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Traralgon Campsite 3 (Mount Tassie) VIC, Free Bush Camping & Lookout Guide

Escape to the highest peak in the Strzelecki Ranges at Mount Tassie, offering some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in all of Gippsland. “Traralgon Campsite 3” is one of several designated, free bush campsites located in the regional park/state forest areas on the mountain, providing a rugged, back-to-basics experience for truly self-sufficient campers. This is not a formal campground but a clearing in the forest, perfect for those seeking solitude and immediate access to the stunning lookouts and hiking trails.

The main attraction is, without question, the Mount Tassie Lookout, which provides sweeping vistas over the Latrobe Valley, Traralgon, Morwell, and on a clear day, as far as the Victorian Alps. The campsite serves as an excellent base for walkers exploring loops of the Grand Strzelecki Track.

Camping here is a serious, self-contained affair. There are **no facilities** at these specific campsites – no toilets, no potable water, no picnic tables, and absolutely no rubbish bins. All campers must bring everything they need, including a portable toilet, and strictly adhere to Leave No Trace principles by packing all rubbish out. Furthermore, it is critical to note that **open campfires are not permitted** at these free campsites along the track. All cooking must be conducted on self-contained gas appliances.

Access is another key consideration. The main road up the mountain, Mount Tassie Road, is an unsealed gravel road. While it can be navigated by a careful 2WD vehicle in dry conditions, it is steep and can become slippery and treacherous after rain. The specific tracks to secondary campsites like “#3” are often rougher and unmaintained, making a 4WD or high-clearance AWD vehicle highly recommended. This area is generally unsuitable for large caravans or motorhomes.

Traralgon campsite 3 – VIC Map

Campsite Details

Name: Traralgon campsite 3, Mount Tassie
Address: Mount Tassie VIC 3844
GPS Coordinates: -38.393, 146.53245

Site Features

Location: Mount Tassie, Strzelecki Ranges.
Site suitable for: Tents, swags, and high-clearance 4WD camper trailers.
Road access: Main access via steep, unsealed gravel road (Mount Tassie Rd). 4WD/AWD is highly recommended, especially after rain.
Site surface: Natural dirt/grass clearing.
Camping permitted: Yes, free, designated bush camping.
Maximum overnight stays: Check local signage.
Picnic tables: No (available at the main lookout/day-use area).
Potable water: **No.** You must bring all your own water.
Mobile phone coverage: Patchy. Generally good (Telstra) at the lookout, but can be poor in the campsite.
TV reception: No.
Onsite public toilets: **No.** Toilets are available at the main Mount Tassie lookout/day-use area, but not at this specific campsite.
Rubbish bins: **No.** You must take all rubbish with you.
Open fires: **NOT PERMITTED** at these free campsites. All cooking must be via gas appliances.
Generator use: Not recommended (noise).
Number of sites available: Very limited (likely 1-3).
Essentials to bring: **Portable toilet, all drinking water, rubbish bags, gas cooking stove.**
Pet friendly: Yes, generally permitted on-leash in State Forest/Regional Park areas. Pets are **not** permitted in the nearby Tarra-Bulga National Park.
Fishing: No.
Short walks: Yes, immediate access to the Mount Tassie Lookout paths and loops of the Grand Strzelecki Track.

Local Amenities

All amenities are located in the nearby city of Traralgon (approx. 25-35km drive).

Local Pubs

Grand Junction Hotel: Approximately 25-35km away in Traralgon.
Royal Exchange Hotel: Approximately 25-35km away in Traralgon.
Crown Hotel: Approximately 25-35km away in Traralgon.

Places to Eat

Traralgon: A wide variety of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants (e.g., Nando’s, La Porchetta, Schnitz) are available in the town centre.

Local Attractions

Mount Tassie Lookout: Panoramic views (onsite).
Grand Strzelecki Track: Network of hiking trails (onsite).
Tarra-Bulga National Park: Cool temperate rainforest and Corrigan’s Suspension Bridge (approx. 30-40km drive).

Nearest Caravan Parks

BIG4 Traralgon Park Lane Holiday Park: Approximately 25-35km away.
Traralgon Lifestyle Village: Approximately 25-35km away.

Next Free Camps

Gormandale Recreation Reserve: Approximately 30-40km away.
White Woman’s Waterhole: Approximately 35-45km away.
Pattison Rest Area: (Hiker swag/tent only) Located along the Grand Strzelecki Track.

Nearest Dump Points

Traralgon Showgrounds: Public RV dump point available (approx. 25-35km).

Nearest Petrol Station

Traralgon: Multiple 24/7 stations (e.g., BP, Mobil) available (approx. 25-35km).

Drinking Water Resupply

Traralgon: Public taps available at parks (e.g., Victory Park) or the Showgrounds dump point for refilling containers.

Nearest Public Toilets

Mount Tassie Lookout: Toilets are available at the main day-use area.
Traralgon: Various public toilets in the CBD (approx. 25-35km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Summer (December – February): Mild to warm days, but significantly cooler than the Latrobe Valley. Nights can be cool.
Autumn (March – May): Cool, crisp, and often features morning fog and mist, creating atmospheric conditions.
Winter (June – August): Cold, wet, and windy. Frosts are common, and light snow or sleet is possible at this elevation.
Spring (September – November): Cool and damp, with lush green forest regrowth and wildflowers.