For the adventurous spirit, Yea Rock offers a rugged and authentic free camping experience in the heart of the Toolangi State Forest. This is not a formal campground but a renowned destination for rock climbers, abseilers, and self-sufficient bush campers who appreciate a true wilderness setting. The area consists of a series of informal clearings and campsites nestled in the beautiful tall-timber forest at the base of the imposing Yea Rock granite outcrop. Reaching the site is part of the adventure, typically requiring a high-clearance 4WD to navigate the unsealed and often challenging forest tracks, ensuring a level of seclusion not found in more accessible locations.
This is a primitive, back-to-basics camp in its purest form. There are no facilities whatsoever—no toilets, no bins, no tables, and no tap water. Visitors must be completely self-reliant, bringing in everything they need and, crucially, adhering to a strict ‘leave no trace’ philosophy by packing out all their rubbish. This commitment from its users keeps the area pristine. Being a state forest, it is a pet-friendly location, allowing leashed dogs to join the adventure. The clearings provide perfect, private spots to set up a tent or swag, and evenings are often spent around a campfire (when restrictions permit), enjoying the profound silence of the forest and the spectacular starry sky.
The main attraction is the magnificent Yea Rock itself, which offers a variety of climbing and abseiling routes for all skill levels. For non-climbers, the surrounding forest is a paradise for 4WD touring, trail biking, and bushwalking. While it feels incredibly remote, it’s a relatively short drive from the towns of Toolangi and Marysville. Yea Rock is an outstanding choice for experienced and well-prepared campers seeking a free, rugged, and action-packed forest getaway.
Yea Rock Camping Area – VIC Location Map
Yea Rock Camping Area
- Address: Toolangi State Forest, Narbethong VIC 3778
- GPS Coordinates: -37.47148, 145.60933
Site Information
- Location: In a remote part of the Toolangi State Forest.
- Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained Tents, Swags, and rugged 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 number of small, 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/climbing 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. 15 km)
- The Buxton Hotel (approx. 20 km)
- The Duck Inn, Marysville (approx. 25 km)
- Places to Eat: The Toolangi Tavern, or cafes and bakeries in Marysville and Healesville.
- Local Attractions:
- Rock climbing at Yea Rock
- Toolangi Forest Discovery Centre
- The extensive 4WD network of the Toolangi State Forest
- The town of Marysville and Steavenson Falls
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Marysville Holiday Park
- Yea Riverside Caravan Park
- Next Free Camps: Dindi Mill Camp and other small forest camps in the area.
- Nearest Dump Points: Public dump points are available in Marysville and Yea.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Marysville, Buxton, and Yea.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Yea or Marysville.
- 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 and climbing. 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.