Escape to the serene bushland of the Victorian High Country at Peppermint Ridge Camping Ground. This fantastic free camping spot offers a quintessential Australian outdoor experience, set within a spacious, grassy area surrounded by native forest. Ideal for self-reliant campers, it provides a peaceful and rustic base to explore the region’s gold rush history and breathtaking natural scenery. The campground is well-suited for a variety of setups, from simple tents to large caravans, with plenty of level ground and open space. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, making it a perfect spot for families, couples, or solo travellers looking to unwind and reconnect with nature.
As a prime location for off-grid camping, Peppermint Ridge encourages a leave-no-trace ethos. While basic toilet facilities are available, visitors must bring all their own supplies, including crucial items like drinking water and firewood. The accessibility for standard 2WD vehicles makes it a popular choice, though the tracks can become challenging in wet weather. During the day, the area is alive with the sounds of local birdlife, and by night, the lack of light pollution reveals a spectacular canopy of stars. Whether you’re interested in exploring nearby 4WD tracks, visiting the historic town of Woods Point, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet by a warm campfire, Peppermint Ridge Camping Ground delivers an authentic and memorable free camping adventure. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the rugged charm of the high country without the bustle and cost of a formal caravan park.
Peppermint Ridge Camping Ground – VIC Location Map
Peppermint Ridge Camping Ground
- Address: Near Woods Point, VIC 3723, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.516565, 146.060567
Campground Information & Local Area Guide
- Location: Situated in the Victorian High Country, a short drive from the historic Woods Point.
- Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.
- Road access: Accessible by 2WD vehicles in dry conditions. 4WD is recommended after rain.
- Site surface: Primarily grass and dirt.
- Camping permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
- Maximum overnight stays: Recommended 14 days.
- Facilities: Basic facilities for self-sufficient campers.
- Potable water: Not available. You must bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile phone coverage: Very limited; intermittent Telstra service may be found on higher ground.
- TV reception: Unreliable to non-existent.
- Onsite public toilets: Yes, basic non-flushing pit toilets are on site.
- Rubbish bins: No. Please adhere to leave-no-trace principles and take all rubbish with you.
- Open fires: Permitted in existing fire pits, but check for local fire bans and restrictions.
- Generator use: Permitted during respectful hours (e.g., 9 am – 8 pm).
- Number of sites available: Approximately 20+ unmarked sites.
- Essentials to bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, and all camping provisions.
- Pet friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash or under control at all times.
- Fishing: Limited opportunities in nearby creeks (Victorian fishing license required).
- Short walks: Numerous informal tracks through the surrounding state forest.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- The Commercial Hotel, Woods Point (Approx. 15 km)
- Kevington Hotel, Kevington (Approx. 40 km)
- The Jamieson Hotel, Jamieson (Approx. 60 km)
- Places to Eat:
- Woods Point General Store (limited supplies & snacks) (Approx. 15 km)
- Jamieson Brewery and Grill, Jamieson (Approx. 60 km)
- Local Attractions:
- Woods Point Historic Gold Mining Town (Approx. 15 km)
- Lake Eildon National Park (Approx. 70 km)
- Mount Terrible 4WD Track (Approx. 30 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Jamieson Caravan Park, Jamieson (Approx. 60 km)
- BIG4 Eildon Holiday Park, Eildon (Approx. 90 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- Frenchmans Creek Camping Ground (Approx. 2 km)
- Tunnel Bend Flat Campground (Approx. 25 km)
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Mansfield Showgrounds, Mansfield (Approx. 100 km)
- Eildon Lions Park, Eildon (Approx. 90 km)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Jamieson (Approx. 60 km)
- Mansfield (Approx. 100 km)
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Jamieson Public Park, Jamieson (Approx. 60 km)
- Mansfield Visitor Information Centre (Approx. 100 km)
- Public Toilets (Township):
- Woods Point (Approx. 15 km)
- Jamieson (Approx. 60 km)
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days (20-35°C), cooler nights. High fire danger season.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, pleasant days (15-25°C) and cool nights. Ideal camping weather.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold days (5-15°C) with very cold, often frosty nights (can drop below 0°C). Possible snow on higher peaks.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days (10-20°C), nights are still cold. Conditions can be variable.