Good to know
- Walk in only
- No facilities available
- Portable toilet required
- No campfires permitted
- No dogs allowed
- Sheep and cattle graze this area
- Mobile phone coverage may be available
Activities
- Dispersed camping
- Walking
Camping area description
Mackenzie River - Wartook Camping Areas 1, 2, 3 & 4 provide walk-in camping and recreation on the banks of the Mackenzie River. Approximately 40km south of Horsham there is pedestrian access to camping areas off Mt. Victory Road (refer to the map below).
These camping areas are on a licensed Crown water frontage that has been designated for camping. Before visiting this site, find out about access to Crown water frontages.
The camping areas are mostly flat. Access to the river is impeded by dense scrub.
Camping is only permitted in a specifically designated area on this 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.
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.
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.
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
- From Horsham travel southeast along Western Highway and turn onto Mt. Victory Road.
- Head south along Mt. Victory Road for approximately 25km to MacKenzie River crossing.
- There is a parking area on roadside near the entry gate.
- Camping areas are accessed along the MacKenzie River Bun-Nah Trail (which travels east towards the Grampians National Park).
- Camping Area 4 is approximately a 1.6KM walk in from entry gate.
Get directions to the camping area access point
Map - camping area
Resources
- Camping on licensed Crown river frontage (PDF, 174.0 KB)
- Guide to site assessments - Camping on licensed Crown river frontage (PDF, 155.4 KB)
- 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
Page last updated: 05/06/23