Step directly into the pages of Australian folklore with a stay at the Stringybark Creek Camping Area, a significant and evocative free campground located at one of the most famous sites in the Ned Kelly story. Nestled deep within the beautiful Toombullup State Forest, this is the very place where the Kelly Gang had their fateful shootout with police in 1878. Today, it offers a peaceful and deeply historic bush camping experience for self-sufficient travellers. The campground is a spacious, serene clearing set amongst towering gum trees, providing an authentic Australian bush setting. The atmosphere is one of quiet reflection, where you can walk the same ground as the legendary bushrangers. It’s an essential destination for history buffs, school groups, and anyone seeking a unique and meaningful connection to the nation’s past.
The main attraction is the historic reserve itself. A well-marked walking trail with interpretive signs guides you through the key locations of the shootout, including the Kelly Tree and the police camp site, bringing the dramatic story to life. The campground provides a classic, back-to-basics experience, with well-maintained, simple facilities that suit the rustic and historic nature of the location. The large, open area is suitable for all types of setups, from tents to caravans. Its location in the High Country foothills also makes it a great base for exploring the surrounding state forest, which is popular for four-wheel driving, trail bike riding, and bushwalking. While it feels a world away from modern life, it remains accessible from the regional hubs of Benalla and Mansfield. For a budget-friendly and profoundly historic camping adventure that captures a pivotal moment in Australian history, the Stringybark Creek Camping Area is an unmissable destination.
Stringybark Creek Camping Area – VIC Location Map
Stringybark Creek Camping Area
- Address: Archerton VIC 3723
- GPS: -36.87276396226839, 146.20214205879353
- Website: This is a free campground in a Historic Reserve. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.
Site Details
- Location: Historic bush setting in the Toombullup State Forest.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, and Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Unsealed gravel/dirt road. Generally 2WD accessible with care, but can be slippery and corrugated.
- Site Surface: Natural dirt and grass base.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe FFM Vic 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 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 historic and peaceful nature of the site.
- Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with many 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: Not applicable.
- Short Walks: The main attraction is the historic walking track detailing the Kelly Gang shootout.
- History: This is a key site in the Ned Kelly story.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Tolmie Tavern (Tolmie) – Approx. 20 km
- The Commercial Hotel (Mansfield) – Approx. 35 km
- The Mansfield Hotel – Approx. 35 km
- Places to Eat:
- Tolmie Tavern (Bistro) – Approx. 20 km
- Numerous cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Mansfield – Approx. 35 km
- Local Attractions:
- Ned Kelly Historic Site – You are at it!
- Powers Lookout – Approx. 30 km
- Mount Samaria State Park – Approx. 25 km
- Lake Eildon – Approx. 50 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Mansfield Holiday Park – Approx. 35 km
- Benalla Tourist Park – Approx. 40 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Tolmie Recreation Reserve – Approx. 20 km
- Blue Range Camping Area (near Lake Eildon) – Approx. 40 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Mansfield Public Dump Point – Approx. 35 km
- Benalla Showgrounds Public Dump Point – Approx. 40 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Mansfield has multiple 24-hour options – Approx. 35 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available in Mansfield or Benalla.
- 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, ideal for walking. Averaging 8-23°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frequent frosts and chilly days. Averaging 2-13°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild, with the forest green and lush, but weather can be changeable. Averaging 6-20°C.
