Andersons Mill Campground: Free Remote Camping in the Yarra Ranges

For those seeking a genuine escape into the wild and historic heart of the Yarra Ranges, Andersons Mill Campground offers an unparalleled back-to-basics experience. Tucked away deep within the national park near Marysville, this free campground is a testament to the region’s rich timber milling history. Set in a beautiful, secluded clearing surrounded by towering Mountain Ash and lush ferns, the campground provides a truly serene atmosphere where the sounds of the forest and the nearby Watts River are your only companions. This is not a roadside stop; reaching this tranquil spot requires navigating unsealed forest tracks, making it a rewarding destination for well-prepared adventurers, particularly those with a 4WD.

The campground itself is a spacious, grassy area with several dispersed sites, offering plenty of privacy. The facilities are minimal, reflecting the remote nature of the site, with a non-flush toilet and basic fire pits for campers to use. This is a place for self-sufficient campers who are prepared to bring everything they need, including drinking water, and are committed to leaving no trace by taking all rubbish home. Due to its location within the Yarra Ranges National Park, pets are strictly prohibited to protect the abundant native wildlife, which includes wallabies, lyrebirds, and possums. The surrounding area is a bushwalker’s paradise, with numerous tracks of varying difficulty to explore. The river provides a beautiful spot for a paddle or to try your luck fishing. The lack of mobile phone reception completes the sense of isolation, making it the perfect place to digitally detox. For those equipped for a true bush adventure, Andersons Mill offers a peaceful and historic base to explore the stunning forests and mountains just a short drive from Melbourne.

Campground Information

• Name: Andersons Mill Camping Area
• Address: Andersons Track, Narbethong, VIC 3778 (via Marysville)
• GPS Coordinates: -37.54262554757251, 145.73636876114267
• Website: Managed by Parks Victoria. See the Yarra Ranges National Park page for park information and alerts.

Features & Facilities

• Location: Remote bush setting in the Yarra Ranges National Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, and small off-road camper trailers.
• Road Access: Unsealed forest tracks. 4WD is highly recommended, especially in wet weather. Roads are subject to seasonal closures.
• Site Surface: Grass and natural earth.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with Parks Victoria for any specific limits.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilet, picnic tables, fire pits.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Unlikely. An emergency communication device is recommended.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a non-flush toilet is available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. Carry-in, carry-out policy is strictly enforced.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days.
• Generator Use: Discouraged in National Parks. Check Parks Victoria regulations.
• Number of Sites Available: A small number of dispersed, informal sites.
• Essentials to Bring: All water, food, firewood, rubbish bags, portable toilet (if preferred), and emergency supplies.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets are strictly prohibited in the Yarra Ranges National Park.
• Fishing: Possible in the nearby Watts River.
• Short Walks: Numerous hiking and 4WD tracks throughout the surrounding forest.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • The Duck Inn Pub (Marysville) – approx. 20 km
  • Marysville Tavern – approx. 20 km
  • Black Spur Inn (Narbethong) – approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Marysville Country Bakery – approx. 20 km
  • Numerous cafes and restaurants in Marysville – approx. 20 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Steavenson Falls – approx. 22 km
  • Lake Mountain Alpine Resort (seasonal activities) – approx. 35 km
  • Black Spur Drive scenic route
  • Marysville town centre

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Marysville Caravan & Holiday Park – approx. 20 km
  • BIG4 Taggerty Holiday Park – approx. 40 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Keppel Creek Campground (Cathedral Range) – approx. 50 km
  • Various sites in the nearby State Forests (check for accessibility).
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Marysville Public Dump Point – approx. 20 km
  • Alexandra Public Dump Point – approx. 55 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Marysville – approx. 20 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Marysville.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite. Also in Marysville.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm days with cool mountain nights. Average maximums are around 25°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, crisp days with beautiful autumn colours. A popular time to visit. Average maximums range from 14°C to 22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold days and freezing nights. Snow is common in the area and access roads may be closed. Average maximums are around 9°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days with the forest coming alive. Average maximums range from 13°C to 20°C.