Nestled in the serene Mount Disappointment State Forest, Andersons Garden offers a tranquil, rustic, and completely free camping experience just a short drive from Melbourne. This secluded bush camp is a favourite among those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle, providing a true back-to-basics connection with nature. Located on Boundary Road, the site is known for its beautiful, tall eucalypts and the peaceful sounds of native birds. While it may not offer the typical caravan park amenities, it provides the perfect backdrop for a genuine bush camping adventure. The area is a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding state forest, with a network of walking trails and 4WD tracks right at your doorstep. Whether you’re looking for a quick overnight stay or a weekend of peaceful reflection, Andersons Garden is a hidden gem for campers who appreciate simplicity and the great outdoors.
Location Details
- Name: Andersons Garden
- Address: Boundary Rd, Clonbinane VIC 3658
- Website: Not available
- GPS Coordinates: -37.35348239652694, 145.10759526935067
Site Information
- Location: Tucked away in the Mount Disappointment State Forest, near the township of Clonbinane.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, and caravans (access may be challenging for large rigs depending on conditions).
- Road Access: Unsealed gravel road (Boundary Rd), which can be rough and is not suitable for 2WD vehicles in wet conditions. A 4WD is highly recommended.
- Site Surface: Dirt and gravel with some grassy areas under tall trees.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a designated free camping area.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: There is no official limit, but campers should respect the environment and other visitors. A typical stay is 1-3 nights.
- Facilities: Very basic, with no powered sites or designated camping pads.
- Potable Water: No. Bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited and unreliable, especially with Optus and Vodafone. Telstra has patchy 4G coverage.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a basic drop toilet is available.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a “leave no trace” site. You must take all rubbish with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits or cleared areas, but check fire restrictions and total fire ban days before your visit.
- Generator Use: Permitted.
- Number of Sites Available: No official sites, but space for approximately 10-15 groups, depending on vehicle size.
- Essentials to Bring: All food and drinking water, a head torch, fire-starting materials, and rubbish bags.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a lead.
- Fishing: No, there are no nearby water bodies suitable for fishing.
- Short Walks: Numerous informal walking tracks exist throughout the state forest from the campsite.
Nearby Amenities & Attractions
- 3 Local Pubs:
- Tooborac Hotel & Brewery (~30km)
- The Kilmore International Hotel (~15km)
- Wandong Hotel (~10km)
- Places to Eat:
- Ferguson Plarre’s Bakehouse, Wallan (~15km)
- Yea Amble Inn, Yea (~45km)
- Broadford Courier Cafe, Broadford (~10km)
- Local Attractions:
- Mount Disappointment State Forest walking trails (Onsite)
- Broadford Courier Building Museum (~10km)
- Kilmore Historical Society and Old Gaol (~15km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Yea Riverside Caravan Park (~45km)
- Big4 Seymour Holiday Park (~30km)
- Kilmore East Caravan Park (~15km)
- Next Free Camps:
- Freemans Camp, Tallarook State Forest (~25km)
- Clonbinane No.1 Camp (~5km)
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Broadford Bowling Club & Lions Park (~10km)
- Seymour Dump Point (~30km)
- Nearest Petrol Station: United Petroleum, Wandong (~10km)
- Drinking Water Resupply: Water can be purchased at supermarkets in Wallan or Kilmore (~15km).
- Public Toilets: Kilmore Rest Area Southbound (~10km)
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Maximum daily temperatures average between 27°C and 30°C. Days are balmy, so bring a hat and sunscreen.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Temperatures begin to cool, averaging from 20°C to 25°C. A great time for bushwalking and exploring.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Winter days are moderately cold, with maximums between 12°C and 14°C and overnight lows around 3°C. Pack warm clothing and be prepared for chilly, windy conditions.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Temperatures begin to rise again, averaging from 18°C to 24°C. The bushland comes alive with wildflowers.