Walhalla North Gardens: Free Camping in a Town Frozen in Time

Experience one of Victoria’s most unique camping destinations at the North Gardens Campground, a beautiful free site nestled in the heart of the historic gold-mining town of Walhalla. Unlike any other campground, this spot allows you to immerse yourself directly in a living museum, where the charm of the 19th century is preserved against a backdrop of stunning mountain scenery. Situated on the grassy banks of the gently flowing Stringers Creek, the North Gardens provides a spacious and picturesque area for setting up your tent, camper trailer, or caravan. The surrounding valley, with its steep, forested slopes and canopy of mature European trees, creates a serene atmosphere that feels a world away from modern life, despite being just a short stroll from Walhalla’s main street.

This campground is the perfect base for exploring all that Walhalla has to offer. You can spend your days riding the historic Walhalla Goldfields Railway, taking an underground tour of the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine, or wandering through the lovingly restored heritage buildings. The famous Walhalla Cemetery, perched precariously on the hillside, is a must-see. The North Gardens campground is well-suited for self-sufficient campers, offering basic but essential facilities including non-flush toilets, picnic tables, and wood fire pits. As it is located within the Walhalla Historic Area, it is a pet-friendly destination, making it ideal for those travelling with dogs. Campers must bring their own drinking water and firewood, and adhere to a strict carry-in, carry-out policy for rubbish to help maintain the town’s pristine condition. For a truly unforgettable and atmospheric camping experience that combines natural beauty with a captivating journey into the past, the Walhalla North Gardens is an exceptional choice.

Campground Information

• Name: Walhalla North Gardens Campground
• Address: Walhalla Road, Walhalla, VIC 3825, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.932528931248356, 146.44904175494543
• Website: Managed by Parks Victoria. See the Walhalla Historic Area page for park information.

Features & Facilities

• Location: In the historic town of Walhalla, on the banks of Stringers Creek.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, camper trailers, and smaller caravans. Access can be tight for large rigs.
• Road Access: Sealed road to Walhalla, then a short, good-quality unsealed road to the campground.
• Site Surface: Grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with Parks Victoria, but short stays are standard.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, fire pits.
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited. Telstra service may be available in certain spots in town.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush toilets are available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. Carry-in, carry-out policy is strictly enforced.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated pits, subject to local fire restrictions.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers (restricted hours).
• Number of Sites Available: Numerous unmarked, dispersed sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, food, and rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Possible in Stringers Creek and the nearby Thomson River.
• Short Walks: Direct access to the Walhalla Tramline Walk and town walking tours.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Wally Pub (Walhalla Hotel) – approx. 1 km
  • Erica Hotel – approx. 18 km
  • Rawson Stockyard Bar & Bistro – approx. 23 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Walhalla General Store & Cafe – approx. 1 km
  • Wally Pub Bistro – approx. 1 km
  • Greyhorse Cafe (Walhalla) – approx. 1 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Walhalla Goldfields Railway
  • Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine Tour
  • Walhalla Historic Township and Cemetery
  • Coopers Creek Copper Mine

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Walhalla Log Cabin Park (unpowered sites only) – within Walhalla
  • Erica Caravan Park – approx. 18 km
  • Rawson Caravan Park – approx. 23 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Coopers Creek Campground
  • Bruntons Bridge Campground (4WD only)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Moe Public Dump Point – approx. 45 km
  • Traralgon Public Dump Point – approx. 55 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Erica – approx. 18 km. Rawson has fuel but may have limited hours.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Available in the town of Walhalla.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite and in the town centre.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm days, cool nights. Perfect for exploring. Average maximums are around 25°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, pleasant days and crisp nights. The autumn colours in Walhalla are world-famous. Average maximums range from 15°C to 22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and often misty, with very cold nights and frost. Snow can fall occasionally. Average maximums are around 11°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days as the gardens come to life. Average maximums range from 14°C to 19°C.