Avoca River - Charlton Camping area 5 and 6

Good to know

• Recommended dry weather only access
• Walk-in only (280 m)
• Campfires are not permitted
• Portable toilet required
• Heavily treed area
• No facilities provided
• No dogs allowed
• Cattle graze in this area
• Mobile phone coverage is available

Activities

• Dispersed camping
• Fishing
• Walking

Camping area description

Charlton Camping area 5 and 6 provides walk-in camping and fishing on the banks of the Avoca River, approximately 1.4 km north of Charlton. Pedestrian access is available along Crown land adjacent to the Avoca River, off the Calder Hwy (refer to the map below).

The camping area is mostly flat, access to the river can be steep in parts. There are many Red Gum, Grey Box and Black Box trees in the camping area.

This camping area is on a licensed Crown water frontage that has been designated for camping. Before visiting this site, find out about access to Crown water frontages.

Camping is only permitted in a specifically designated area on the frontage (see map below). Other areas of Crown water frontage can be accessed for recreational activities other than camping, such as fishing, walking and picnicking.

Safety

Crown water frontages are rough and rugged bush camp areas. Before you go, it is important to consider all potential risks and hazards when accessing and camping at this location. Campers are responsible for their own safety and the safety of those in their care.

Livestock

• This site may be part of a working farm.
• Cattle may be present on this water frontage and access the river.
• If cattle approach you, avoid sudden movements and loud noises.
• Farm animals are not pets. They can be large and unpredictable and should not be approached
• Store your food in a secure container to avoid attracting livestock and other animals.
• Leave all gates as you find them.

Tree hazard

• Trees and limbs may fall unexpectedly. Avoid camping under trees.
• Stormy and windy weather increases the risk that trees and limbs may fall.

Water and flood safety

• Play it safe by the water.
• Hidden dangers may include submerged objects and debris and strong currents. A storm well upstream from you could cause flash flooding.
• Check the Bureau of Meteorology for weather forecasts and flood warnings, or visit Play it Safe by the Water for more information.

Bushfires

• Be aware of dangerous weather and bushfire conditions.
• Check VicEmergency for information about current fires, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans.

Other risks that may be present include dangerous terrain, animals and adjoining farming operations.

How to get there

1. From Charlton township, head north on the Calder Hwy for 1.4 km
2. The Crown Water Frontage is located on the right
3. Follow the signs and walk 280 m to reach Charlton Camping area 5
4. Charlton Camping area 6 can be located a further 400m upstream

Get directions to the camping area access point

Map - camping area

Map - Avoca River - Charlton Camping Area 5 and 6 (PDF, 1.9 MB)

Resources

• Fact sheet - Camping on licensed Crown river frontage (PDF, 174.0 KB)
• Fact sheet - Guide to site assessments - Camping on licensed Crown river frontage (PDF, 155.4 KB)
• Fact sheet - Crown water frontage: A guide to public access and recreational use (PDF, 200.0 KB)
• Land (Regulated Watercourse Land) Regulations 2021

Further information

• Water frontage licensing
• Summer safety information
• MapshareVic - licensed and unlicensed Crown water frontages and access points can be explored here using the 'Public Land' theme