Buandik Campground: A Cultural Journey in the Black Range

For those looking to step off the main tourist trail and connect with a landscape rich in cultural history, Buandik Campground is a perfect choice. Located in the beautiful and often-overlooked Black Range State Park, this peaceful Parks Victoria campground offers a truly special bush experience. Set in a sheltered clearing surrounded by open woodland, the campground is known for its tranquillity and its proximity to some of Victoria’s most significant Indigenous rock art. The well-maintained sites are suitable for a range of setups, from tents and swags to small off-road caravans, providing a comfortable base in a wonderfully secluded setting.

The campground’s main purpose is to serve as a gateway to the Bunjil Shelter, a culturally vital site featuring a depiction of Bunjil, the creator spirit for many Indigenous people of central and western Victoria. A short walk from the campground leads you to this sacred place, offering a powerful and moving connection to the area’s ancient heritage. Beyond the rock art, the park’s rugged sandstone ridges provide excellent opportunities for hiking, with the walk to the summit of Mount Byron offering panoramic views of the surrounding plains and the nearby Grampians ranges. Wildlife is plentiful, with kangaroos, wallabies, and emus often seen grazing nearby. Buandik is more than just a place to camp; it’s a destination for quiet reflection, cultural appreciation, and a deep immersion in the timeless beauty of the Australian bush.

Site Information

• Location: Black Range State Park, west of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, camper trailers, and small caravans/campervans.
• Road Access: Unsealed road (Goat Track). Generally 2WD accessible in dry conditions, but can be corrugated and rough. AWD or 4WD recommended.
• Site Surface: Compacted dirt and gravel sites.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings are essential and must be made online via the Parks Victoria website.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with Parks Victoria booking policy.
• Number of Powered Sites: 0
• Number of Un-powered Sites: 5 unpowered sites.
• Facilities: Non-flush (pit/composting) toilets, communal fireplaces, picnic tables.
• Picnic Tables: Yes.
• Potable Water: No. All water must be carried in or collected and treated before use.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very poor to non-existent.
• TV Reception: No.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Ullage / Dump Point: No.
• Drive Through Sites: No.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken out with you.
• 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: 5 bookable sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water or a water treatment system, firewood, all food supplies, insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in Black Range State Park.
• Fishing: No.
• Short Walks: Yes, the main walks are to the Bunjil Shelter and the summit of Mount Byron.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs: Cavendish Bunyip Hotel (~30km), Balmoral Hotel (~45km), Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld (~60km).
• Places to Eat: The renowned Bunyip Hotel in Cavendish (~30km). Further options in Hamilton (~55km).
• Local Attractions: Bunjil Shelter Aboriginal Rock Art Site, Mount Byron Walk, Rocklands Reservoir, Grampians National Park.
• Nearest Caravan Parks: Cavendish Campground (free, ~30km), Lake Hamilton Motor Village & Caravan Park (~55km).
• Next Free Camps: Cavendish Campground (~30km), various sites around Rocklands Reservoir (e.g., Ferguson’s Camp).
• Nearest Dump Points: Cavendish (~30km) or Hamilton (~55km).
• Nearest Petrol Station: Cavendish (~30km).
• Drinking Water Resupply: Cavendish (~30km) or Hamilton (~55km).
• Nearest Public Toilets: Onsite. Also at Cavendish Campground (~30km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and very dry. Bushfire risk is high. Hikes should be undertaken with caution and plenty of water.
• Autumn (Mar-May): The best season for hiking. Mild, sunny days and cool, comfortable nights.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with crisp days and frosty nights. Can be wet, making tracks slippery.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild. The park is green and vibrant with wildflowers. A beautiful time to visit.