Ferntree Camping Area

Firewood supplies sit by a large log bench near a campfire area next to a small pitched camping tent amongst trees and lush ferns.

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Ferntree Camping Area

Relax and unwind among tall eucalypt forests and lush green ferns at this secluded campground.

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Located on the lush lower slopes of Mount Buangor, this secluded camping area offers a place to relax and unwind among tall eucalypt forests and vibrant green ferns. There are five unpowered campsites, each with its own fireplace and picnic table.

While all sites offer car-based camping, sites 1-4 are only suitable for tents. Site 5 caters for tents or a small single axle camper trailer.

There is no drinking water available and you need to bring your own firewood.

Non-flush toilets and a small shelter can be found next door in the day visitor area.

The access road is unsealed but suitable for 2WD vehicles.

Advanced bookings and payment are required year-round. Each campsite holds a maximum of 6 people. Please book multiple sites for bookings of more than 6 people.

Things To Do

This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:

Crimson Rosella

A mother and joey wallaby on a rock surface with the ocean in the background at Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Wallabies

Wallabies are marsupials and members of the kangaroo family. They can be found in woodlands, forests and rugged terrain.
An Echidna in the grass.

Echidnas

Echidnas are found throughout most of Australia. They can be shy and tricky to spot, so keep a close eye out in forests, woodlands and grasslands.

How to get there

Ferntree Camping Area

Mount Buangor State Park is located between Ararat and Beaufort on the Western Highway, Route A8. Take Ferntree Gully Road off the Western Highway. Ferntree Camping Area is on Ferntree Gully Road, approximately 3.5km from the park entrance.
Ferntree Camping Area

When you're there

Download the Mount Buangor State Park visitor guide and map for more information about the park and the experiences to be had within its borders.

Need to know

Ferntree Camping Area

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.

Be prepared and stay safe

Mount Buangor State Park is in the South West fire district. Bushfires can occur during the warmer months. It is your responsibility to check current and forecast weather conditions. Campfires cannot be lit on days of Total Fire Ban, however gas cookers can be used for preparing food.

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.

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.

  • Mount Buangor State Park

    Park closure - Fire recovery

    Following the February 2024 fire, the Mount Buangor State Park is closed for public safety until further notice to allow for stabilisation, recovery and rebuilding of visitor infrastructure. This includes Middle Creek, Ferntree and Bailes Camping Areas.

    Dairymaid road, Mount Buangor lookout, Grevillea lookout and the Beeripmo walk have reopened, accessible by the adjoining the Mt Cole State Forest.

    Read about our recovery progress on our Mount Buangor State Park fire recovery project page.

    Other Parks in the wider area available for camping and walking include:
    •   Langi Ghiran State Park - East of Ararat 
    •   Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve - West of Clunes 
    •   Kara Kara National Park - North of Avoca
    •   Enfield State Park - South of Ballarat 
    •   Creswick Regional Park - Creswick
    •   Lake Bolac Lake Reserve - Lake Bolac

    Update: Reopening of Ferntree Waterfalls Road and Ferntree Day Visitor Site


    After many months of planning and works, Ferntree Visitor Area, Ferntree Waterfall walking track and the Ferntree Waterfalls Road will be reopening on Friday 21 November 2025.

    This popular site once again offers visitors a picnic experience and a short walk to the base of the beautiful Ferntree Falls. The reopening of the day visitor area includes car parking, picnic tables, toilets (portable toilets will be in place until new amenities are installed), and an improved walking track with a new pedestrian bridge leading to the base of the falls.

    Please note that access to the Ferntree day visitor area is currently only available via Ferntree Waterfalls Road. The remainder of the park, including the Ferntree, Bails, and Middle Creek campgrounds remains closed while recovery works continue.

    Fire recovery works in the Mount Buangor State Park has been complex and staff continue to work hard to reopen visitor sites, roads and walking tracks. We hope to announce further openings early next year.

     

Similar experiences

 
Tents set up at Bailes Camping Area at Mount Buangor State Park

Bailes Camping Area

Stay at Bailes Camping Area, and take your time exploring the eucalypt forest, creek flats, ferny gullies, waterfalls and escarpments of Mount Buangor State Park.
A large canvas tent at Middle Creek Camping Area at Mount Buangor State Park

Middle Creek Camping Area

This quiet and secluded dry forest and woodland setting makes for an ideal place to unwind and relax in nature.
Two Grandparents and a mother sit by the camp fire while a young child plays in the background.

Cooks Mill Camping Area

The camping area is located at the start of Lowerson Track off Little River Road just before it crosses the river. This shady campground is located among tall trees on the banks of Little River.
A man talks to his wife who is sitting on a camp chair as he exists his tent.

The Gums Camping

With great facilities in a delightful bush setting close to Melbourne, The Gums camping area is a popular base for relaxing and exploring the northern section of Kinglake National Park.
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