
- Fishing: Not applicable at this location.
- Short Walks: Excellent. The campground is a hub for numerous well-marked walking trails.
Nearby Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Anakie General Store & Pub – Approx. 10 km
- The Royal Hotel (Meredith) – Approx. 25 km
- Lara Hotel (Lara) – Approx. 30 km
- Places to Eat:
- del Rios Winery and Restaurant (Anakie) – Approx. 12 km
- Anakie (Pub, General Store) – Approx. 10 km
- Meredith (Pubs, Cafe) – Approx. 25 km
- Local Attractions:
- Anakie Gorge Walk & Stony Creek Picnic Areas
- Steiglitz Historic Park – Approx. 15 km
- Fairy Park (Anakie) – Approx. 12 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Anakie Caravan Park – Approx. 10 km
- Gold Nugget Tourist Park (Ballarat) – Approx. 55 km
- Geelong caravan parks – Approx. 40 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Fridays Campground (within the park, bookings required) – Approx. 15 km
- Steiglitz has basic walk-in camping (e.g., Gracie Lorimer)
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Geelong or Ballarat are the nearest major centres with public dump points.
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Anakie – Approx. 10 km
- Lara – Approx. 30 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Anakie may have a public tap, otherwise Geelong is the most reliable option.
- Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
- Anakie Gorge Picnic Area
- Stony Creek Picnic Area
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Brisbane Ranges / Anakie Area
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Can be very hot and dry. High bushfire risk; the park may be closed on Code Red days. Temperatures often exceed 35°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Typically pleasant and mild, ideal for hiking. Temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold with chilly nights. Can be damp, making tracks muddy. Temperatures range from 4°C to 15°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): The premier season for visiting due to the spectacular wildflower displays. Weather is mild but can be variable. Temperatures range from 8°C to 22°C.
