Wombat State Forest covers 70,000 hectares of rolling bushland about 80 km northwest of Melbourne. It's one of the largest state forests in Victoria, and camping here is free. No booking. No fees. Just drive in, find a clearing with a fire pit, and set up.
The forest sits between Daylesford, Trentham, and Blackwood in Victoria's goldfields country. Gold miners stripped these hills in the 1850s, and the forest has grown back thick with Mountain Ash, messmate, and peppermint gum. Old mine shafts, abandoned sawmill sites, and heritage walking tracks thread through the bush.
If you're looking for free Wombat State Forest camping with river access, good fire pits, and an easy drive from Melbourne, this guide covers all the campgrounds, rules, and practical details you need.
Campgrounds at a glance#
Wombat State Forest has several established camping areas, all free and first-come, first-served:
| Campground | Setting | Facilities | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firth Park | Northern slopes, near Andersons Mill | Pit toilet, picnic tables, fireplaces | Families, history lovers |
| Paradise Camp | Riverside, sheltered clearing | Pit toilet, fire pits | Couples, quiet seekers |
| Werribee River camps | Along the Werribee River | Basic fire pits, minimal facilities | River camping, fishing |
| Glenlyon | Open forest near town | Picnic tables, fire pits | Groups, easy access |
| Margarets Corner | Forest clearing | Fire pits, basic | Self-sufficient campers |
All sites are free, no booking required, and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Firth Park#
The most established campground. Firth Park sits on the northern slopes of the Great Dividing Range with pit toilets, picnic tables, and fireplaces at most sites. A short walk leads to Andersons Mill, a heritage site from the forest's sawmilling days. This is the best option for families or anyone who wants basic facilities and a bit of history.
Paradise Camp and the river camps#
Camps along the Werribee River offer the most scenic settings. You're camping under tall eucalypts with the river running past. Some sections are deep enough for a swim on a warm day, and the river holds brown and rainbow trout if you have a Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence.
These riverside sites are more basic than Firth Park. Expect fire pits and not much else. Bring everything you need.
What facilities to expect#
Available at most campgrounds:
- Fire pits or stone fireplaces
- Picnic tables (at larger sites)
- Pit toilets (at Firth Park and some others)
Not available anywhere:
- Drinking water. Bring all your own.
- Showers
- Rubbish bins. Carry in, carry out.
- Powered sites
- Phone reception (Telstra gets patchy signal near Blackwood; other carriers are dead)
The lack of facilities is the trade-off for free camping. Pack as if you're camping off-grid, because you essentially are.
Getting there#
From Melbourne CBD: Head northwest via the Western Freeway (M8) toward Ballarat. Exit at Bacchus Marsh or Ballan and follow signs toward Blackwood, Trentham, or Daylesford depending on which campground you're targeting. About 80-100 km, roughly 90 minutes.
From Daylesford: The forest is right on your doorstep. Most campgrounds are 15-30 minutes south or west of town.
From Ballarat: About 45 minutes east via the Midland Highway.
Road conditions: Main forest roads are unsealed but manageable in a 2WD in dry conditions. Deeper tracks require 4WD, especially after rain. Vehicles are restricted to made roads only. Don't drive off-track.
Camping rules and fire safety#
Wombat State Forest is currently managed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). Key rules:
Camping:
- Free, no booking, no fees
- Camp in existing cleared sites only
- Camp at least 20 metres from waterways
- Maximum stay varies (typically 1-3 nights; check current regulations)
- Carry in, carry out all rubbish
Fire rules:
- Campfires permitted in existing fire pits when no fire ban is in place
- Check CFA Victoria for current fire danger ratings
- During Total Fire Bans, all fires are prohibited
- Firewood collection from fallen timber is generally permitted in state forests, but check current rules. Bringing your own is easier and more reliable.
Safety warning: mine shafts. Wombat State Forest is riddled with abandoned gold mine shafts from the 1850s gold rush. Many are hidden by vegetation and not fenced. Stay on marked tracks, especially with children and dogs. If you see a depression in the ground or collapsed timbers, keep well clear.
For more campfire advice, see our campfire tips for camping in Australia.
