Chinamans Campground | Free Mount Cole Forest Camping & Hiking

For an unforgettable free camping experience in the heart of the Victorian bush, Chinamans Campground in the Mount Cole State Forest is a premier destination. This hugely popular and expansive campground is a paradise for hikers, families, and anyone seeking an authentic Australian forest escape. Nestled in a vast, open clearing surrounded by a magnificent forest of towering messmate and manna gums, the campground offers a beautiful and serene setting. The spacious, well-defined sites are spread across a large grassy area, providing ample room for all setups, from tents and swags to large caravans and motorhomes. It’s a place that buzzes with a friendly, adventurous spirit, where the days are spent exploring mountain trails and the nights are for gathering around a campfire under a spectacular canopy of stars.

The main attraction of Chinamans is its role as a major hub for the extensive network of walking tracks in the Mount Cole and Mount Buangor region. It is a key starting or finishing point for the renowned Beeripmo Walk, a challenging two-day hike through the stunning mountain scenery. Numerous other shorter walks also begin here, leading to beautiful fern gullies, scenic lookouts, and historic sites. The campground’s facilities are excellent for a free site, with well-maintained non-flush toilets and shared fire pits adding to the comfortable, rustic experience. The surrounding forest is rich in wildlife, with kangaroos, wallabies, and a huge variety of birdlife frequently seen in and around the camp. While it feels wonderfully remote, the campground is easily accessible from the Western Highway and is just a short drive from the charming towns of Beaufort and Ararat. For a top-tier bush camping adventure that is rich in natural beauty and recreation, Chinamans Campground is one of Victoria’s best.

Campground Information

• Name: Chinamans Campground
• Address: Chinaman Rd, Mount Cole VIC 3377

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -37.24916202026203, 143.19834620547334

Website

• Website: This is a free campground in a State Forest. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Forest setting in the Mount Cole State Forest.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, and Motorhomes.
• Road Access: Unsealed gravel road. Generally 2WD accessible with care but can be corrugated and slippery when wet.
• Site Surface: Natural dirt and grass base.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping. No bookings required.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe FFM Vic guidelines.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, shared fire pits, picnic tables. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very patchy. Telstra has the best chance of a weak signal.
• TV Reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of the peaceful environment and other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with many sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, hiking boots.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead in State Forest areas.

Activities

• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short Walks: A premier hiking destination. It is the main trailhead for the Beeripmo Walk and other forest trails.
• 4WD Touring: The area is popular for exploring the network of forest tracks.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Railway Hotel (Buangor) – Approx. 20 km
  • Golden Age Hotel (Beaufort) – Approx. 30 km
  • Beaufort Hotel (Beaufort) – Approx. 30 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Buangor General Store (basic takeaway) – Approx. 20 km
  • Numerous cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Beaufort – Approx. 30 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Beeripmo Walk – Onsite
  • Mount Cole State Forest – You are in it!
  • Mount Buangor State Park – Adjacent
  • Pyrenees Wine Region (Avoca) – Approx. 45 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Beaufort Lake Caravan Park – Approx. 30 km
  • Ararat Holiday Park – Approx. 35 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Ben Nevis Campground (Mount Cole) – Approx. 5 km
  • D. W. Cain Memorial Park (Buangor) – Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Beaufort RV Park – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Beaufort has multiple options – Approx. 30 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Beaufort.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm days with cool mountain nights. Averaging 12-28°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cold nights, the prime season for hiking. Averaging 7-22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frequent frosts and a chance of snow on the highest peaks. Averaging 1-12°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild, with wildflowers blooming, but weather can be very changeable. Averaging 5-19°C.