Fitzroy River Camping, Tyrendarra VIC
For travellers exploring the beautiful coastline of South West Victoria, the Fitzroy River camping area at Tyrendarra is a legendary and much-loved free camp. This stunning spot offers the quintessential Aussie bush camping experience, with spacious, grassy sites set amongst mature gum trees right on the banks of the tranquil Fitzroy River. It’s a paradise for self-sufficient campers who appreciate nature, peace, and the thrill of casting a line. The area is renowned among anglers as a premier spot for Bream fishing, and it’s common to see campers relaxing by the water’s edge, rods in hand, enjoying the serene environment.
This is a primitive bush camp, and its appeal lies in its simplicity and natural beauty. There are no facilities such as toilets, showers, or rubbish bins, so campers must be completely self-contained and committed to the ‘leave no trace’ philosophy, taking all rubbish with them. The campground is very pet-friendly, making it a perfect spot for those travelling with their dogs, who will love the open spaces and the chance for a river swim. Evenings here are magical, with the opportunity for a campfire (subject to fire restrictions) under a vast, starry sky, with the gentle sounds of the river and the surrounding bush as your soundtrack.
The location is incredibly convenient yet feels wonderfully remote. It’s just a short detour off the Princes Highway, making it an easy overnight stop, but it also serves as a fantastic base for exploring the wider region. It is situated on the doorstep of the World Heritage Listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the area’s ancient Indigenous aquaculture history. The charming coastal towns of Portland and Port Fairy are also within an easy drive. For a peaceful, free, and scenic riverside stay, the Fitzroy River camping area is one of Victoria’s best.
Site Information
- Location: On the banks of the Fitzroy River, just off the Princes Highway near Tyrendarra.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, Camper Trailers, Caravans, and Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Short, unsealed access road, generally suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry weather.
- Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified, but short stays of 2-3 nights are typical.
- Number of Powered Sites: None.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Large, open, undefined camping area.
Facilities
- Facilities: None. This is a primitive bush camp for fully self-contained campers.
- Picnic Tables: No.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy. Telstra provides the best chance of a signal near the highway.
- TV Reception: Poor to non-existent.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. You must have your own toilet.
- Ullage: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to seasonal fire restrictions and total fire bans.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with considerate use regarding timing and neighbours.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Everything – water, food, toilet, shower, power, rubbish bags, firewood, fishing gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a very pet-friendly location.
- Fishing: Excellent fishing for Bream and other estuary species in the Fitzroy River.
- Short Walks: Pleasant walks along the riverbank.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Tyrendarra Arms Hotel (approx. 5 km)
- The Star of the West Hotel, Port Fairy (approx. 30 km)
- The Gordon Hotel, Portland (approx. 35 km)
- Places to Eat: The Tyrendarra pub. A full range of options in Port Fairy and Portland.
- Local Attractions:
- Budj Bim Cultural Landscape (World Heritage site)
- Mount Eccles National Park
- The historic and charming seaside village of Port Fairy
- The port city of Portland and its dramatic coastline
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Narrawong Island Holiday Park
- Multiple parks in Port Fairy and Portland.
- Next Free Camps: Sawpit Free Camp (near Portland), Narrawong Recreation Reserve (low-cost).
- Nearest Dump Points: Public dump points are available in Port Fairy and Portland.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Available in Tyrendarra (check hours), with 24/7 options in Portland and Port Fairy.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Port Fairy or Portland Visitor Information Centres.
- Public Toilets: The nearest are in the town of Tyrendarra.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm and generally dry, but often with cool sea breezes. Perfect for fishing. Temperatures average 13°C to 24°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): A beautiful time to visit, with mild, sunny days and cool nights. Temperatures average 9°C to 20°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold and often wet. Days are cool and can be windy and overcast. Nights are very cold. Temperatures range from 6°C to 14°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A lovely season as the countryside is green and vibrant. The weather is cool and can be variable. Temperatures average 8°C to 19°C.