For the adventurous camper looking for a rugged and remote escape, Two Hills Campground is a classic free camp nestled deep within the Toolangi State Forest. This is a primitive bush site, popular with 4WD enthusiasts, trail bike riders, and self-sufficient campers who want to get off the beaten track. The campground is a simple clearing in a beautiful forest setting, surrounded by towering mountain ash and dense ferns. Reaching it is part of the adventure, requiring a journey along unsealed, and often challenging, forest tracks that are best suited to high-clearance 4WD vehicles. It’s a place to embrace the wild, disconnect from technology, and enjoy the profound peace of the Victorian high country.
The essence of Two Hills is its complete simplicity. There are no facilities here—no toilets, no bins, no tables, and no tap water. It is strictly for those who are fully self-contained and prepared to leave no trace, packing out everything they bring in. This commitment ensures the area remains pristine for all to enjoy. A major benefit of its state forest location is that it’s pet-friendly, allowing leashed dogs to join in the adventure. The clearings provide a great spot to set up a base camp, with the opportunity for a campfire (subject to fire restrictions) being a major highlight, perfect for chilly mountain evenings under a spectacular starry sky.
The location is a paradise for off-road explorers. The campground provides direct access to the wider network of 4WD tracks that crisscross the Toolangi State Forest, offering a range of challenges from moderate to difficult. It’s also a great spot for bushwalking and wildlife spotting. While it feels incredibly isolated, it’s only a relatively short drive from the charming towns of Toolangi and Kinglake. For a free, rugged, and authentic forest adventure, Two Hills Campground is an excellent choice for the well-equipped and experienced camper.
Two Hills Campground – VIC Location Map
Two Hills Campground
- Address: Toolangi State Forest, Glenburn VIC 3717
- GPS Coordinates: -37.44773, 145.47952
Site Information
- Location: In a remote part of the Toolangi State Forest, north-east of Melbourne.
- Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained Tents, Swags, and Off-road Camper Trailers.
- Road Access: Unsealed forest tracks. A high-clearance 4WD is highly recommended and may be essential after rain. Tracks can be steep, rutted, and slippery.
- Site Surface: Dirt and grass clearings.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free, informal camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified, but short stays are standard practice.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: A small area with a handful of undefined spots.
Facilities
- Facilities: None. This is a completely primitive bush camp.
- Picnic Tables: No.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: None.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. You must have your own toilet and take all waste with you.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to seasonal fire restrictions and total fire bans.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but be very considerate of the quiet environment.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Absolutely everything, including water, toilet, shower, power, food, rubbish bags, firewood, and 4WD recovery gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash.
- Fishing: Limited opportunities in small local creeks.
- Short Walks: Excellent for bushwalking and exploring the surrounding forest tracks.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Toolangi Tavern (approx. 10 km)
- Kinglake Pub (approx. 20 km)
- Flowerdale Hotel (approx. 20 km)
- Places to Eat: The Toolangi Tavern, or cafes and bakeries in Kinglake and Yea.
- Local Attractions:
- Toolangi Forest Discovery Centre
- Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk
- The extensive 4WD network of the Toolangi State Forest
- Kinglake National Park
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- The Gums Campground (low-cost, bookable, in Kinglake NP)
- Yea Riverside Caravan Park (approx. 30 km)
- Next Free Camps: Dindi Mill Camp and other small forest camps in the area.
- Nearest Dump Points: Public dump points are available in Yea and Kinglake.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Kinglake and Yea.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Yea or Kinglake.
- Public Toilets: The nearest are in Toolangi or at formal recreation sites like the Murrindindi Cascades.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm, but generally cooler than Melbourne due to the forest and altitude. High fire danger period. Temperatures average 11°C to 26°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A beautiful time to visit, with stunning autumn colours in nearby towns. Days are mild, nights are cool. Ideal for 4WDing. Temperatures average 6°C to 20°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold and very wet. Tracks can be extremely slippery and boggy. Nights are frequently below freezing with frosts. Snow can fall on the higher peaks. Temperatures range from 0°C to 11°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A lovely season as the forest is lush and green. The weather can be very variable and tracks can remain wet. Temperatures average 5°C to 19°C.