White Woman’s Waterhole Campsite
Discover the serene and historic White Woman’s Waterhole, a fantastic free camping area nestled within the beautiful Won Wron State Forest in Gippsland, Victoria. This spacious and grassy campsite offers a peaceful bush retreat for travellers seeking a genuine connection with nature. Located conveniently between the small towns of Won Wron and Woodside, it provides an ideal base for exploring the stunning Ninety Mile Beach coastline and the lush hinterland of the Tarra Valley. The campsite is steeped in local folklore, named after a tale from the 1840s, adding a layer of historical intrigue to your stay.
Access is straightforward via the gravel Won Wron Woodside Road, making it suitable for 2WD vehicles, campervans, and caravans. The grounds are gently sloping and shaded by native gums, offering around forty unmarked sites, ensuring ample space for visitors to spread out and find their perfect spot. While the facilities are basic, they provide the essentials for a self-sufficient stay. It’s a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos, wallabies, and a variety of birdlife frequently spotted, making it a delight for nature enthusiasts. The tranquil atmosphere, combined with its pet-friendly policy, makes it a popular choice for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. Whether you’re planning an overnight stop or a longer stay to unwind, White Woman’s Waterhole delivers an authentic and memorable Australian bush camping experience without the price tag. Remember to come prepared, as you will need to bring your own drinking water and supplies to make the most of this tranquil location.
Campsite Information
- Name: White Woman’s Waterhole Campsite
- Address: Won Wron Woodside Road, Won Wron, VIC 3971, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -38.482102704192584, 146.77183963002378
- Website: Not available (Managed by Forest Fire Management Victoria)
Site Details & Facilities
- Location: Located in the Won Wron State Forest, Gippsland region.
- Road Access: Accessible via Won Wron Woodside Road, a well-maintained gravel road suitable for 2WD vehicles and caravans.
- Site Surface: Grassed and relatively flat with a gentle slope, shaded by large gum trees.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but standard practice is a maximum of 14 days. Please observe local signage.
- Facilities: Basic amenities suitable for self-contained campers.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited coverage. Telstra generally has the most reliable signal in the area.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, one long-drop (pit) toilet available.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a carry-in, carry-out site. Please take all your rubbish with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to local fire restrictions. Check the CFA website for fire ban information before lighting a fire.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers regarding noise and fumes.
- Number of Sites Available: Approximately 40 unmarked sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, insect repellent, and a portable toilet if preferred.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted but must be kept under control at all times.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Fishing: Nearby at Woodside Beach (approx. 15 km) and McLoughlins Beach (approx. 25 km).
- Short Walks: Various informal walking tracks through the Won Wron State Forest surrounding the campsite.
- Local Pubs:
- Woodside Beach Hotel – Woodside (approx. 15 km)
- The Club Hotel – Yarram (approx. 18 km)
- Commercial Hotel – Yarram (approx. 18 km)
- Places to Eat:
- Woodside Beach Cafe – Woodside Beach (approx. 15 km)
- Various cafes and bakeries in Yarram (approx. 18 km)
- Carrajung Estate (Restaurant) – Willung (approx. 20 km)
- Local Attractions:
- Ninety Mile Beach – Woodside Beach (approx. 15 km)
- Tarra-Bulga National Park (approx. 40 km)
- Agnes Falls Scenic Reserve (approx. 45 km)
- Gippsland Regional Maritime Museum – Port Albert (approx. 30 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Woodside Beach Caravan Park (approx. 15 km)
- Yarram Holiday Park (approx. 18 km)
- Seaspray Caravan Park (approx. 40 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- Reeves Beach Camping Area (approx. 20 km)
- Tarra River Rest Area, Yarram (approx. 18 km)
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Yarram Holiday Park, Yarram (approx. 18 km) – Fee may apply for non-guests.
- Sale Showgrounds, Sale (approx. 50 km) – Public dump point.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Woodside (approx. 10 km) and Yarram (approx. 18 km).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Yarram (approx. 18 km) at the public park.
- Nearest Public Toilets (offsite): Woodside township (approx. 10 km) and Yarram (approx. 18 km).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days, generally dry. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 28°C, with occasional heatwaves. High fire danger period.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and stable weather with sunny days and cooler nights. Average temperatures range from 10°C to 22°C. Ideal for camping.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold, with overcast days and chilly nights. Average temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C. Higher chance of rainfall.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant, becoming warmer. A mix of sunny days and occasional showers. Average temperatures range from 8°C to 20°C.