O’Sheas Mill Free Campground: A Historic Riverside Escape in Tyers Park

Nestled deep in the lush, fern-filled gullies of the Tyers State Park, O’Sheas Mill Site offers a tranquil and historic free camping experience that feels a world away from the nearby Latrobe Valley towns. This beautiful campground is situated on the site of a former timber mill on the banks of the Tyers River, blending natural serenity with fascinating local history. The campground itself is a large, open, and grassy area surrounded by towering mountain ash and native forest, providing a sheltered and peaceful environment for all types of campers. The spacious, unmarked sites make it ideal for tents, camper trailers, and caravans alike.

The gentle Tyers River, which flows alongside the campground, is perfect for a refreshing swim on a warm day, a spot of fishing, or simply relaxing and listening to the sounds of the bush. As a State Park campground, O’Sheas Mill is a fantastic pet-friendly destination, allowing you to share your adventure with your canine companions. The facilities are basic but well-suited for self-sufficient campers, with non-flush toilets and established fire pits available. Campers must bring their own drinking water and are required to take all rubbish with them to preserve the park’s pristine condition. Access to the campground is via unsealed forest roads, which are generally manageable for 2WD vehicles in dry weather but can become slippery after rain. With its rich history, beautiful riverside setting, and proximity to walking tracks like the Wirilda Track, O’Sheas Mill Site is a wonderful choice for a peaceful and budget-friendly bush getaway.

Campground Information

• Name: O’Sheas Mill Site Campground
• Address: O’Sheas Track, Tyers, VIC 3844, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.925059843119065, 146.38438214847997
• Website: Managed by Parks Victoria. See the Tyers Park page for park information.

Features & Facilities

• Location: Forested riverside setting in Tyers State Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans.
• Road Access: Unsealed forest road, 2WD accessible with care in dry weather.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with Parks Victoria for any specific limits.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, fire pits.
• 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 designated fire pits, subject to local fire restrictions.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Numerous unmarked, dispersed sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, food, and rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Possible in the Tyers River.
• Short Walks: Access to the Wirilda Walking Track and other forest trails.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Yallourn North Hotel – approx. 15 km
  • Grand Junction Hotel (Traralgon) – approx. 20 km
  • Criterion Hotel (Trafalgar) – approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Cafes and takeaways in Yallourn North – approx. 15 km
  • Extensive dining options in Traralgon – approx. 20 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Tyers Gorge
  • Moondarra State Park
  • Old Gippstown Heritage Park (Moe)

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • BIG4 Traralgon Park Lane Holiday Park – approx. 20 km
  • Traralgon Lifestyle Village – approx. 20 km
  • Moe Gardens Caravan Park – approx. 25 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Seninis Track Campground (Moondarra State Park, 4WD)
  • Coopers Creek Campground (near Walhalla)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Traralgon Public Dump Point – approx. 20 km
  • Moe Public Dump Point – approx. 25 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Tyers, Yallourn North, or Traralgon.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Traralgon or Moe.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite. Also in Tyers township.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm days with mild evenings, ideal for river activities. Average maximums are around 26°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, pleasant days and cool nights. The forest is beautiful this time of year. Average maximums range from 16°C to 23°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often damp days with cold nights. Tracks can be slippery. Average maximums are around 13°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days as the forest comes alive. Average maximums range from 16°C to 21°C.