Toolangi State Forest sits about 90 minutes northeast of Melbourne in the Yarra Ranges, home to some of the tallest flowering trees on the planet. The Mountain Ash here grow over 80 metres tall, and the forest feels ancient in a way that's hard to find this close to a capital city.
The camping is split across seven riverside campgrounds in the Murrindindi Scenic Reserve, all first-come, first-served at around $6 per car per night. No online booking. No apps. You drive in, find a site with a fire pit and a river view, and set up. The Murrindindi Cascades, one of Victoria's most photogenic waterfalls, is a short walk from camp.
If you're after Toolangi State Forest camping that combines towering forests, waterfalls, and genuinely affordable riverside sites without the booking scramble, this guide has everything you need.
The campgrounds at a glance#
Murrindindi Scenic Reserve has seven distinct camping areas along the Murrindindi River. Each has its own character:
| Campground | Best for | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Blackwood | Families, larger groups | Near Cascades walk, Telstra reception |
| Bull Creek | Families, caravans | Wire-fenced sites, good privacy, Telstra reception |
| Cassinia | Walk-in feel (barely) | Across the bridge, quieter |
| Pine Tree | Overflow, budget pick | Simple sites, often has vacancy |
| Water-gauge | Couples, hikers | Near Wilhelmina Falls |
| Two other areas | Various | Smaller, less developed |
All campgrounds have:
- Pit toilets
- Fire pits with cooking plates
- Picnic tables
- Wire-fenced individual sites (at most areas)
- River access
What they don't have: Showers, drinking water, powered sites, rubbish collection, or reliable phone reception (Telstra works at Blackwood and Bull Creek; other carriers are patchy to non-existent).
How much does it cost?#
Camping in Murrindindi Scenic Reserve costs approximately $6 per car per night (some sources list $7). Pay via the self-registration envelopes at the campground entrance. It's an honour system with occasional ranger patrols.
No booking required. No booking possible. It's first-come, first-served only.
Peak periods: School holidays and long weekends fill up fast, especially Blackwood and Bull Creek. TripAdvisor reviewers note that even during holiday weekends, Bull Creek and Pine Tree often still have vacancies when others are full. Arrive Friday morning if you want the pick of the sites.
Getting to Toolangi State Forest#
From Melbourne CBD: Head north on the M31, through Whittlesea, then east toward Yea. Turn south at Glenburn onto the Murrindindi Road. Total drive is about 100 km, roughly 90 minutes.
From Yea: About 25 minutes south via Murrindindi Road.
From Mernda (northeast suburbs): About 1 hour via Kinglake-Healesville Road.
Road conditions: The roads into the campgrounds are unsealed but generally suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry conditions. After rain, sections get slippery and steep. If you're heading into the deeper forest tracks beyond the main campgrounds, 4WD is strongly recommended. Experienced 4WD users describe some tracks as having "bottomless bog holes" and sections with "no retreat."
Signage warning: Multiple reviewers flag poor signage as the biggest frustration. The campground turnoffs aren't always obvious, and navigating between areas can be confusing. Download an offline map before you lose reception.
Waterfalls: the main drawcard#
Murrindindi Cascades#
The universal highlight. Every single review mentions them. The Cascades are a tiered waterfall dropping through a fern-filled gully, and they're spectacular after rain or in spring.
The walk: 600 metres return, about 45 minutes including time at the viewing platform. Steel stairs and a boardwalk make it accessible for most fitness levels. It's short but steep in sections.
Best time to visit: Spring or after heavy rain for maximum flow. In dry summer months, the cascades can slow to a trickle.
Wilhelmina Falls#
A taller single-drop waterfall deeper in the forest. The walk to Wilhelmina is longer and harder than the Cascades.
The walk: About 1 hour each way, rated moderate to hard. Steep sections, fallen trees, boulders. TripAdvisor reviewers warn it's "quite harder and very steep" but "well worth the effort." Sturdy shoes are essential; chains assist climbing in some sections.
Family-friendly? Families with older kids (10+) can manage it. It's too tough for young children.
Other waterfalls#
Sylvia Creek Falls, Emily Falls, and several smaller cascades dot the forest. Most require off-track walking or local knowledge to find.
Things to do beyond waterfalls#
Bushwalking#
The forest has a network of marked and unmarked trails through towering Mountain Ash. The trees here are among the tallest in the world, and walking beneath them is genuinely humbling. Short walks around the campgrounds connect to the waterfalls. Longer routes head deeper into the forest, but signage is limited. Carry a map.
