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Grampians 'Free Bush Camping'? |
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28-Feb-2017 4:35:39 AM
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What do Grampians regulars do for camping out there for the most part?
I read on thecrag;
"There are official campgrounds throughout the Grampians. Most do have fees, that can be quite expensive ($38 a night). "Free bush camping is accepted and well practiced."
Camping 2 nights every other week at the official camping spots is going to get pretty spenny, pretty quick. Also, it seems that major long weekends etc. get sold out really quick.
What is the deal with this so called 'free bush camping'? My experience with bush camping is mostly on multi-day hikes. I don't want to annoy anyone by camping on private property etc. or camping in a spot that would provoke the ire of park rangers.
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28-Feb-2017 7:58:01 AM
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If you look at Neil's guide, the area maps have green tent and red tent symbols. Green is free red is pay. Plantation campground is outside of the park and Stoney Creek rd had some really nice sites built by the VCC with parks. There are some general guidelines somewhere which are along the lines of existing cleared sites only, no fires, a certain distance from existing camp grounds and waterways etc. It's probably on the parks vic website.
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28-Feb-2017 9:31:19 AM
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+1 for Wendy's contributions.
The other 'usual spot' is just north of Halls Gap. Head out of town on the Mt Zero road. Go past The Watchtower and turn right at the first left-hand bend. No facilities.
If you want water and toilets, and easier access to the Northern Grampians, Plantation is your best bet.
There's now a drop toilet on Stony Creek Rd, but BYO water.
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28-Feb-2017 10:57:58 AM
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I made the mistake of staying at Plantation recently. As it's currently 'officially' free (but then aren't they all?) it seems to have defaulted to the party campground (rules only require you to 'reduce' noise after 11), which is great if you're into that sort of thing, but not so great if you don't want to be reminded how old and boring you've become.
No end of great bush camping options to be found, but outside of long weekends I've never had an issue at any campgrounds - not that they're particularly relaxing places to be on long weekends anyway!
And don't underestimate picnic grounds either - Mt Zero seems to always be full of Wicked vans.
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1-Mar-2017 3:17:48 AM
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TBH, I'm pretty old and boring (33) ;)
I really want to be sleeping in my tent early, up early, well rested, and out hiking/climbing.
Thanks for the tips. I'll check out Neil's guide.
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