Freemans Mill Camp, Bunyip State Park
Nestled deep within the serene bushland of Bunyip State Park, Freemans Mill Camp offers a quintessential Australian back-to-basics camping experience. This free campground is a hidden gem for those looking to escape the city’s hustle and immerse themselves in nature without venturing too far from Melbourne. The site itself is a large, open grassy area surrounded by towering eucalyptus trees, providing a peaceful atmosphere and a genuine sense of seclusion. It’s an ideal destination for weekend warriors, 4WD enthusiasts, and families wanting to introduce their children to the joys of rustic camping. Access is via Bunyip River Road, an unsealed road that can be corrugated and is best suited for vehicles with good clearance, particularly after rain, making a 4WD or AWD vehicle highly recommended.
The charm of Freemans Mill Camp lies in its simplicity. Facilities are minimal, encouraging a self-sufficient approach to camping. You will find non-flush toilets and wood fire pits, perfect for cooking a camp oven dinner or enjoying the warmth under a starry night sky. However, campers must be mindful of fire restrictions, especially during the summer months, and always bring their own firewood. There is no potable water available on site, so bringing an ample supply for drinking, cooking, and cleaning is absolutely essential. The open space allows for a variety of setups, from simple tents and swags to more robust camper trailers and off-road caravans. The lack of defined sites creates a communal, relaxed feel, but there’s plenty of room to find your own private corner. Given its popularity, especially on long weekends, arriving early is advisable to secure a good spot. It serves as a fantastic base for exploring the park’s numerous walking tracks and 4WD trails, offering both challenging adventures and leisurely strolls through beautiful fern gullies and regenerating forest.
Site Information
- Name: Freemans Mill Camp
- Address: 10 Bunyip River Rd, Gembrook VIC 3833, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.93698755516805, 145.74667425796
- Website: Parks Victoria – Bunyip State Park
Campsite Features & Rules
- Location: Bunyip State Park, Victoria.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, camper trailers, off-road caravans, and 4WD campers.
- Road Access: Unsealed gravel road (Bunyip River Rd). 4WD or AWD recommended, especially in wet conditions.
- Site Surface: Grass and dirt. Can become muddy after rain.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping. No bookings required.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with Parks Victoria for the latest regulations, typically around 2-3 nights.
- Facilities: Basic, non-flush (drop) toilets.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited to non-existent. Telstra may have patchy service in some spots.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush toilets are available.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a carry-in, carry-out site. Please take all rubbish with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of other campers regarding noise and fumes.
- Number of Sites Available: No designated sites, large open area. Capacity is informal.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, shovel, insect repellent.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash.
- Fishing: Limited opportunities within the immediate vicinity of the camp.
- Short Walks: Numerous walking tracks start nearby, including the Lawsons Falls trail.
Nearby Amenities & Attractions
The nearest town with services is Gembrook.
- Local Pubs:
- The Gembrook Hotel – Approx. 15 km
- The Independent Gembrook – Approx. 15 km
- Micawber Tavern (Belgrave) – Approx. 30 km
- Places to Eat:
- Spencers Store (Gembrook) – Approx. 15 km
- The Station House (Gembrook) – Approx. 15 km
- Various cafes and bakeries in Gembrook – Approx. 15 km
- Local Attractions:
- Puffing Billy Railway (Gembrook Station) – Approx. 15 km
- Kurth Kiln Regional Park – Approx. 25 km
- Cardinia Reservoir Park – Approx. 30 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Gembrook Caravan Park – Approx. 16 km
- Emerald Tourist Park – Approx. 25 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Kurth Kiln Regional Park (Scout Camp Track) – Approx. 25 km
- Ada No. 2 Mill (near Powelltown) – Approx. 45 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Pakenham Racecourse (Public RV Dump Point) – Approx. 35 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Gembrook & Cockatoo – Approx. 15-20 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Gembrook (check local parks or service station) – Approx. 15 km
- Nearest Public Toilets (Flush):
- Gembrook Main Street – Approx. 15 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days, averaging 20-30°C. High fire danger period; check for total fire bans before lighting a campfire. Nights are mild.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, pleasant days with cool nights, averaging 10-22°C. Ideal camping weather.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and often wet. Daytime temperatures average 5-14°C, with nights dropping close to freezing. Damp conditions can make tracks slippery.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days, increasing in warmth. A beautiful time to see the park’s flora, but weather can be variable.