Wannon Falls Camping & Picnic Area – Free Camping Near Hamilton VIC

Discover the dramatic beauty and convenience of the Wannon Falls Recreation Area, located just a short drive west of Hamilton in Victoria’s Western District. Famous for its spectacular 30-metre waterfall plunging over basalt cliffs into a deep pool below, this reserve offers not only stunning views but also a popular free camping area suitable for various setups. The falls are most impressive after heavy rainfall, typically during winter and spring, showcasing the raw power of the Wannon River.

The recreation area provides excellent facilities for both day visitors and campers. Multiple viewing platforms offer panoramic perspectives of the falls and the surrounding gorge. Expansive grassy areas are perfect for picnics, equipped with tables, wood-fired barbecues (bring your own wood), and accessible flush toilets. A large, adventure-style playground makes it a fantastic stop for families travelling through the region.

For those looking to stay overnight, a designated free camping area is available within the reserve. It features relatively level grassy sites suitable for tents, swags, campervans, caravans, and larger motorhomes. While sites aren’t marked, there’s ample space, especially outside peak periods. Access is via sealed roads directly off the Glenelg Highway, making it easily reachable for all types of vehicles. The convenience of potable water taps and flushing toilets within the reserve adds significant appeal for a free camp.

Visitors should note the specific rules for the reserve. Pets are welcome but must remain on a leash at all times. Open fires are permitted in the designated fireplaces, provided there are no fire restrictions or Total Fire Ban days in effect. You must bring your own firewood, as collecting wood within the reserve is prohibited. Rubbish bins are provided, helping to keep this beautiful area clean. While camping is free, stays are generally expected to be short-term. Generators may be permitted, but respectful usage hours apply. Mobile phone coverage is generally good.

The reserve also features short walking tracks, including paths down towards the base of the falls (care required) and along the river, offering opportunities for bird watching and fishing. Its proximity to the town of Hamilton ensures easy access to supplies, pubs, restaurants, and other services. Don’t miss the nearby Nigretta Falls, another impressive waterfall just a few kilometres away.

Wannon Falls Recreation Area – VIC Map

Site Details

Name: Wannon Falls Recreation Area & Camping Ground
Address: Wannon Falls Road, Wannon VIC 3301 (off Glenelg Highway)
GPS Coordinates: -37.67444, 141.84697

Site Features

• Location: Wannon River reserve, approx. 18km west of Hamilton, Western Victoria.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, campervans, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs. Day visitors welcome.
• Road Access: Sealed road (Wannon Falls Road) off the highway. Excellent access.
• Site Surface: Grass, relatively level. Sealed paths to lookouts.
• Camping Permitted: **Yes,** free camping in designated area.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Not strictly defined, but intended for short stays (e.g., 24-72 hours typically respected).
• Picnic Tables: Yes, numerous tables available.
• Potable Water: **Yes,** potable water taps available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Generally good (Telstra recommended, others may vary).
• TV Reception: Yes, generally good digital TV reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: **Yes,** flushing toilets, including accessible facilities.
• Ullage (Dump Point): **No** on-site dump point. Nearest is in Hamilton.
• Drive Through: Yes, large open area allows for easy maneuvering and potential drive-through positioning.
• Rubbish Bins: **Yes,** bins provided. Please use them responsibly.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated wood BBQs/fire pits only, subject to fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but restricted hours (e.g., 8 am – 8 pm) and considerate use are expected.
• Number of Sites Available: Unmarked sites in a large grassy area, capacity for approx. 20-30+ setups depending on size.
• Essentials to Bring: Firewood (if required), camp chairs, food supplies.
• Pet Friendly: **Yes,** pets permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Yes, possible in the Wannon River (check regulations).
• Short Walks: Yes, walking tracks to viewing platforms and down towards the falls base.

Local Amenities

Note: Most amenities are located in the nearby city of Hamilton (approx. 18-20 km).

• Local Pubs:
  • The Grand Central Hotel (Hamilton) (approx. 18 km)
  • The Cally Hotel Hamilton (approx. 18 km)
  • The Victoria Hotel Hamilton (approx. 18 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Hamilton (numerous cafes, bakeries, restaurants, fast food) (approx. 18 km)
  • Roxburgh House (Hamilton – Cafe) (approx. 18 km)
  • Jack + Jude (Hamilton – Cafe) (approx. 18 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Wannon Falls (on-site)
  • Nigretta Falls (approx. 10 km)
  • Hamilton Botanic Gardens (approx. 18 km)
  • Hamilton Gallery (approx. 18 km)
  • Volcanic Trail (various sites in region)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Lake Hamilton Motor Village & Caravan Park (Hamilton) (approx. 17 km)
  • Hamilton Caravan Park (Hamilton) (approx. 19 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Nigretta Falls Reserve (potential day use/short stop, camping status unclear) (approx. 10 km)
  • Numerous roadside rest areas along major highways.
  • Rocklands Reservoir (further afield, approx. 60-70 km)
• Nearest Dump Points (Sullage):
  • Hamilton Showgrounds Public Dump Point (Hamilton) (approx. 19 km)
  • Lake Hamilton Motor Village (patrons or fee likely) (approx. 17 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Hamilton (multiple major brand stations) (approx. 18 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available on-site.
  • Hamilton (various locations) (approx. 18 km)
• Nearest Public Toilets (off-site):
  • Available on-site.
  • Hamilton (multiple locations in town centre, parks) (approx. 18 km)

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Wannon Falls experiences a temperate climate typical of Victoria’s Western District.

• Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot days (average max 25-30°C), often dry. Falls flow may be reduced.
• Autumn (Mar – May): Mild days and cool nights. Stable weather, good for visiting.
• Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold and wet. Days are cool (average max 12-14°C), nights near freezing with frosts common. Highest rainfall period, best time for waterfall flow.
• Spring (Sep – Nov): Mild and becoming warmer. Variable weather with showers possible. Good waterfall flow usually continues into spring.

Note: Always check local fire restrictions before lighting any fire, particularly from Spring through Autumn.