Toorongo Falls Campground: A Riverside Forest Escape near Noojee

Escape to a world of lush fern gullies, cascading waterfalls, and towering mountain ash at the Toorongo Falls Campground, one of Gippsland’s most enchanting camping destinations. Located a short and scenic drive from the historic timber town of Noojee, this beautiful reserve offers a truly immersive forest experience that feels a world away, yet is easily accessible from Melbourne. The campground is set in a picturesque valley alongside the Toorongo River, providing spacious, open, and grassy sites that are perfect for tents, camper trailers, and caravans. The gentle sounds of the flowing river and the chorus of native birdlife create a constant, tranquil soundtrack for your stay.

The main attraction is, without a doubt, the spectacular Toorongo and Amphitheatre Falls, which are accessible via a stunning, well-maintained walking loop that begins directly from the campground and day visitor area. This magical walk takes you through a temperate rainforest environment, crossing suspension bridges and following the river’s path to the impressive waterfalls. The campground itself is well-suited to self-sufficient campers, offering basic but clean facilities including non-flush toilets and wood-fired barbecues. To protect the sensitive ecosystem and abundant native wildlife, including lyrebirds and wallabies, **pets are strictly not permitted** in the reserve. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a small fee payable on-site. It’s a popular spot, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended. For a refreshing and rejuvenating getaway that combines the best of riverside camping with the magic of waterfall walks, the Toorongo Falls Campground is a must-visit Victorian destination.

Campground Information

• Name: Toorongo Falls Campground
• Address: Toorongo Valley Road, Noojee, VIC 3833, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.855246626985426, 146.04138654217238
• Website: Parks Victoria – Toorongo Falls Reserve

Features & Facilities

• Location: Forested valley in the Toorongo Falls Reserve, on the Toorongo River.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, and caravans.
• Road Access: Unsealed road for the last few kilometres, generally 2WD accessible with care.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping (fees payable on-site).
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check local signage for any limits.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, wood-fired BBQs, picnic tables.
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own or treat river 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/fire pits only, subject to fire restrictions.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers (restricted hours).
• Number of Sites Available: Approximately 15-20 unmarked sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, food, and rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets are strictly not permitted.
• Fishing: Possible in the Toorongo River.
• Short Walks: Direct access to the Toorongo Falls and Amphitheatre Falls walking loop (2.2km).

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • The Toolshed (Noojee) – approx. 8 km
  • Noojee Hotel – approx. 8 km
  • Neerim South Hotel – approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • The Little Red Duck Cafe (Noojee) – approx. 8 km
  • Outpost Restaurant (Noojee) – approx. 8 km
  • Various pubs and cafes in Neerim South – approx. 25 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Toorongo and Amphitheatre Falls
  • Noojee Trestle Bridge – approx. 10 km
  • Ada Tree (giant Mountain Ash) – requires longer drive
  • Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort (seasonal) – approx. 50 km

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Neerim South Caravan Park – approx. 25 km
  • Glen Cromie Reserve – approx. 40 km
  • Rawson Caravan Park – approx. 45 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Various sites in the nearby State Forests (e.g., Latrobe State Forest).
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Neerim South Recreation Reserve Public Dump Point – approx. 25 km
  • Warragul Public Dump Point – approx. 45 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Noojee – approx. 8 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Noojee.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite. Also in Noojee.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm days with mild evenings, perfect for waterfall walks. Average maximums are around 24°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild days and cool nights with beautiful autumn foliage. Average maximums range from 14°C to 21°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and often wet, with very cold nights. The waterfalls are at their most powerful. Average maximums are around 11°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days with the forest lush and green. Average maximums range from 14°C to 19°C.