For a fantastic free camping escape into the beautiful Wombat State Forest, the Werribee River Camping Ground is a popular and scenic destination. This classic Australian bush camp is nestled in a serene clearing on the banks of the Werribee River, offering a perfect retreat for self-sufficient travellers, families, and 4WD enthusiasts. Surrounded by a towering forest of messmate, stringybark, and peppermint gums, the campground provides a tranquil atmosphere where the main sounds are the babbling river and the chorus of native birds. The spacious, open layout offers numerous unmarked sites, allowing campers in tents, camper trailers, and small to medium-sized caravans to find their own secluded spot and connect with the natural environment.
The main appeal of this campground is its wonderful back-to-basics charm and its prime location for outdoor adventure. The Werribee River, though small in this upper section, provides a lovely backdrop and a place for kids to splash and explore. The surrounding Wombat State Forest is a playground for recreation, with an extensive network of tracks that are hugely popular for four-wheel driving and trail bike riding. The area is also fantastic for bushwalking, with trails leading through dense fern gullies and tall forests. While the facilities are basic, they are functional and well-suited to the rustic setting. The campground’s location is a major advantage, feeling wonderfully remote while being just a short drive from the historic towns of Ballan and Blackwood, and within easy reach of the famous spa country of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. For a budget-friendly and action-packed adventure in the heart of a beautiful state forest, the Werribee River Camping Ground is an excellent choice.
Werribee River Camping Ground – VIC Location Map
Werribee River Camping Ground
- Address: Carrolls Track, Spargo Creek VIC 3461
- GPS: -37.49735448989564, 144.17020969100145
- Website: This is a free campground in a State Forest. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website for the broader forest area.
Site Details
- Location: Riverside bush camp in the Wombat State Forest.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, small Caravans and Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Unsealed gravel/dirt road. Generally 2WD accessible in dry conditions, but can be slippery and corrugated. 4WD recommended.
- 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. The river water is not suitable for drinking.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very poor 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: Large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
- 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: Fishing for small trout and blackfish in the Werribee River.
- Short Walks: Excellent area for bushwalking and exploring the surrounding forest tracks.
- 4WD & Trail Bike Riding: The Wombat State Forest is a premier destination for off-road enthusiasts.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Commercial Hotel (Ballan) – Approx. 15 km
- Blackwood Hotel (Blackwood) – Approx. 20 km
- Farmers Arms Hotel (Daylesford) – Approx. 25 km
- Places to Eat:
- Ballan has several bakeries, cafes, and pubs – Approx. 15 km
- The Garden of St Erth cafe (Blackwood) – Approx. 20 km
- Local Attractions:
- Wombat State Forest – You are in it!
- Garden of St Erth (Historic Garden) – Approx. 20 km
- Daylesford and Hepburn Springs spa country – Approx. 25 km
- Sovereign Hill (Ballarat) – Approx. 45 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Ballan Caravan Park – Approx. 15 km
- Daylesford Holiday Park – Approx. 25 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Nolan’s Creek Campground (Wombat State Forest) – Approx. 10 km
- Mount Franklin Reserve – Approx. 30 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Ballan Public Dump Point – Approx. 15 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Ballan has multiple options – Approx. 15 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available in Ballan or Daylesford.
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite (non-flush).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm days with cool mountain nights, averaging 12-26°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, the peak season for autumn colours. Averaging 7-20°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frequent frosts and a chance of light snow. Averaging 2-11°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild, with the forest green and lush, but weather can be very changeable. Averaging 5-18°C.
