Smiths Mill Campground

A tent sits within a campground surrounded by trees for shade

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Smiths Mill Campground

Just 1km from popular sights such as Mackenzie Falls, and only a short drive to Boroka Lookout, Reeds Lookout and Zumsteins Picnic Area, Smiths Mill is the ideal campground to explore the central Grampians.
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Smiths Mill Campground is located in woodland at the site of an old sawmill. Enjoy sleeping in the company of emus and kangaroos far from civilisation.

There are 28 sites suitable for tent-based camping with adjacent vehicle parking and five drive-in sites suitable for camper-trailers, caravans and campervans. Each site at Smiths Mill Campground accommodates a maximum of 6 people. Sites are unpowered.

There are non-flush toilets, a bush shower, and shared fire pits available.

Popular nearby sights include Mackenzie Falls, Boroka Lookout, Reeds Lookout and Zumsteins Picnic Area.

Things to do

 
A young couple cross the stream on rocks in front a the spectacular MacKenzies Falls.

MacKenzie Falls

An easy stroll from the MackKenzie Falls carpark leads to a viewing platform overlooking the picturesque Broken Falls. To reach the base of MacKenzie Falls, follow the signs. Take care as this walk has many steps and is steep, slippery and strenuous in sections.
A couple enjoy a picnic by the MacKenzie river at Zumsteins Historic Area.

Zumsteins Historic Area

Zumsteins Picnic Area is located on the banks of the MacKenzie River and is the site of an historic settlement. It provides a great opportunity to relax in the natural setting of the Grampians, enjoy the wildlife, a barbecue and a short stroll.
Two friends take in the view from Boroka Lookout at sunset.

Boroka Lookout

Boroka Lookout provides spectacular views of the Wonderland Range, Mt William Range, Fyans Valley, Lake Bellfield and the plains to the east of the Grampians. The lookout is located 15km from Halls Gap and is easily accessed via sealed roads.

Brambuk The National Park and Culture Centre

Brambuk The National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap began with the building of the Brambuk Cultural Centre in 1989 to acknowledge, protect and share the cultures of the Jadawadjali and Djab Wurrung Peoples.

How to get there

Smiths Mill Campground

Smiths Mill Campground is best accessed via the C228 (Wartook Rd), but it can also be accessed from non-sealed Old Mill Road.
Smiths Mill Campground

Sites

When you're there

There is no supplied drinking water — limited non-potable water may be available from a seasonal rainwater tank and a river-fed campground taps. Bring your own firewood and keep fires in designated fireplaces.

Download the Grampians National Park visitor guide to get the most out of your park visit.

Need to know

Smiths Mill Campground

Safety tips for a great visit

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.

Bushfire awareness

Smiths Mill Campground in the Grampians National Park is in the Wimmera fire district. Bushfire safety is a personal responsibility. Anyone entering the park during the bushfire season needs to stay aware of forecast weather conditions. Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at emergency.vic.gov.au, on the Vic Emergency App or call the Vic Emergency Hotline 1800 226 226.

No fires may be lit on Total Fire Ban days. On Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating days this park will be closed for public safety. Closure signs will be erected but do not expect an official warning.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Grampians National Park

    Mountain Lion (Designated rock-climbing and bouldering area) – Temporary exclusion

    Mountain Lion (Designated rock-climbing and bouldering area) – Temporary exclusion
     
    Significant Aboriginal cultural values have recently been rediscovered at the Mountain Lion designated rock-climbing and bouldering area.

    While Parks Victoria and Gariwerd Traditional Owners determine a longer-term management response, and out of respect for this significant cultural landscape, visitors are requested to not access this area.

    The Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 protects Aboriginal cultural heritage and significant financial penalties apply for harm caused by individuals or corporate bodies.

    For more information please visit the FAQ Update at the Rock Climbing in Gariwerd link below.

    Pest animal control program in the Grampians – Deer and feral goats 29.04.2024 – 03.05.2024

    An ongoing conservation program in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park will be supported this month by a ground control operation targeting deer and feral goats.

    Weather permitting, a ground shooting operation will be undertaken on weekdays between 29 April – 3 May to target these pest animals in remote parts of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park (see attached fact sheet with map).

    During this time Boreang Campground will be closed.

    To ensure visitor safety, warning signs will be placed at campgrounds and at major road access points to the control area.  Visitors are encouraged to follow all instructions on permanent and temporary signage.

    Informed by scientific research, this program is aimed at controlling/reducing introduced deer and goat populations that are threatening the important natural and cultural values of the Greater Gariwerd Landscape.

