Waanyarra Camping Grounds | Free Goldfields Bush Camping & Historic Prospecting

Immerse yourself in the captivating history of the Victorian Gold Rush at Waanyarra Camping Grounds, a fantastic free camping area nestled in the heart of the Golden Triangle. This historic site, once a bustling gold mining settlement, is now a serene bush retreat that offers a direct connection to the region’s rich past. The campground is a spacious, rustic clearing set amongst a beautiful ironbark forest, providing an authentic Australian bush experience. It’s a paradise for gold prospectors, history enthusiasts, and self-sufficient campers seeking a peaceful escape. The scattered, informal sites are suitable for tents, camper trailers, and small to medium-sized caravans, with plenty of shady spots to set up camp and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

The main allure of Waanyarra is its incredible history, which is palpable throughout the reserve. The campground is the starting point for a fascinating historic walk that takes you past remnants of the old town, including a lonely cemetery, abandoned mine shafts, and the traces of former buildings. For many, the primary activity is gold prospecting; the surrounding Waanyarra Nature Conservation Reserve and the broader Tarnagulla State Forest are renowned for yielding gold nuggets, making the campground a popular base for detectorists. The back-to-basics nature of the camp adds to its charm, encouraging a respectful and self-reliant style of camping. While it feels wonderfully remote, it’s just a short drive from the historic towns of Tarnagulla and Dunolly, where you can explore beautifully preserved 19th-century streetscapes. For a unique, budget-friendly camping trip that is steeped in history and natural beauty, Waanyarra is an unmissable Goldfields destination.

Campground Information

• Name: Waanyarra Camping Grounds
• Address: Waanyarra VIC 3551

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -36.81654665789763, 143.80033490398557

Website

• Website: This is a free campground in a historic area. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Historic bush setting in the Waanyarra Nature Conservation Reserve.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, small to medium Caravans and Motorhomes.
• Road Access: Unsealed gravel/dirt road, generally 2WD accessible but can be rough in places.
• Site Surface: Natural dirt and gravel base.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe Parks Victoria guidelines.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, shared fire pits, picnic tables. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy. Telstra has the best chance of a signal.
• TV Reception: Unreliable.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of the high number of prospectors in the area.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with many sites available.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, and a gold detector.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a lead in the surrounding State Forest areas.

Activities

• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short Walks: The Waanyarra Historic Walk starts at the campground.
• Gold Prospecting: This is a premier location for gold detecting (a miner’s right is required).

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Golden Triangle Hotel (Tarnagulla) – Approx. 12 km
  • Dunolly Hotel (Dunolly) – Approx. 25 km
  • Golden Age Hotel (Dunolly) – Approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Tarnagulla Post Office & Cafe – Approx. 12 km
  • Dunolly Bakery – Approx. 25 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Waanyarra Historic Cemetery – Onsite
  • Tarnagulla historic town – Approx. 12 km
  • Dunolly historic precinct – Approx. 25 km
  • Moliagul (Welcome Stranger nugget site) – Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Tarnagulla Recreation Reserve & Caravan Park – Approx. 12 km
  • Dunolly Caravan Park – Approx. 25 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Moliagul Campground – Approx. 25 km
  • Burkes Flat Camping Area – Approx. 22 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Tarnagulla Recreation Reserve – Approx. 12 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Tarnagulla (check hours) – Approx. 12 km
  • Dunolly – Approx. 25 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Tarnagulla or Dunolly.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry, with average temperatures of 15-32°C. Very high fire danger.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for prospecting, averaging 9-25°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and crisp, with frequent frosts, but often with clear, sunny days. Averaging 3-15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant, a great time to be outdoors as the wattles bloom, averaging 8-23°C.