Gordens Track Camping Grounds: A Secluded Bush Retreat in Gippsland

For those who believe the best campsites are the ones you have to seek out, Gordens Track Camping Grounds offers a rewarding and authentic bush experience. Tucked away in the Alberton West State Forest, this is a classic, no-frills free camp that celebrates the simple joys of getting away from it all. The campground consists of several small, informal clearings scattered amongst the native eucalypt forest, providing a wonderful sense of privacy and seclusion. This is not a destination for big rigs or those seeking modern amenities; it’s a haven for self-sufficient campers in tents, swags, and small off-road trailers who are looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in the tranquil sounds of the Australian bush.

The journey into the campground along the dirt tracks is part of the adventure, setting the scene for a truly remote stay. The area is a fantastic spot for birdwatching and wildlife spotting, with kangaroos and wallabies often seen grazing in the clearings during the quiet hours of dawn and dusk. Evenings are best spent around a crackling campfire, enjoying the immense quiet and the spectacular clarity of the night sky, far from any urban light pollution. While it feels a world away, Gordens Track is surprisingly accessible to the charming nearby towns of Yarram and Port Albert, making it a convenient base for exploring the wider Gippsland region, from the lush rainforests of the Tarra-Bulga National Park to the windswept beauty of the Ninety Mile Beach.

Site Information

• Location: Alberton West State Forest, Gippsland, Victoria.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, campervans, and small, high-clearance camper trailers.
• Road Access: Unsealed forest tracks. A 4WD or high-clearance 2WD is recommended, especially after rain when tracks can become slippery.
• Site Surface: Dirt and natural bush clearings.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free bush camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit.
• Number of Powered Sites: 0
• Number of Un-powered Sites: Several informal, unmarked sites.
• Facilities: None. Campers must be 100% self-sufficient.
• Picnic Tables: No.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent. A signal may be found on higher ground.
• TV Reception: No.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No. A portable toilet and/or cathole trowel is essential.
• Ullage / Dump Point: No.
• Drive Through Sites: No.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted, subject to local fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of the peaceful environment.
• Number of Sites Available: First come, first served.
• Essentials to Bring: All water and food, portable toilet, firewood, first-aid kit, and offline maps.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted in Victorian State Forests but must be under control.
• Fishing: No.
• Short Walks: Yes, along the forest tracks.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs: Yarram Club Hotel (~20km), Commercial Hotel Yarram (~20km), Victoria Hotel Alberton (~20km).
• Places to Eat: Pubs, cafes, and bakeries in Yarram (~20km). Famous fish and chips in Port Albert (~25km).
• Local Attractions: Tarra-Bulga National Park, historic fishing village of Port Albert, Ninety Mile Beach, Won Wron State Forest.
• Nearest Caravan Parks: Yarram Holiday Park (~20km), Seabank Caravan Park Port Albert (~25km).
• Next Free Camps: Won Wron Flora Reserve (~20km), White Woman’s Waterhole (~30km).
• Nearest Dump Points: Yarram Recreation Reserve (~20km).
• Nearest Petrol Station: Several options available in Yarram (~20km).
• Drinking Water Resupply: Yarram (~20km).
• Nearest Public Toilets: Yarram Memorial Park (~20km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot. High risk of bushfires; always check conditions and fire bans. A good time to visit the nearby coast.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights. An excellent time for bush camping and exploring the forests.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often damp. Tracks can be muddy. Nights are cold. Good for enjoying a campfire.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild weather with a mix of sun and showers. The forest is green and alive with wildflowers.