Nash Creek Campground: Free 4WD Camping Near Freemans Mill in Bunyip State Park

For those looking to venture deep into the rugged heart of Bunyip State Park, Nash Creek Campground offers an authentic and remote bush camping experience steeped in the region’s timber milling history. Often associated with the nearby historic Freemans Mill site, this free campground is a secluded haven for well-equipped, self-sufficient campers, particularly those with a passion for four-wheel driving and trail bike riding. The journey to the campground is a key part of the adventure, requiring a 4WD to navigate the unsealed, and often steep and slippery, forest tracks that wind through magnificent mountain ash and dense fern gullies. The reward is a peaceful clearing nestled by the gentle Nash Creek, offering a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The campground itself provides a number of dispersed, informal sites in a natural bush setting. It’s a true back-to-basics experience, with minimal facilities limited to a non-flush toilet and some basic fire pits. As it is located within a State Park, it is crucial to note that **pets are strictly not permitted** in order to protect the sensitive ecosystem and its diverse native wildlife, including lyrebirds, swamp wallabies, and powerful owls. Campers must be entirely self-reliant, bringing in all food, drinking water, and firewood, and must adhere to a strict ‘leave no trace’ policy by taking all rubbish home. The dense forest canopy and valley location mean mobile phone reception is virtually non-existent, making it an ideal spot for a digital detox. For those with the right vehicle and a desire to explore the challenging tracks and historic remnants of Bunyip State Park, Nash Creek provides a serene and truly wild camping adventure.

Campground Information

• Name: Nash Creek Campground (near Freemans Mill historic site)
• Address: Nash Creek Road, Bunyip State Park, Gembrook, VIC 3783, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.93693982769108, 145.74674473588988
• Website: Managed by Parks Victoria. See the Bunyip State Park page for info and alerts.

Features & Facilities

• Location: Remote bush setting in Bunyip State Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, and rugged off-road camper trailers.
• Road Access: Difficult 4WD access only. Tracks are steep, slippery when wet, and subject to seasonal closures.
• Site Surface: Dirt and natural grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Standard park limits apply.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilet, fire pits.
• Potable Water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: None. An emergency communication device is essential.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a non-flush toilet.
• Rubbish Bins: No. Carry-in, carry-out policy applies.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated pits, subject to fire restrictions.
• Generator Use: Not permitted in Bunyip State Park.
• Number of Sites Available: A small number of informal sites.
• Essentials to Bring: All water, food, firewood, rubbish bags, recovery gear, and an emergency communication device.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets are strictly prohibited in Bunyip State Park.
• Fishing: Limited opportunities in small local creeks.
• Short Walks: Surrounded by numerous 4WD and hiking tracks.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • The Independent (Gembrook) – approx. 20 km
  • Gembrook Hotel – approx. 20 km
  • The Pakenham Hotel (Pakenham) – approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Cafes and bakeries in Gembrook – approx. 20 km
  • Wide range of dining options in Pakenham – approx. 25 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Bunyip State Park 4WD Network
  • Mortimer Picnic Ground
  • Puffing Billy Railway (Gembrook Station)

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Gembrook Caravan Park – approx. 20 km
  • Emerald Tourist Park – approx. 30 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Kurth Kiln Scout Loop Camping Area – approx. 25 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Pakenham Public Dump Point – approx. 25 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Gembrook or Pakenham.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Gembrook or Pakenham.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite. Also at Mortimer Picnic Ground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm days with mild evenings. 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 are extremely slippery and may be closed. Average maximums are around 13°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days as the forest dries out. Average maximums range from 16°C to 21°C.