Good to know

  • Walk-in only
  • No facilities available
  • Portable toilet required
  • Campfires not permitted
  • No dogs allowed
  • Cattle graze in this area
  • Mobile phone coverage is available

Activities

  • Dispersed camping
  • Walking

Camping area description

The Wannon River – Dunkeld camping areas 1 and 2 provide walk-in camping on the banks of the Wannon River, approximately 10 km north-west of Dunkeld, with pedestrian access along Crown land adjacent to the Wannon River off Gahans Road (refer to the map below).

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

The camping area is undulating with good access to the river in parts. There are many trees in the camping area.

Camping is only permitted in the designated area on this frontage (see map below). Visitors may use other areas of Crown water frontage 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

  1. From Dunkeld head west along the Glenelg Hwy 3.1 km
  2. Turn right onto Dunkeld-Cavendish Road 6.5 km
  3. Turn right onto E McArthurs Road 1.4 km
  4. Turn right onto Gahans Road 550 m
  5. Park at the designated parking area on Gahans Road
  6. The designated camping area 1 begins when entering the licence area
  7. Follow the Wannon River north for 100 m to reach camping area 2

Please exercise caution when parking

Get directions to the camping area access point

Map - camping area

Map - Wannon River - Dunkeld camping area 1 & 2 (PDF, 2.2 MB)

Resources

Further information

Page last updated: 16/08/22