Camping

The reflection of the sky in the Ovens River wetlands in the Warby-Ovens National Park.

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Camping

Warby-Ovens National Park

From Wenhams, to the peaceful Killawarra Forest Camp, to dispersed bush camping along the Ovens River, Warby-Ovens National Park has is a range of unpowered camping options available for visitors to explore it's distinct landscapes.

There is a range of unpowered camping options available. No fees or bookings are required. Campers must be self-sufficient and bring their own firewood and drinking water.

Wenhams Camp is an excellent base for exploring the walking tracks in the granitic hills, many of which start from the camp. It offers individual camp sites with a separate Day Visitor Area.

The peaceful Killawarra Forest Camp, surrounded by Box-Ironbark woodland, was the site of a Forest Commission camp in the Depression of the 1930s. During World War II it was turned into an internment camp for Italian immigrants.

Both campgrounds are suitable for tents and caravans, and have toilets, picnic tables, and fire places with grills. Forest Camp also has a picnic shelter (rotunda). The maximum length of stay is 3 days. Sites are limited so large groups are asked to contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963 when planning their trip.

Self-sufficient campers will enjoy the dispersed bush camping along the Ovens River, with its sandy beaches, river access and fishing. There are picnic tables at some of the river bends but no other facilities. Permanent structures or camps are not permitted.

In dry weather, it may be possible to access some areas with 2WD vehicles including campervans and caravans, but exercise caution and look out for deep potholes and wheel tracks. Roads may become impassable in wet weather, even to 4WD vehicles. Check the latest conditions and road closures.

Things to do in the area

The jetty at Lake Catani near the campground at Mount Buffalo National Park

Lake Catani Campground

Discover magnificent waterfalls and remote alpine landscapes while camping within beautiful Snow Gum woodlands beside Lake Catani in Mount Buffalo National Park.

Three friends stop for a quick drink late in the afternoon on their walk from Hotham to Falls Creek.

Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing

One of Victoria's icon walks, the 37km Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing (FHAC) is a 3 day/2 night walk through the Alpine National Park, linking the resort villages of Falls Creek and Mt Hotham.

A couple walk along the Bogong High Plains near Mt Nelse.

Alpine National Park

The Alpine National Park is an adventure-lover’s dream. Hike Victoria’s highest mountain ranges, explore wildflower draped landscapes on horseback or head out on world-class mountain bike trails

How to get there

Escape from the heat of summer and spend lazy days camping along the Ovens River.

Need to know

Camping

Guidelines for sustainable camping

Set up campsites at least 20 metres away from waterways.
Digging steps into river banks is illegal and can cause erosion and landslides.
Camping is not permitted in day visitor areas or on licensed water frontages adjacent to private property.
Do not spray paint or attach signs to trees.
Chemical toilets are recommended. Please do not empty chemical toilets or other rubbish into public toilets or waterways.
Earth pit toilets are acceptable, but must be at least 100m from waterways. Bury toilet waste, including paper at least 15cm deep.
Dogs and other pets are not permitted in the park.
Please take all rubbish with you.
Fires are permitted only: if it is not a day of Total Fire Ban; a 3-metre area around it is cleared of anything flammable; an adult is in attendance at all times; at least 10 litres of water are available for immediate use.
In the Warby Ranges and Killawarra Forest, fires are permitted only in the fireplaces provided at campsites and picnic areas.
Put the fire out with water, not soil. When the campfire is cool to touch, it is safe to leave.
No campfires or solid fuel barbecues may be lit on a day of Total Fire Ban. Portable gas or electric barbecues or camping stoves may be used, provided that the conditions above are met.
A generator may only be used on a day of Total Fire Ban if a 3-metre area around it is cleared of anything flammable.
Be a good neighbour. Please consider the impacts of generators or loud music on other visitors. To reduce the risk of your generator starting a bushfire, ensure your generator is: located in an area clear of fuels, dry grass or other combustibles; the generator is only refuelled when the engine is cold; extension cords do not cross access tracks and are rated for external use.

Camping Safety

Avoid camping or parking under or near large trees, like River Red Gums, as branches may fall and swing away from the tree at any time. Whole trees may fall without warning.
Rope swings are not recommended.
Avoid camping close to waterways if rain or storms are forecast, as waters may rise quickly and trap you.
Mobile phone reception in the park is patchy.
Bushfire safety is a personal responsibility. Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at www.emergency.vic.gov.au or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

Visit Safety in nature to find out more about putting safety first.

Putting safety first

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.

Sunrise Walk (Warby-Ovens National Park)

Sunrise Walk closure due to storm damage

Sunrise Walk within the Warby-Ovens National Park will be closed until further notice from Friday 6 September 2024, due to hazardous trees and track conditions from recent storm damage. Once Parks Victoria staff have completed a thorough inspection and the hazardous trees and track conditions have been controlled, Sunrise Walk will be reopened.

The following tracks will be closed as part of this temporary closure:

Colsons Track; Sunrise Track; and Bracken Link Track

Similar Camping

A mother and daughter kicks a football in front of dad and two younger children in front of tents at Buchan Caves Reserve.

Camping

Victoria’s parks have some great places to camp and there is something to suit all tastes. Choose from fully serviced sites with luxury tents to remote locations with nothing but bush.

Camping in Hattah-Kulkyne National Park

Choose from designated camping areas with basic facilities, or river side camping with no facilities.

A couple sit around a campsite and welcome their friends to their campsite as they walk in.

Lerderderg State Park

The Lerderderg River has carved a deep and picturesque gorge through this rugged park located within easy reach of Melbourne, Bacchus Marsh and Ballarat. Picnic at Shaws Lake or O'Briens Crossing, follow an old water race and hike part of the Great Dividing Trail, or simply stroll along the river from Mackenzies Flat.