Stony Creek Group Campground: Your Private Base in the Grampians
For schools, clubs, and large family groups looking for an exclusive and immersive bush experience, Stony Creek Group Campground is the perfect solution in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. This dedicated group camping area offers a large, private clearing where your entire party can set up camp together, fostering a wonderful sense of community and shared adventure. Set beside the gently flowing Stony Creek and surrounded by the iconic stringybark and red gum forests of the region, the campground provides a stunning and secluded natural setting. It’s designed specifically to accommodate larger numbers, making it an ideal choice for outdoor education programs, club gatherings, or significant family get-togethers.
The campground’s location is superb, providing a peaceful retreat while still being conveniently close to the central hub of Halls Gap and its many famous attractions. From this central base, groups can easily organise excursions to hike the Grand Canyon, visit the Pinnacle lookout, or marvel at the impressive Mackenzie Falls. The site itself is well-equipped for groups, featuring a dedicated toilet block and communal fireplaces perfect for evening gatherings and camp cooking. The adjacent creek and surrounding bushland offer plenty of opportunities for nature walks and wildlife spotting right from your tent. By offering a private, well-serviced space in the heart of one of Australia’s most spectacular national parks, Stony Creek Group Campground allows large groups to create a unique and memorable adventure tailored just for them.
Name: Stony Creek Group Campground
Address: Stony Creek Rd, Bellfield VIC 3381
Website: www.parks.vic.gov.au
GPS Coordinates: -37.17993, 142.48473
Site Information
- Location: Central Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, near Halls Gap.
- Site Suitable For: Tents and swags for large, organised groups (schools, clubs etc). Not for individual campers.
- Road Access: Good quality unsealed road (Stony Creek Rd). Accessible by 2WD vehicles and buses in dry conditions.
- Site Surface: Large, open grass and dirt area.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, for pre-booked groups only. Bookings must be made via the Parks Victoria website.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with Parks Victoria booking policy.
- Number of Powered Sites: 0
- Number of Un-powered Sites: One large, unpowered group site.
- Facilities: Non-flush (pit/composting) toilets, communal fireplaces, picnic tables.
- Picnic Tables: Yes.
- Potable Water: No. Water is available but is non-potable and must be treated before use.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Poor to non-existent at the campground. A signal is available in Halls Gap.
- TV Reception: No.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
- Ullage / Dump Point: No.
- Drive Through Sites: The large open area allows for easy bus and vehicle turnaround.
- Rubbish Bins: No. Groups must take all rubbish out with them.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fireplaces only, subject to fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Prohibited.
- Number of Sites Available: One bookable group site.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water or bulk water treatment systems, firewood, all food supplies, first-aid kit.
- Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.
- Fishing: No.
- Short Walks: Yes, along the creek and into the surrounding forest. Excellent access to major park trails.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs: Halls Gap Hotel (~10km), Stawell Hotel (~35km), National Hotel, Stawell (~35km).
- Places to Eat: A wide range of pubs, cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Halls Gap (~10km).
- Local Attractions: The Pinnacle, Grand Canyon, Boroka Lookout, Mackenzie Falls, Brambuk the National Park & Cultural Centre.
- Nearest Caravan Parks: Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park (~10km), Halls Gap Caravan Park (~10km).
- Next Free Camps: Camping is not free in the National Park. Free camps are located in state forests outside the park boundaries.
- Nearest Dump Points: Halls Gap Caravan Park (check for public access) or Stawell (~35km).
- Nearest Petrol Station: Halls Gap (~10km).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Halls Gap (~10km).
- Nearest Public Toilets: Onsite. Also in Halls Gap township (~10km).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and dry. High bushfire risk. A good time for creek activities.
- Autumn (Mar-May): The ideal season for hiking and group activities, with mild, sunny days and cool nights.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and often wet. Nights are very cold with frosts. Ensure groups are well-equipped for cold weather.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild. The park is at its most beautiful with stunning wildflower displays and flowing waterfalls.