Starlings Gap Campground: Historic 4WD Free Camping in the Yarra Ranges

Journey deep into the magnificent mountain ash forests of the Yarra State Forest to discover Starlings Gap Campground, a historic and remote free camping area that offers a genuine High Country adventure. Once a bustling timber milling settlement, this beautiful clearing is now a tranquil haven for self-sufficient campers and 4WD enthusiasts. The journey to Starlings Gap is part of the experience, requiring a well-equipped vehicle to navigate the unsealed, and often steep and slippery, forest tracks that lead to this secluded spot. The reward is a stunning campsite surrounded by some of the world’s tallest flowering plants and lush, temperate rainforest filled with tree ferns.

The campground itself is a large, open grassy area with a number of dispersed sites suitable for tents, swags, and off-road camper trailers. History is all around, with a historic steel boiler from the old mill days standing as a silent monument to the area’s industrial past. The facilities are basic, with a non-flush toilet and communal fire pits, reinforcing the back-to-basics nature of the camp. As a state forest campground, Starlings Gap is a pet-friendly location, making it an excellent choice for those who want to explore the rugged trails with their dogs. Campers must be fully self-contained, bringing their own drinking water and taking all rubbish home. The high altitude and dense forest mean mobile phone reception is virtually non-existent, providing a perfect opportunity to disconnect. For those prepared for a true 4WD adventure, Starlings Gap offers a unique blend of history, solitude, and spectacular natural beauty.

Campground Information

• Name: Starlings Gap Campground
• Address: Starlings Gap Road, Powelltown, VIC 3797, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.814247610986314, 145.80097295298057
• Website: Managed by Forest Fire Management Victoria (no dedicated site).

Features & Facilities

• Location: Remote high-altitude setting in the Yarra State Forest.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, and off-road camper trailers.
• Road Access: Difficult 4WD access only. Tracks are steep, often slippery, and subject to seasonal closures.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Standard state forest limits apply.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilet, picnic tables, fire pits.
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own or treat local creek water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: None. An emergency communication device is essential.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a non-flush toilet is available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. Carry-in, carry-out policy applies.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated pits, subject to local fire restrictions.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Numerous unmarked, dispersed sites.
• Essentials to Bring: All water, food, firewood, rubbish bags, recovery gear, and an emergency communication device.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Limited opportunities in small local creeks.
• Short Walks: Access to the historic Walk into History trail and other 4WD tracks.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Powelltown Hotel – approx. 25 km
  • Noojee Hotel – approx. 30 km
  • The Independent (Gembrook) – approx. 50 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Powelltown Sawmill Cafe – approx. 25 km
  • The Outpost (Noojee) – approx. 30 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Walk into History Trail
  • Ada Tree (giant Mountain Ash)
  • Powelltown Tramway Walk
  • Noojee Trestle Bridge

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Powelltown Caravan Park – approx. 25 km
  • Rawson Caravan Park – approx. 40 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Latrobe River Campground
  • Coopers Creek Campground (near Walhalla)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Yarra Junction Public Dump Point – approx. 45 km
  • Moe Public Dump Point – approx. 60 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Powelltown or Noojee.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Powelltown or Noojee.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm days with cool alpine nights. Average maximums are around 23°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Cool, crisp days and cold nights. The forest colours are spectacular. Average maximums range from 13°C to 20°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Very cold. Tracks are often closed due to snow and hazardous, slippery conditions. Average maximums are around 9°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool days. Tracks can remain closed until late spring. Average maximums range from 13°C to 18°C.