For those seeking a truly peaceful and secluded bush camping experience, Ruoaks Campground is a magnificent free destination located deep within the beautiful Strathbogie State Forest. This charming and rustic campground offers a more intimate alternative to some of the larger reserves in the area, making it a paradise for self-sufficient travellers, families, and nature lovers who value tranquility. The campground is set in a beautiful, sheltered clearing on the banks of the Seven Creeks, surrounded by a stunning forest of towering eucalypts and lush ferns. The individual sites are scattered amongst the trees, offering a wonderful sense of privacy and allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in the serene sounds of the Australian bush.
The main appeal of Ruoaks is its incredible natural setting. The crystal-clear Seven Creeks provides a lovely spot for kids to splash and play, and the surrounding forest is a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and a huge variety of birdlife, including lyrebirds, being common sights. It’s a fantastic base for exploring the rugged beauty of the Strathbogie Ranges, with numerous tracks nearby that are perfect for four-wheel driving, trail bike riding, and bushwalking. While it is a free, back-to-basics camp, it is well-equipped with essential non-flush toilets and shared wood fire pits, enhancing the authentic bush experience. Despite feeling wonderfully remote, the campground is still accessible from the nearby towns of Strathbogie and Euroa for supplies. For a memorable, budget-friendly adventure that truly captures the magic and solitude of the Victorian high country, Ruoaks Campground is an exceptional choice.
Ruoaks Campground – VIC Location Map
Ruoaks Campground
- Address: Strathbogie VIC 3666 (via Ruoaks Rd)
- GPS: -36.92217726661185, 145.80374792818594
Site Details
- Location: Forest camp in the Strathbogie State Forest.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Off-road Caravans, and Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Unsealed gravel/dirt road. Generally 2WD accessible with care, but can be steep, corrugated, and slippery. 4WD is recommended.
- Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe FFM Vic guidelines for State Forests.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets, shared fire pits. No power or showers.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water or have a reliable purification system.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very patchy to non-existent.
- 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 the natural setting.
- Number of Sites Available: Medium-sized area with a good number of unmarked sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead in State Forest areas.
Activities
- Fishing: Limited to no fishing opportunities in the small creek.
- Short Walks: Excellent area for bushwalking, with numerous tracks leading from the campground.
- 4WD & Trail Bike Riding: The Strathbogie Ranges are a premier destination for off-road enthusiasts.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Strathbogie Hotel – Approx. 12 km
- The Euroa Hotel (Euroa) – Approx. 38 km
- The Seven Creeks Hotel (Euroa) – Approx. 38 km
- Places to Eat:
- Strathbogie General Store & Cafe – Approx. 12 km
- Numerous cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Euroa – Approx. 38 km
- Local Attractions:
- Polly McQuinns Weir – Approx. 8 km
- Gooram Falls – Approx. 18 km
- Strathbogie Ranges scenery and 4WD tracks – You are in them!
- Lake Nillahcootie – Approx. 45 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Euroa Caravan Park – Approx. 38 km
- Mansfield Holiday Park – Approx. 65 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Goldworthys Campground – Approx. 5 km
- James’ Camping Reserve (Lima East) – Approx. 30 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Euroa Public Dump Point – Approx. 38 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Euroa has multiple 24-hour options – Approx. 38 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available in Strathbogie or Euroa townships.
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite (non-flush).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days with cool mountain nights. Averaging 14-30°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, the peak season for autumn colours. Averaging 8-23°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frequent frosts and chilly, often damp days. Averaging 2-13°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild, with the forest green and lush, but weather can be very changeable. Averaging 6-20°C.