Note: The adjacent Yarra Ranges National Park has no camping at all. Make sure you're camping within the state forest or scenic reserve boundaries.
Mountain biking and horse riding#
Toolangi has trail networks used by mountain bikers and horse riders. The fire trails offer long rides through the forest. Some tracks are technical and best suited to experienced riders, especially after wet weather.
4WD tracks#
The deeper forest tracks attract 4WD enthusiasts, but Toolangi earns its reputation for challenging terrain. Tracks can be extremely muddy, steep, and narrow. Fallen trees block roads without warning. Don't attempt back tracks alone or without recovery gear. The Enough Gun forum describes the bush as "very thick" with tracks offering "no retreat."
Fishing#
The Murrindindi River holds brown and rainbow trout. A Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence is required. The river runs through the campgrounds, so you can cast from your site.
Best time to visit Toolangi#
Spring (September-November): The best all-round season. The waterfalls are flowing, wildflowers appear along the tracks, and temperatures are comfortable for camping (15-20°C days). Leeches are active but manageable.
Autumn (March-May): Beautiful colour change in the deciduous understorey. Cooler nights. Campfires are usually permitted.
Winter (June-August): Cold. Overnight temperatures regularly drop below 5°C, and frost is common. The forest is atmospheric and empty, but you need proper cold-weather gear. Waterfalls flow well.
Summer (December-February): Warm days but fire bans may prevent campfires. The forest provides excellent shade. Waterfalls may slow in dry years.
Campfire and safety rules#
Campfires are permitted in the provided fire pits when no fire ban is active. Check the CFA Victoria website for current fire danger ratings in the Murrindindi area.
Key rules:
- Use existing fire pits only
- Don't collect firewood from the scenic reserve (bring your own or buy from Yea)
- Fully extinguish before sleeping or leaving
- Total Fire Ban = no fires of any kind
Dogs: Check current regulations with Parks Victoria or DELWP. Rules vary between state forest areas and the scenic reserve.
For general campfire advice, see our campfire tips for camping in Australia.
What to pack#
- Water (no drinking water at any campground)
- Firewood (collection restricted; buy in Yea or bring from home)
- Warm layers (cold nights year-round at elevation)
- Sturdy shoes (waterfall walks have rocky, steep sections)
- Offline map (phone reception is limited and signage is poor)
- Insect repellent and leech socks (especially spring and summer)
- Torch/headlamp (no lighting at campgrounds)
- Cash (for the self-registration camping fee)
Our first-time camping guide has a more complete checklist.
Nearby stops#
- Yea (25 min north): Stock up on supplies, grab a meal, buy firewood. The last reliable services before the forest.
- Healesville (30 min south): Healesville Sanctuary (wildlife park), wineries, and the Yarra Valley food scene
- Kinglake National Park (20 min west): More bushwalking and mountain views
- Cathedral Ranges State Park (40 min north): Better walk-in camping options for hikers who want more rugged terrain
Giant trees, cold rivers, and no booking required#
Toolangi State Forest camping is about as simple as it gets. Drive in, drop $6 in the envelope, find a fire pit by the river, and spend your evening listening to the forest settle in around you. The waterfalls are a bonus. The Mountain Ash canopy is a bonus. The $6 price tag is almost criminal.
It's not glamorous, and it's not for everyone. But if you like your camping with tall trees, cold water, and no wifi, Toolangi delivers.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to book camping at Toolangi?
No. All campgrounds in Murrindindi Scenic Reserve are first-come, first-served. Pay the $6/car fee at the self-registration station when you arrive. Arrive early on weekends and school holidays.
Can you drive a 2WD to the campgrounds?
Yes, to the main campgrounds (Blackwood, Bull Creek, Pine Tree) in dry conditions. The access roads are unsealed but maintained. After rain, conditions deteriorate and a vehicle with decent ground clearance helps. The deeper forest tracks beyond campgrounds require 4WD.
Is there phone reception at Toolangi?
Telstra works at Blackwood and Bull Creek campgrounds. Other carriers are patchy to non-existent. Don't rely on your phone for navigation, entertainment, or emergency communication without a Telstra SIM.
Are the waterfalls worth visiting?
Absolutely. Murrindindi Cascades alone makes the trip worthwhile, especially in spring or after rain. It's a short 600m walk. Wilhelmina Falls is harder to reach but rewarding for experienced walkers.
How far is Toolangi from Melbourne?
About 100 km, roughly 90 minutes by car from the CBD. Under an hour from the northeastern suburbs (Mernda area).