Melville Caves Campground: Free Camping Among Giants in Kooyoora State Park

Camp amongst a spectacular landscape of giant granite boulders and rich bushranger history at Melville Caves Campground. Located in the heart of Kooyoora State Park, this fantastic free campground offers a unique and memorable experience for self-sufficient travellers. The spacious reserve is scattered with magnificent rock formations, creating a dramatic and picturesque setting that feels a world away from the everyday. This area was famously the hideout of bushranger Captain Melville, and it’s easy to imagine why as you explore the labyrinth of caves, tors, and lookouts that are just a short walk or drive from the campground. The campsites themselves are set in a peaceful bushland environment, with plenty of room for tents, camper trailers, and caravans to find a secluded spot.

The campground is well-equipped for a free site, boasting non-flushing toilets, wood-fired barbecues, fire pits, and a large, creatively designed undercover picnic shelter. It’s a perfect base for adventure, with several walking tracks of varying lengths starting right from the campground, leading to lookouts with breathtaking panoramic views across the Loddon Valley. While the campground itself is pet-friendly, it’s important to note that dogs are not permitted on the walking tracks or at the main caves picnic area to protect the native wildlife. As a self-sufficient site, you’ll need to bring your own drinking water and firewood. For a unique camping trip that combines stunning natural scenery, fascinating history, and excellent free facilities, Melville Caves Campground is an unmissable destination in the Victorian Goldfields.

Campground Information

• Name: Melville Caves Campground
• Address: Melville Caves Road, Brenanah (near Inglewood), Victoria 3517, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -36.60095, 143.69885
• Website: Managed by Parks Victoria (no direct website for the campground).

Features & Rules

• Location: Scenic bushland setting surrounded by giant granite boulders in Kooyoora State Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, and caravans.
• Road Access: Good access via unsealed but well-maintained roads, suitable for 2WD vehicles.
• Site Surface: Natural earth and gravel.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted. No bookings required.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit.
• Facilities: Non-flushing toilets, undercover picnic shelter, picnic tables, wood BBQs, and fire pits.
• Potable Water: No. The water tank on site is untreated; bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good Telstra reception is generally available.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flushing toilets are available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in provided fireplaces, subject to seasonal fire bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Numerous undesignated, unpowered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, and rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash within the campground area only. Pets are not allowed on walking tracks or at the main picnic area.
• Fishing: Not applicable at this location.
• Short Walks: Several walking tracks start from the campground, leading to lookouts and the main Melville Caves area.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Empire State Hotel (Inglewood) – approx. 20 km
  • Wedderburn Hotel (Wedderburn) – approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Inglewood Cafe & Takeaway – approx. 20 km
  • Various cafes and bakeries in Inglewood and Wedderburn.
• Local Attractions:
  • Melville Caves & Lookout – approx. 1 km
  • Barry’s Rock – nearby
  • Historic gold-rush towns of Inglewood and Wedderburn

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Inglewood Motel & Caravan Park – approx. 20 km
  • Wedderburn Caravan Park – approx. 25 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Hard Hill Tourist Reserve (Wedderburn) – approx. 25 km
  • Skinners Flat Reservoir – approx. 30 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Inglewood Apex Lions Park – approx. 20 km
  • Wedderburn Caravan Park (check for public access/fee) – approx. 25 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Inglewood – approx. 20 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Inglewood or Wedderburn.
• Nearest Public Toilets: On-site (basic). Flushing toilets in Inglewood.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry. The rocks can radiate significant heat. Average maximum temperatures are around 30°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and milder nights. Ideal for hiking. Average maximums range from 18°C to 26°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool days and cold nights with occasional frost. Average maximums are around 13°C to 15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and becoming warmer, with pleasant conditions and wildflowers. Average maximums range from 17°C to 25°C.