    For further information please contact 13 1963.

    Attachments: Notification - Fact sheet - Grampians Deer Control April 2024 (540KB)

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Bushfire Closures Update - April 26, 2024

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park was impacted by the Bellfield and Stapylton bushfires from 13th February 2024. There are temporary closures still in place in the vicinity of the fires. Visitors are asked to adhere to road and park closures as we work to assess and re-open these areas.

    Northern Grampians (Mt Stapylton Fire) Closures remaining April 26, 2024:
    Road/track closures east of Mt Zero Road
    Golton track
    Crutes track/Crutes road
    No off-track walking within the burnt area  

    Mt William Range (Bellfield Fire) - Closures remaining April 26, 2024
    Tunnel Walking Track
    Mt Cassell Track
    Pomonal Fireline
    Birdrock Rd 
    No off-track walking within the burnt area  

    All other areas of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park previously closed due to the fires have been re-opened.

    For further information about the closures, please visit Brambuk the National Park & Cultural Centre, or call (03) 8427 2258. For National Park Information visit www.parks.vic.gov.au, or for booking refunds email info@parks.vic.gov.au

    Please visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au for emergency updates, or free call 1800 226 226. Monitor the Emergency Vic app for alerts and warnings or listen to your local ABC radio stations for emergency broadcasts.

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Roads Update 26.04.2024

    The Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park has several roads temporarily closed for repair works, upgrades, and recent fire impacts. Please be aware the movement of visitors in these parts of the National Park is restricted

    Planned Burn Road Closures
    Old Mill Rd from Smiths Mill Campground to Mt Difficult Rd (Boroka Lookout)
    Rose Creek Road from Mt Victory Rd to Old Mill Rd
    Cassidy Gap Rd closed from Cassidy Gap GPT Trailhead to Serra Fireline (MVO)
    Geerack Track 
    Oslers Track between Red Gum Lease and Pines Rd

    Road Closures
    Mitchell Road is closed between Redman Road and Mt William Picnic Ground Road    .

    Seasonal Closures
    Launders and Sanders Tracks are closed.
    Moora Moora Track is partially closed in the southern section, from Homestead Track intersection to Glenelg River Road.

    Grampians Peaks Trail – Trailhead Access
    Road access (Griffin Track) to the Griffin Trailhead for the Grampians Peaks Trail is open to 4WD vehicles only. Walkers can access the GPT on foot via the Griffin Track from the Grampians Tourist Road.

    Please see the latest road report attachment for full road and track details at the bottom of this page.

    Attachments: Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park - Road Report - 26.04.2024 (274KB)

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Temporary Closure Notification – Planned Burn – Jimmy Creek Rd

    Temporary Closure Notification – Planned Burn – Jimmy Creek Rd
     
    FFMVIC have scheduled ignition for the following Planned Burn within Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. 
     
    Jimmy Creek Road (GR-WIM-HG-0103)
    This burn is located, this burn is located in the south-east area of Grampians National Park, 8km E of Mirranatwa, 37km north of Dunkeld.
     
    Start Date: Wednesday 1st May 2024
    End Date:  Wednesday 8th May 2024
    Ignition is scheduled from Wednesday May 1st
     
    For visitor safety and to allow FFMVIC staff to prepare and deliver the burn, temporary closures along the Grampians Peaks Trail and day walks will be in place.  These will re-open when the burn, or specific areas of the burn are declared safe:
     
    Closures from 5:00pm Tuesday April 30th until at least Friday May 3rd, 2024
     
    • Grampians Peaks Trail (C5/S1) closed between Yarram Gap Rd and Jimmy Creek Rd.
    • Yarram Hike-in Campground closed.
    • Yarram Park Rd closed.
    • Jimmy Ck Rd (between the Grampians Rd and Mafeking Rd) closed.
    • Closure signage will be in place at roads, trailheads, and car parks. Please follow directions and do not enter closed areas. 
     
    Visitor access to remain open:
     
    • Jimmy Creek Campground (may be impacted by smoke)
    • Wannon Crossing Campground (may be impacted by smoke)
    • Grampians Rd on Wednesday May 1st (with traffic management)
    • Yarram Gap Rd
     
    How will this burn impact my Grampians Peaks Trail experience?
     
    The Grampians Peaks Trail (C5/S1) closed between Yarram Gap Rd and Jimmy Creek Rd.
    This includes the Yarram Hike-in Campground. A detour along the Ingleton Fireline from Jimmy Ck Rd GPT crossing to the Yarram Gap Rd GPT crossing is available to Grampians Peaks Trail walkers. This is well marked with directional signage and a detour map available.
     