Things to do#
Bushwalking and heritage trails#
The forest has walking tracks ranging from short strolls to full-day hikes. The Andersons Mill walk from Firth Park visits a heritage sawmill site. Longer tracks follow old tramway routes and gold mining paths through the forest. Ruth's Gully Circuit is one of the most popular, rated 3.9 stars on AllTrails with 57 reviews.
Mountain biking#
Wombat is popular with mountain bikers. The fire trails and single tracks offer rides from beginner to advanced level across rolling terrain. The pine plantations provide smooth, fast riding, while the native forest sections are more technical.
4WD and dirt tracks#
The forest has an extensive network of fire trails. Stay on made roads only. Some tracks are challenging after wet weather. The Enough Gun forum describes tracks with "bottomless bog holes" in places. Don't attempt remote tracks alone without recovery gear.
Fishing#
The Werribee River and Lerderderg River hold brown and rainbow trout. A Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence is required. The river crossings near the campgrounds are popular spots.
Mineral springs#
The Wombat Forest area contains over 80% of Australia's natural mineral springs. Several are accessible near Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, a short drive from the forest campgrounds. Combine a camping trip with a soak at one of the region's bathhouses.
The national park conversion: what it means for campers#
In September 2025, the Victorian government introduced legislation to convert parts of Wombat State Forest into the new Wombat-Lerderderg National Park, expected to be formally created by October 2026.
What this means for camping:
- Rules may change. National parks typically have stricter camping regulations than state forests.
- Free camping may become fee-based (national park camping in VIC usually requires booking and fees).
- Firewood collection rules may tighten (most VIC national parks prohibit collecting firewood).
- Dog access may change (dogs are generally not permitted in VIC national parks).
For now: Camping continues under the current state forest rules. But if you love the free, unregulated camping at Wombat, visit sooner rather than later. The transition to national park management could change the experience significantly.
Check the DEECA website for updates on the Wombat-Lerderderg National Park transition timeline.
Best time to visit#
Autumn (March-May): Mild days, cool nights, autumn colour in the deciduous understorey. Excellent for camping and bushwalking. Campfires usually permitted.
Spring (September-November): Wildflowers, flowing rivers, and comfortable temperatures. Popular season so arrive early for site selection.
Winter (June-August): Cold. Frost is common, and overnight temperatures regularly drop below 5°C. The forest is quiet and atmospheric. Campfires are a highlight.
Summer (December-February): Warm but fire bans may prevent campfires. Good for river swimming. The forest provides shade.
Nearby towns and supplies#
- Daylesford (15-30 min): Supplies, restaurants, mineral springs, the main service hub for the area
- Trentham (15 min): Small town with a general store, pub, and Saturday farmers market
- Blackwood (in the forest): Tiny township with a pub and general store. Popular with campers.
- Bacchus Marsh (30 min south): Last major town on the drive from Melbourne for fuel and supermarkets
Gold rush forests and free camping on Melbourne's doorstep#
Wombat State Forest is one of the last great free camping spots within easy reach of Melbourne. The combination of riverside camps, heritage trails, and zero cost is hard to beat.
With the national park conversion on the horizon, the free camping era may have an end date. Enjoy it while it lasts.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is camping at Wombat State Forest really free?
Yes. No fees and no booking required. Camp in existing cleared sites and follow the carry-in, carry-out rule.
Are dogs allowed at Wombat State Forest?
Currently, yes. Dogs are permitted in state forests. However, this may change when the area transitions to a national park (dogs are generally banned in VIC national parks). Check current rules before visiting.
Can I drive a 2WD into the forest?
To the main campgrounds (Firth Park, Paradise Camp), yes, in dry conditions. Deeper forest tracks require 4WD. After rain, even main roads can get slippery.
Is there phone reception?
Telstra gets patchy signal near Blackwood and along some ridgelines. Optus and Vodafone are largely non-existent. Download offline maps before you go.
Will camping still be free when it becomes a national park?
Unknown. National park campgrounds in Victoria typically charge fees and require booking. The transition is expected by October 2026. Current rules apply until the formal conversion happens.