Glenpatrick Recreation Reserve – Free Camping in the Pyrenees Forest

For those seeking a true bush escape, the Glenpatrick Recreation Reserve offers a fantastic free camping experience deep within the beautiful Pyrenees Ranges of Victoria. Surrounded by the sprawling Pyrenees State Forest, this spacious and secluded reserve is a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone looking to disconnect and enjoy the serenity of the Australian bush. The large, open, grassy area provides numerous spots to set up camp, suitable for everything from tents and swags to large caravans, all under the shade of towering gum trees. It’s a classic, back-to-basics campground where the main attractions are the stunning natural surroundings and the profound sense of peace.

The facilities are simple, as expected for a free camp, with a non-flushing toilet block being the primary amenity. Travellers must be self-sufficient, bringing their own drinking water, power, and cooking equipment, and must be prepared to take all their rubbish with them. The reserve’s true value lies in its location. It serves as a trailhead for several walking tracks, including the popular Pyrenees Endurance Walk, and is a fantastic base for exploring the area’s gold rush history, with old diggings and ruins scattered throughout the forest. The nearby towns of Avoca and Elmhurst offer access to supplies and the region’s acclaimed wineries. In the evenings, the reserve often comes alive with local wildlife, including kangaroos and a vast array of birdlife, providing a magical bush experience. For an authentic and cost-free adventure in a magnificent forest setting, Glenpatrick Recreation Reserve is an unbeatable choice.

Site Information

• Name: Glenpatrick Recreation Reserve
• Address: Elmhurst-Glenpatrick Rd, Glenpatrick VIC 3469, Australia

• GPS Coordinates: -37.137738, 143.326658

• Website: Not available (managed by Parks Victoria/local community).

Campground Details

• Location: In the Pyrenees State Forest, between the towns of Avoca and Elmhurst.
• Site Suitable For: Self-contained vehicles are ideal. Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
• Road Access: Good quality gravel road suitable for 2WD vehicles.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified. Short-term stays are standard practice.
• Facilities: Non-flushing (long drop) toilets.
• Potable Water: Not available. You must bring all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent. A satellite messenger or UHF radio is recommended.
• TV Reception: Very poor to non-existent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site. Leave no trace.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fireplaces only, and subject to all local fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for the peaceful environment.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, open, unmarked area.
• Essentials to Bring: All water, firewood, food, rubbish bags, and emergency communication device.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Limited opportunities in local creeks.
• Short Walks: Direct access to numerous bushwalking and hiking trails within the Pyrenees State Forest.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Elmhurst Hotel, Elmhurst: Approx. 12 km
  • Avoca Hotel, Avoca: Approx. 20 km
  • Victoria Hotel, Avoca: Approx. 20 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Pub meals in Elmhurst and Avoca.
  • Home Made Cafe and bakeries in Avoca.
• Local Attractions:
  • Pyrenees State Forest (hiking, 4WD, prospecting)
  • Pyrenees Wine Region (cellar doors centered around Avoca)
  • Historic gold mining sites.
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Avoca Caravan Park: Approx. 20 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Elmhurst Recreation Reserve: Approx. 12 km
  • Waterlooo Campground (Pyrenees State Forest): Approx. 15 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Elmhurst Recreation Reserve: Approx. 12 km
  • Avoca Caravan Park (check for public access/fee): Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Elmhurst: Approx. 12 km
  • Avoca: Approx. 20 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Elmhurst Recreation Reserve: Approx. 12 km
• Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Located in the main streets of Elmhurst and Avoca.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Very warm to hot and dry, with a high risk of bushfires. Be extremely cautious. Temperatures often exceed 30°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Pleasant, mild, and sunny days with cool nights. The best time for hiking. Temperatures average 9°C to 24°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and can be wet, with frequent frosts and very cold nights. Average temperatures range from 3°C to 13°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and sunny but weather can be changeable. Wildflowers are a highlight. Temperatures average 7°C to 20°C.