Tolmie Recreation Reserve Free Camping | Victorian High Country
Nestled in the foothills of the spectacular Victorian High Country, the Tolmie Recreation Reserve offers a serene and spacious free camping experience for travellers exploring the Mansfield region. Located just a short, scenic drive from the bustling town of Mansfield, this reserve provides an ideal base for discovering nearby attractions like the King Valley wine region, Powers Lookout, and the alpine trails of Mount Buller. The campsite is celebrated for its accessibility and convenience, making it a favourite stopover for a wide range of campers, from those in tents and campervans to large caravans and big rigs.
The reserve itself is a large, open grassy area, dotted with mature trees that provide welcome shade during the warmer months. The generally level ground makes setting up camp a straightforward affair. While the facilities are basic, they are well-maintained and cover the essentials for a comfortable stay. Visitors will find clean public toilets and rubbish bins provided, which helps keep the picturesque grounds pristine. The atmosphere is typically peaceful and friendly, with ample space for everyone to spread out without feeling crowded. It’s a wonderfully pet-friendly location, so your four-legged companions are welcome to join the adventure, provided they are kept on a leash and managed responsibly. The reserve also serves as the local sports ground, embodying a true sense of community spirit. Whether you’re staying for a night or the maximum permitted three days, Tolmie Recreation Reserve is a perfect example of a classic Aussie free camp that combines convenience, natural beauty, and a welcoming community feel.
Address: 13 Tolmie-Mahaikah Rd, Tolmie VIC 3723
Campsite Information
- Location: Tolmie, Victorian High Country. A small township approximately 25km from Mansfield.
- Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, campervans, caravans, and big rigs.
- Road access: Sealed road access right to the reserve entrance.
- Site surface: Mostly level grass and dirt.
- Camping permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
- Maximum overnight stays: 72 hours (3 nights).
- Facilities: Picnic tables, sheltered areas.
- Potable water: No potable water on site. You must bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage for Telstra. Limited to patchy for Optus and Vodafone.
- TV reception: Variable, depending on your setup.
- Onsite public toilets: Yes, a toilet block is available.
- Rubbish bins: Yes, bins are provided. Please use them to keep the area clean.
- Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to local fire restrictions. Check the CFA website for fire ban information. BYO firewood.
- Generator use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers with usage hours (e.g., 8 am – 8 pm).
- Number of sites available: Numerous unpowered sites in an open, spacious area.
- Essentials to bring: Drinking water, firewood, levelling blocks, and all camping supplies.
- Pet friendly: Yes, pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Fishing: Limited fishing in the immediate vicinity. Major rivers like the Delatite and Howqua are within a 30-45 minute drive.
- Short walks: The reserve itself is pleasant for a stroll. Nearby walking tracks and lookouts are plentiful in the Strathbogie Ranges.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Tolmie Tavern (approx. 2 km)
- Delatite Hotel, Mansfield (approx. 25 km)
- Mansfield Hotel (approx. 25 km)
- Places to Eat:
- Tolmie Tavern (approx. 2 km)
- A wide range of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Mansfield (approx. 25 km)
- Local Attractions:
- Powers Lookout (approx. 18 km)
- Lake Nillahcootie (approx. 40 km)
- Mansfield Zoo (approx. 30 km)
- Access to Mount Buller & Mount Stirling (approx. 70 km to resort entry)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Mansfield Holiday Park (approx. 25 km)
- High Country Holiday Park (approx. 26 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- Stringybark Creek Day Area & Camping (approx. 45 km)
- Blue Range Creek Camping Area (approx. 45 km)
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Mansfield Showgrounds (approx. 25 km)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Multiple stations in Mansfield (approx. 25 km)
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Mansfield Visitor Information Centre (approx. 25 km)
- Public Toilets (offsite):
- Various locations in Mansfield (approx. 25 km)
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days, generally dry. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C. Can be cooler in the evenings. High fire danger season.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights. Beautiful autumn colours in the region. Average temperatures range from 8°C to 22°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and often wet. Frosts are common, and light snowfall is possible on surrounding peaks. Average temperatures range from 2°C to 12°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with increasing sunshine. A great time for wildflowers. Average temperatures range from 6°C to 20°C.