Andersons Garden Free Camp, Clonbinane VIC, Mt Disappointment Bush Camping
Escape Melbourne and immerse yourself in the tranquil bushland of Mt Disappointment State Forest at Andersons Garden, a popular free campground in Clonbinane, Victoria. Located just over an hour from the city, this campsite is a fantastic weekend getaway for those seeking a basic, rustic experience. The site is a beautiful, grassy flat area shaded by tall Mountain Ash trees, set alongside the charming Sunday Creek.
Andersons Garden is a prime spot for self-sufficient campers. Facilities are basic but functional, including pit toilets (drop toilets), wood-fired barbecues, and picnic tables. There is no potable water supply, so you must bring all your own drinking water. Furthermore, this is a strictly “leave no trace” area, meaning there are no rubbish bins provided. All campers must take their rubbish with them to help maintain the site’s natural beauty.
Access is via unsealed forest roads, which are generally manageable for 2WD vehicles in dry conditions. The campground itself is best suited for tents and swags. Please note: This site is not recommended for caravans or large RVs. The parking areas are small, and there is very limited room to turn around, which can trap larger vehicles. This is a dog-friendly campground, but pets must be kept on a lead at all times.
The area is a haven for outdoor activities. The surrounding state forest offers numerous trails for bushwalking, horse riding, and four-wheel driving. Nearby attractions within the forest include Blairs Hut and Strath Lookout. Being a basic bush camp, it offers a genuine back-to-nature experience with the convenience of being close to the amenities of Wallan and Wandong, which are only a short drive away.
Location Details
Name: Andersons Garden Campground
Address: Andersons Garden, Clonbinane VIC 3658, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -37.35346, 145.10749
Campsite Features & Facilities
- Location (Site suitable for): Tents, Swags, Rooftop Tents. Not recommended for caravans or large RVs due to limited turning space.
- Road Access: 2WD accessible unsealed forest road (dry weather).
- Site Surface: Grassy flats.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free bush camping is permitted.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Not specified. Please observe local signage.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, basic picnic tables/benches available.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited and patchy. Telstra 4G may be available in some spots.
- TV Reception: Not specified, likely poor to non-existent.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, pit toilets (drop toilets). BYO toilet paper.
- Ullage (Dump Point): No.
- Drive Through: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a “leave no trace” site. You must take all rubbish with you.
- Open Fires: Yes, permitted in designated wood-fire BBQs (subject to local fire restrictions and Total Fire Bans).
- Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, dispersed camping area with approximately 20 small zones.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, toilet paper, rubbish bags, firewood, insect repellent.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a lead.
- Fishing: Yes, possible in nearby Sunday Creek.
- Short Walks: Yes, numerous informal bushwalking tracks within Mt Disappointment State Forest.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Magpie & Stump Hotel (~8-10 km in Wandong, VIC)
- Hogans Hotel (~10-12 km in Wallan, VIC)
- Royal Mail Hotel (~17 km in Whittlesea, VIC)
- Places to Eat:
- Wallan Service Centre (Fast Food) (~10 km in Wallan, VIC)
- Thousand Spices Indian Restaurant (~10-12 km in Wallan, VIC)
- Torng Bai Thai Restaurant (~10-12 km in Wallan, VIC)
- Local Attractions:
- Mt Disappointment State Forest (you are located within it)
- Strath Lookout (nearby in the forest)
- Blairs Hut (historic site nearby in the forest)
- Nearest Caravan Parks (Paid):
- Kilmore Caravan Park (~15-20 km in Kilmore, VIC)
- Next Free Camps:
- Clonbinane No. 1 Camp (nearby in Mt Disappointment State Forest)
- Regular Campground (nearby in Mt Disappointment State Forest)
- Wandong Roadside Stop (Southbound) (~8-10 km in Wandong, VIC)
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Broadford RV Dump Point (~24 km in Broadford, VIC)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Wallan Service Centre (Hume Fwy) (~10 km in Wallan, VIC)
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Wallan Service Centre (~10 km in Wallan, VIC)
- Nearest Public Toilets (Flushing):
- Wallan Service Centre (~10 km in Wallan, VIC)
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (December – February): Warm to balmy, with average maximum temperatures between 27-30°C.
- Autumn (March – May): Mild days with cooling nights.
- Winter (June – August): Cold. Average maximum temperatures are around 12-14°C, with overnight minimums averaging 3°C and often dropping lower.
- Spring (September – November): Cool to mild days, becoming warmer.