Nestled in a serene valley deep within the magnificent Kinglake National Park, The Gums Campground is a premier destination for nature lovers seeking a comfortable yet authentic bush camping experience. This beautifully designed Parks Victoria campground offers a peaceful escape amongst towering Mountain Ash trees and lush fern gullies, with the gentle sounds of the nearby Mountain Creek providing a constant, soothing backdrop. It’s a place that perfectly balances a true sense of immersion in the forest with excellent, modern facilities that make for a hassle-free stay. The campground has been thoughtfully laid out with 18 well-spaced, designated sites that offer privacy and a direct connection to the stunning natural surroundings.
What sets The Gums apart from many national park campgrounds are its outstanding amenities. The clean, modern facility block includes flushing toilets and the much-appreciated luxury of hot showers, a welcome comfort after a day spent exploring the park’s extensive network of walking trails. Each campsite is equipped with its own picnic table and a dedicated fire pit, perfect for cosying up to a crackling campfire on a cool mountain evening. The campground is a haven for wildlife; it’s almost guaranteed you’ll see wallabies and kangaroos grazing peacefully, and the area is renowned for its incredible birdlife, including the elusive lyrebird.
The location is a paradise for hikers and explorers. Numerous walking tracks start from or are easily accessible from the campground, including the trail to the spectacular Masons Falls. The park itself is a symbol of regeneration, having recovered beautifully from the devastating 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, and its story is one of resilience and natural beauty. Its relative proximity to Melbourne makes it an incredibly popular getaway for weekends and school holidays, so booking well in advance is absolutely essential to secure a spot in this magnificent forest retreat.
The Gums Campground – VIC Location Map
The Gums Campground
- Address: Kinglake-Glenburn Rd, Kinglake West VIC 3757
- Website: Parks Victoria
- GPS Coordinates: -37.471, 145.39345
Site Information
- Location: In Kinglake National Park, north-east of Melbourne.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, Camper Trailers, small Campervans. Not suitable for large caravans due to tight turns.
- Road Access: Sealed road to the park entrance, good quality unsealed road within the campground.
- Site Surface: Compacted earth/gravel pads for each site.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, unpowered sites only. Online booking in advance is mandatory.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check the Parks Victoria website for current limits.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: 18 designated bookable sites.
Facilities
- Facilities: Modern amenity block with flushing toilets and hot showers.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, one at each campsite.
- Potable Water: Yes, non-treated rainwater is available. It’s recommended to boil before drinking.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to none.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage: No dump point.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a carry-in, carry-out park.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Prohibited.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: All food and supplies, rubbish bags, firewood, warm clothing (it gets cold), hiking boots.
- Pet Friendly: No. Domestic animals are not permitted in Kinglake National Park.
- Fishing: Limited opportunities for small fish in the creek.
- Short Walks: Excellent access to numerous walking trails, including the track to Masons Falls.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Kinglake Pub (approx. 15 km)
- Flowerdale Hotel (approx. 20 km)
- Whittlesea Hotel (approx. 30 km)
- Places to Eat: Cafes, bakeries, and the pub in the town of Kinglake.
- Local Attractions:
- Masons Falls Lookout and Picnic Area
- Wombelano Falls
- The extensive network of trails in Kinglake National Park
- Yea Rock ‘n’ Roll Festival (in September)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Yea Riverside Caravan Park (approx. 40 km)
- Big4 Whittlesea Holiday Park (approx. 30 km)
- Next Free Camps: Murrindindi Scenic Reserve (low-cost), various state forest camps further north.
- Nearest Dump Points: Public dump points are available in Whittlesea and Yea.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Kinglake, Whittlesea, and Yea.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite (non-treated).
- Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm, but generally cooler and more pleasant than Melbourne. Be prepared for sudden weather changes and always check fire danger ratings. Temperatures average 11°C to 25°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A beautiful time to visit, with stunning autumn colours. Days are mild and sunny, nights become cool. Temperatures average 7°C to 19°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold and often wet. Nights are very cold with heavy frosts. Light snow or sleet is possible on the highest peaks. Essential to have warm, waterproof gear. Temperatures range from 2°C to 11°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A lovely season as the forest comes alive with wildflowers. Days are cool and pleasant, nights are chilly. Temperatures average 6°C to 18°C.