For adventurers seeking the perfect base camp to explore the rugged northern peaks of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, Plantation Campground is an unbeatable choice. This large, popular, and free campground, often referred to as ‘The Pines’, offers an authentic Australian bush camping experience set against a stunning backdrop of dramatic sandstone cliffs. Located just off Mt Zero Road, it provides unparalleled access to some of the park’s most iconic and challenging hikes, including the summit walks of Mt Stapylton and Mt Zero, and the thrilling rock scrambling of Hollow Mountain. The campground is nestled in a spacious area that was once a pine plantation, offering a mix of shady sites and open spaces suitable for everything from tents and swags to large caravans and motorhomes.
This is a back-to-basics campground that champions self-sufficiency and a love for the outdoors. It’s a vibrant hub for hikers, rock climbers, and nature lovers who come to conquer the trails by day and share stories around a campfire by night. The facilities are simple but functional, providing the essentials for a rustic stay. The main attraction is the immediate proximity to the trails; you can leave your campsite and be on your way to a breathtaking summit view in minutes. The area is also rich in wildlife, with kangaroos, wallabies, and emus frequently spotted wandering through the campsites, while the skies are home to soaring wedge-tailed eagles. While it feels wonderfully remote, the campground is easily accessible from the Western Highway and the nearby towns of Horsham and Stawell. For a budget-friendly and action-packed Grampians adventure, Plantation Campground is the ultimate launchpad.
Plantation Campground – VIC Location Map
Plantation Campground (also known as The Pines)
- Address: Mt Zero Rd, Halls Gap VIC 3381 (Northern Grampians)
- GPS: -37.059268226663214, 142.51428309126302
- Website: This is a free campground within a National Park. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.
Site Details
- Location: Northern Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, at the base of Mt Stapylton.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Motorhomes, and Big Rigs.
- Road Access: Good quality unsealed road (Mt Zero Rd), suitable for 2WD vehicles.
- Site Surface: Natural dirt and sandy base.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please check Parks Victoria guidelines.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets, shared fire pits, picnic tables. No power or showers.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very patchy. Telstra has the best chance of a weak signal.
- TV Reception: Unlikely.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with room for many campers.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, hiking boots.
- Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in the Grampians National Park.
Activities
- Fishing: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: This is a premier hiking location. Direct access to Mt Stapylton, Hollow Mountain, and Mt Zero summit walks.
- Rock Climbing & Abseiling: The surrounding cliffs are a world-renowned climbing destination.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Commercial Hotel (Horsham) – Approx. 45 km
- The Royal Hotel (Horsham) – Approx. 45 km
- Dadswells Bridge Hotel (Dadswells Bridge) – Approx. 30 km
- Places to Eat:
- Dadswells Bridge General Store (basic takeaway) – Approx. 30 km
- Extensive range of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Horsham – Approx. 45 km
- Local Attractions:
- Mt Stapylton, Hollow Mountain, Mt Zero – Onsite
- MacKenzie Falls – Approx. 40 km
- Beehive Falls – Approx. 30 km
- Halls Gap Town Centre – Approx. 50 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Horsham Riverside Caravan Park – Approx. 45 km
- Grampians Edge Caravan Park (Dadswells Bridge) – Approx. 30 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Wartook Reservoir – Approx. 30 km
- Lake Lonsdale Foreshore – Approx. 45 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Horsham Public Dump Point – Approx. 45 km
- Halls Gap Public Dump Point – Approx. 50 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Dadswells Bridge – Approx. 30 km
- Horsham – Approx. 45 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available at Visitor Information Centres in Halls Gap or Horsham.
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite (non-flush).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry, can be exposed. Averaging 14-30°C. High fire risk.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, clear days and cool nights, ideal for hiking, averaging 8-23°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and crisp, with frequent frosts and chilly days, averaging 3-13°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild, the best time for wildflowers and waterfalls, averaging 6-20°C.
