Situated on the slopes of Mount Tassie, “Traralgon Campsite 2” is another one of the designated free bush campsites within the stunning Strzelecki Ranges. This site, like its neighbours, offers a basic, no-frills clearing for self-sufficient campers who prioritise solitude and immersion in nature over amenities. It is an ideal spot for those with a high-clearance 4WD or AWD vehicle looking to escape the crowds and find a simple base for exploring the region.
The campsite’s primary draw is its proximity to the famous Mount Tassie Lookout, which boasts unparalleled views across the entire Latrobe Valley and north to the Victorian Alps. It’s also perfectly positioned for hikers looking to tackle sections of the Grand Strzelecki Track, which winds its way through the lush forests and gullies of the mountain. This is a true bush experience, offering a quiet retreat from the valley below.
Be prepared: this campsite is for fully self-contained campers only. There are absolutely **no facilities** on site. This means no toilets, no potable water, no picnic tables, and no rubbish bins. You must bring everything you need to be self-sufficient, including a portable toilet and all your own drinking water. A strict pack-in, pack-out policy is in effect, and all rubbish must be taken with you.
Access to these campsites is via unsealed, steep, and often rough gravel roads. While Mount Tassie Road might be passable for a 2WD in perfect dry conditions, the smaller tracks leading to these campsites are often unmaintained and require a vehicle with high clearance and 4WD or AWD capabilities, especially after any rain. Critically, **open campfires are not permitted** at these campsites. All cooking must be done using a self-contained gas appliance.
Traralgon campsite 2 – VIC Location Map
Traralgon campsite 2, Koornalla
- Address: Koornalla VIC 3844 (Access via Mount Tassie Rd)
- GPS Coordinates: -38.38849, 146.53443
Site Features
- Location: Mount Tassie, Strzelecki Ranges.
- Site suitable for: Tents, swags, and high-clearance 4WD camper trailers.
- Road access: Main access via steep, unsealed gravel road (Mount Tassie Rd). 4WD/AWD is highly recommended, especially after rain.
- Site surface: Natural dirt/grass clearing.
- Camping permitted: Yes, free, designated bush camping.
- Maximum overnight stays: Check local signage.
- Picnic tables: No (available at the main lookout/day-use area).
- Potable water: **No.** You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile phone coverage: Patchy. Generally good (Telstra) at the lookout, but can be poor in the campsite.
- TV reception: No.
- Onsite public toilets: **No.** Toilets are available at the main Mount Tassie lookout/day-use area, but not at this specific campsite.
- Rubbish bins: **No.** You must take all rubbish with you.
- Open fires: **NOT PERMITTED** at these free campsites. All cooking must be via gas appliances.
- Generator use: Not recommended (noise).
- Number of sites available: Very limited (likely 1-3).
- Essentials to bring: **Portable toilet, all drinking water, rubbish bags, gas cooking stove.**
- Pet friendly: Yes, generally permitted on-leash in State Forest/Regional Park areas. Pets are **not** permitted in the nearby Tarra-Bulga National Park.
- Fishing: No.
- Short walks: Yes, immediate access to the Mount Tassie Lookout paths and loops of the Grand Strzelecki Track.
Local Amenities
All amenities are located in the nearby city of Traralgon (approx. 25-35km drive).
Local Pubs
- Grand Junction Hotel: Approximately 25-35km away in Traralgon.
- Royal Exchange Hotel: Approximately 25-35km away in Traralgon.
- Crown Hotel: Approximately 25-35km away in Traralgon.
Places to Eat
- Traralgon: A wide variety of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants (e.g., Nando’s, La Porchetta, Schnitz) are available in the town centre.
Local Attractions
- Mount Tassie Lookout: Panoramic views (onsite).
- Grand Strzelecki Track: Network of hiking trails (onsite).
- Tarra-Bulga National Park: Cool temperate rainforest and Corrigan’s Suspension Bridge (approx. 30-40km drive).
Nearest Caravan Parks
- BIG4 Traralgon Park Lane Holiday Park: Approximately 25-35km away.
- Traralgon Lifestyle Village: Approximately 25-35km away.
Next Free Camps
- Gormandale Recreation Reserve: Approximately 30-40km away.
- White Woman’s Waterhole: Approximately 35-45km away.
- Pattison Rest Area: (Hiker swag/tent only) Located along the Grand Strzelecki Track.
Nearest Dump Points
- Traralgon Showgrounds: Public RV dump point available (approx. 25-35km).
Nearest Petrol Station
- Traralgon: Multiple 24/7 stations (e.g., BP, Mobil) available (approx. 25-35km).
Drinking Water Resupply
- Traralgon: Public taps available at parks (e.g., Victory Park) or the Showgrounds dump point for refilling containers.
Nearest Public Toilets
- Mount Tassie Lookout: Toilets are available at the main day-use area.
- Traralgon: Various public toilets in the CBD (approx. 25-35km).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (December – February): Mild to warm days, but significantly cooler than the Latrobe Valley. Nights can be cool.
- Autumn (March – May): Cool, crisp, and often features morning fog and mist, creating atmospheric conditions.
- Winter (June – August): Cold, wet, and windy. Frosts are common, and light snow or sleet is possible at this elevation.
- Spring (September – November): Cool and damp, with lush green forest regrowth and wildflowers.