    Please contact Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – Ph 8427 2058 for further assistance with managing this section.
     


    Stay informed about the Autumn planned burns schedule:
     
    Visit & Sign Up:     Sign up to Planned Burns Victoria www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns  Set up automated notifications about upcoming planned burns on public land near you. There is no charge to sign up to receive text messages. 

    Download: The Vic Emergency App. Set up a watch zone and choose to be notified about planned burns in the ‘alerts’ settings
     
    Call: The Vic Emergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 and request an interpreter or assistance for hearing difficulties via the National Relay Service. IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 000
     
    Email: For specialist advice about planned burns in the Wimmera District you can contact Horsham FFMVic Office at wimmera.fuelmanagement@delwp.vic.gov.au or phone the office on (03) 8508 1222.
    For Information about park closures and campground bookings within Grampians National Park:
    Visit the Parks Victoria website: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/grampians-national-park#change-of-conditions
     
    Visit: Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – 277 Grampians Road Halls Gap, Ph 8427 2058 or for bookings and cancellations advice contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre Ph 13 1963 or email info@parks.vic.gov.au
     
    You may see or smell smoke in the vicinity of the burn. For advice on how this may impact your health, visit www.epa.vic.gov.au/smoke

    Grampians National Park - Autumn planned burn season underway

    Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park – Autumn Planned Program Underway
     
    Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) have commenced the Autumn Planned Burning Program in Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park and surrounding reserves.
     
    These planned burns have been nominated and approved as part of the FFMVic three-year Joint Fuel Management Program for the Wimmera Fire District. Each burn has been designated to a year and season, though this may change depending on burn objectives and seasonal conditions. You can view the three-year plan at https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/bushfire-fuel-and-risk-management/joint-fuel-management-program
     
    The map attached, outlines the burns programmed for this year. Detailing the exact date and time of ignition can be difficult and the final decision to proceed may only be made on the day of the burn - once resources, weather conditions and local fuel moisture levels are deemed suitable. Once a burn is scheduled for ignition, FFMVIC will send out regular notifications.
     
    Some of the planned burns this Autumn may involve the temporary closure of visitor sites, roads and campgrounds within Grampians Gariwerd National Park and other reserves. This may include detours or closures of hike in campgrounds along the Grampians Peaks Trail, and other vehicle-based campgrounds.
    ·      Closures will be enforced for the duration of ignition and may remain in place for some days.  Visitor sites will re-open once the burn is declared safe.
    ·      We recommend that you seek information and stay informed about the status of the planned burns scheduled near you.
     
    Stay informed about this Autumns planned burns schedule:
     
    Visit & Sign Up:
    Sign up to Planned Burns Victoria to set up automated notifications about upcoming planned burns on public land near you. There is no charge to sign up to receive text messages. 
    Sign up via Planned Burns Victoria at www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns 
     
    Download: the VicEmergency App 
    Set up a watch zone and choose to be notified about planned burns in the ‘alerts’ settings
     
    Call: the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 and request an interpreter or assistance for hearing difficulties via the National Relay Service
     
    Email: For specialist advice about planned burns in the Wimmera District you can contact Horsham FFMVic Office at wimmera.fuelmanagement@delwp.vic.gov.au or phone the office on (03) 8508 1222.
     
    For Information about park closures and campground bookings within Grampians National Park:
     
    Visit: Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre – 277 Grampians Road Halls Gap, Ph 8427 2058
    or for bookings and cancellations advice contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre Ph 13 1963 or email info@parks.vic.gov.au

Similar experiences

 
The exterior of the shelter at Stony Creek Campground

Stony Creek Campground

Stony Creek Group Campground is available for schools or groups of up to 16 people undertaking overnight walks such as the Grampians Peaks Trail in the Wonderland and Mt Rosea areas. Vehicle accessible off Stony Creek road, this camping areas has a drop toilet, elevated timber tent platforms, a group gathering area and a day use shelter available. Bookings apply.
A picnic table and fireplace in front of tents at Buandik Campround in the Grampians National Park

Buandik Campground

Buandik Campground is located in the Western Grampians at the base of the Victoria Range. The campground is set amongst open woodland beside Cultivation Creek and is close to the start of walks to Billimina and Manja rock art shelters and Buandik Falls.
A tent and fireplace at Boreang Campground in the Grampians National Park

Boreang Campground

There are many locations for camping in the central region of the Grampians National Park including, Smiths Mill Campground, Borough Huts Campground, Boreang Campground and Jimmy Creek.
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