Mortimer Picnic Ground: A Tranquil Day-Use Area in Bunyip State Park

Escape to the serene bushland of Bunyip State Park and discover Mortimer Picnic Ground, a beautiful and tranquil spot perfect for a day trip from Melbourne. Nestled amongst towering eucalypts and lush fern gullies, this day-use area offers a peaceful retreat for families, bushwalkers, and anyone looking to reconnect with nature. The picnic ground is the starting point for the scenic Mortimer Nature Walk, an easy loop that meanders through diverse forest environments, offering a fantastic introduction to the park’s flora and fauna. The area is well-equipped for a comfortable day out, featuring picnic tables, wood-fired barbecues, and non-flush toilets.

It is important for visitors to note that **overnight camping is not permitted at Mortimer Picnic Ground**. This area is strictly for day use to help preserve its delicate environment. However, for those wishing to extend their stay in this magnificent park, the designated **Nash Creek Campground** is located just a few kilometres away. Nash Creek offers a fantastic free, pet-friendly camping experience for self-sufficient travellers in a beautiful creekside setting. Bunyip State Park is a popular destination for four-wheel driving, trail bike riding, and horse riding, with a network of tracks accessible from near the picnic ground. The unsealed roads leading to Mortimer Picnic Ground are generally 2WD accessible in dry weather, but conditions can change, and a 4WD is often recommended for exploring deeper into the park. Remember to be self-sufficient with drinking water and to take all your rubbish home, as there are no bins provided. For a quiet picnic, a beautiful walk, or a starting point for a bigger adventure, Mortimer Picnic Ground is a gem of the Victorian bush.

Picnic Area Information

• Name: Mortimer Picnic Ground
• Address: Mortimer Track, Gembrook, VIC 3783, Australia (within Bunyip State Park)
• GPS Coordinates: -37.984454476062496, 145.59484666763262
• Website: Parks Victoria – Bunyip State Park

Features & Facilities

• Location: Sheltered bushland setting in Bunyip State Park.
• Site Suitable For: Day trips, picnics, and bushwalking.
• Road Access: Unsealed forest roads. Generally 2WD accessible in dry conditions, 4WD recommended.
• Site Surface: Dirt and gravel car park, grassy picnic areas.
• Camping Permitted: No. Day use only.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Not applicable.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood fire BBQs.
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: No. Carry-in, carry-out policy applies.
• Open Fires: Permitted in provided BBQs only, subject to fire restrictions.
• Generator Use: Not permitted.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, food, rubbish bags, and firewood if you plan to use the BBQs.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in Bunyip State Park.
• Fishing: Not a primary activity at this location.
• Short Walks: Mortimer Nature Walk (1km loop) starts and ends here.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • The Independent (Gembrook) – approx. 15 km
  • Gembrook Hotel – approx. 15 km
  • The Pakenham Hotel (Pakenham) – approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Multiple cafes and bakeries in Gembrook – approx. 15 km
  • Wide range of dining options in Pakenham – approx. 25 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Bunyip State Park 4WD and trail bike tracks
  • Puffing Billy Railway (Gembrook Station) – approx. 15 km
  • Kurth Kiln Regional Park

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Gembrook Caravan Park – approx. 15 km
  • Emerald Tourist Park – approx. 25 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Nash Creek Campground (within Bunyip State Park, 4WD recommended) – approx. 5 km
  • Kurth Kiln Scout Loop Camping Area – approx. 20 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Pakenham Public Dump Point – approx. 25 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Gembrook – approx. 15 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Gembrook or Pakenham.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite. Also in Gembrook.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm days with mild evenings. Ideal for picnics and walks. Average maximums are around 26°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, pleasant days and cool nights. Forest colours are a highlight. Average maximums range from 16°C to 23°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often damp days with cold nights. Tracks can be muddy. Average maximums are around 13°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days with the forest coming alive with wildflowers. Average maximums range from 16°C to 21°C.