Married Man’s Camping Ground | Free Camping in Cathedral Range State Park

For those seeking a more secluded and rustic bush camping experience, Married Man’s Camping Ground is a hidden gem within the Cathedral Range State Park. Located just a short distance from the more popular Reids campsite, this spot offers a quieter alternative right on the banks of the beautiful Acheron River. It is a smaller, more primitive area, best suited for tent-based campers or those with robust off-road camper trailers who appreciate simplicity and a close connection to nature. The limited number of informal sites are nestled amongst the trees, providing a sense of privacy and immersion in the surrounding forest.

The charm of Married Man’s lies in its back-to-basics approach. With minimal facilities, it’s a place for the self-sufficient camper who comes prepared. The reward is a tranquil environment where the primary sounds are the flowing river, the rustle of leaves, and the chorus of native birdlife. The campsite serves as an excellent forward operating base for the challenging hikes the Cathedral Ranges are famous for, including the nearby Wells Cave and Sugarloaf Peak tracks. It’s also a perfect spot for simply unwinding, trying your luck fishing for trout in the river, or enjoying a campfire under the stars (when fire restrictions permit). Proximity to the river means swimming in the cool, clear water is a popular activity on warmer days. As with all campsites in the park, visitors are expected to be fully self-contained, leaving no trace and taking all rubbish with them to preserve the pristine condition of this stunning natural area.

Married Man’s Camping Ground

• Address: Little River Road, Taggerty VIC 3714, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.529236, 145.941942
• Website: Not officially available (Managed by Parks Victoria)

Campsite Information

• Location: Cathedral Range State Park, Victoria.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, and small off-road camper trailers. Not suitable for large caravans or motorhomes.
• Road Access: Accessible by 2WD vehicles via a well-maintained gravel road (Little River Road), though the final track into the site can be rough.
• Site Surface: Dirt and natural bush floor.
• Camping Permitted: Yes.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but standard free camping etiquette suggests a reasonable duration (e.g., 2-3 nights).
• Facilities: No facilities at the immediate site. Non-flush toilets and picnic tables are a short walk away at Reids Camping Ground.
• Potable Water: No, bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent.
• TV Reception: Poor to none.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No. The nearest are a short walk to the main Reids Camping Ground area.
• Rubbish Bins: No, this is a carry-in, carry-out site. Please take all your rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in pre-existing fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Not recommended due to the small, quiet nature of the site.
• Number of Sites Available: Approximately 5-8 undefined sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, insect repellent, shovel, toilet paper.
• Pet Friendly: No, pets are not permitted in Cathedral Range State Park.
• Fishing: Yes, fishing is permitted in the Acheron River (Victorian fishing licence required).
• Short Walks: Yes, access to all Cathedral Range State Park trails, including Sugarloaf Peak and Wells Cave tracks.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Buxton Hotel/Pub: Approx. 11 km
  • Taggerty Hotel: Approx. 16 km
  • Marysville Hotel (The Duck Inn): Approx. 26 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Buxton Hotel/Pub: Approx. 11 km
  • Marysville has several cafes and bakeries: Approx. 26 km
  • Alexandra has a wider range of dining options: Approx. 31 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Cathedral Range State Park hiking trails: Onsite
  • Steavenson Falls, Marysville: Approx. 28 km
  • Marysville Gallipoli Park: Approx. 26 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Alexandra Tourist Park: Approx. 31 km
  • Marysville Holiday Park: Approx. 26 km
  • Big4 Taggerty Holiday Park: Approx. 16 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Reids Camping Ground: Approx. 1 km
  • Keppel Hut Camping Area: Approx. 36 km (4WD access may be required)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Alexandra: Public dump point available. Approx. 31 km
  • Marysville: Check with local caravan parks. Approx. 26 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Buxton: Approx. 11 km
  • Alexandra: Approx. 31 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Alexandra: Public taps available in town. Approx. 31 km
  • Marysville: Public taps available in town. Approx. 26 km
• Public Toilets (Township):
  • Buxton: Approx. 11 km
  • Marysville: Approx. 26 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast

The weather in the Cathedral Ranges can change quickly. Summers are typically warm to hot, making it ideal for river activities, but be prepared for high fire danger days. Autumn offers mild, stable weather, perfect for hiking. Winters are cold, often with frost and occasional snowfall on the peaks, requiring proper cold-weather gear. Spring is variable, with pleasant days mixed with cool, wet conditions. Always check the latest forecast and any Parks Victoria alerts before you go.