Kurth Kiln Scout Loop Campground: Historic Free Camping near Gembrook

Step back in time and immerse yourself in nature at the Kurth Kiln Scout Loop Camping Area, a fantastic free campground nestled within the historic Kurth Kiln Regional Park. Just a short drive from Melbourne, this beautiful bush retreat offers a unique blend of industrial heritage and serene forest surroundings. The campground itself is set in a spacious, open clearing surrounded by tall eucalypts, providing a peaceful and sheltered environment. It’s a popular spot for families, history buffs, and anyone looking for an easy weekend escape into the Victorian bush. The main attraction, the imposing Kurth Kiln, stands as a fascinating relic from the World War II era, and is just a short walk from the camping area.

The campground is well-suited for self-sufficient campers, with sites catering to tents, camper trailers, and small to medium-sized caravans. The facilities are basic but well-maintained, including non-flush toilets, picnic tables, and communal fire pits that create a friendly and social atmosphere on cooler evenings. Being a regional park, it is a pet-friendly destination, making it a wonderful choice for those who love to travel with their dogs. The area is a haven for walkers, with numerous tracks winding through the forest, including the Tomahawk Creek Walking Track. While there are no formal fishing spots, the nearby creeks offer a chance to explore. Campers must bring their own drinking water and firewood, and adhere to a strict carry-in, carry-out policy for rubbish. With its rich history, beautiful forest setting, and proximity to the charming town of Gembrook, the Kurth Kiln Scout Loop is a truly special free camping experience.

Campground Information

• Name: Kurth Kiln Scout Loop Camping Area
• Address: Soldiers Road, Gembrook, VIC 3783, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.89845015524387, 145.58294987925882
• Website: Parks Victoria – Kurth Kiln Regional Park

Features & Facilities

• Location: Forested setting within Kurth Kiln Regional Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, small to medium caravans.
• Road Access: Unsealed forest road, generally 2WD accessible with care.
• Site Surface: Dirt and grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with Parks Victoria, but short stays are typical.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, communal fire pits.
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy to non-existent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: No. Carry-in, carry-out policy applies.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire restrictions.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers (daylight hours).
• Number of Sites Available: Numerous unmarked, dispersed sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, food, rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Limited opportunities in small local creeks.
• Short Walks: Direct access to several walking tracks, including the Tomahawk Creek Walk and trails around the kiln.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • The Independent (Gembrook) – approx. 10 km
  • Gembrook Hotel – approx. 10 km
  • The Pakenham Hotel (Pakenham) – approx. 20 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Multiple cafes and bakeries in Gembrook – approx. 10 km
  • Wide range of dining options in Pakenham – approx. 20 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Kurth Kiln Historic Site
  • Puffing Billy Railway (Gembrook Station) – approx. 10 km
  • Bunyip State Park

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Gembrook Caravan Park – approx. 10 km
  • Emerald Tourist Park – approx. 20 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Nash Creek Campground (Bunyip State Park, 4WD recommended) – approx. 20 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Pakenham Public Dump Point – approx. 20 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Gembrook – approx. 10 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Gembrook or Pakenham.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite. Also in Gembrook.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm days with mild evenings. Ideal for picnics and walks. Average maximums are around 26°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, pleasant days and cool nights. Forest colours are a highlight. Average maximums range from 16°C to 23°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often damp days with cold nights. Tracks can be muddy. Average maximums are around 13°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days with the forest coming alive with wildflowers. Average maximums range from 16°C to 21°C.