Victoria’s Parks Victoria has launched a free camping initiative across 131 campgrounds, including several in the Yarra Ranges, running from December 1 to June 30, 2025. This program, supported by an AU$ 9 million investment from the Victorian Government, aims to enhance accessibility to outdoor experiences while boosting regional tourism.
In the Yarra Ranges, the Upper Yarra Reservoir Park will participate in this program, offering free camping for visitors. While no fees will be charged for campsites, bookings are still mandatory and can be made via the Parks Victoria website.
Camping and outdoor recreation in Victoria contribute more than $2.1 billion annually to the economy and support 20,000 jobs, predominantly in regional areas.
Parks Victoria Chief Ranger Conrad Annal expressed excitement about welcoming more visitors to the Yarra Ranges, noting that the region offers diverse camping opportunities. “Camping at the Upper Yarra Reservoir will be free, but bookings are still essential. It’s a beautiful area with lots of native wildlife and easy access to the river,” he said, as reported by Star Mail.
Bunyip State Park, another notable site in the Yarra Ranges, also offers campers. Bunyip State Park in Gembrook showcases diverse ecosystems, including heathlands, waterfalls, and towering mountain ash forests, catering to hikers, horse riders, and four-wheel drivers. Nearby, Upper Yarra Reservoir Park near Warburton also provides trails beneath eucalyptus trees and fern gullies, with opportunities to spot native wildlife like platypus and swamp wallabies.
Further into the ranges, Gums Campground in Kinglake National Park showcases a family-friendly setting with picnic areas and meandering trails through tall eucalypts, while Longridge Campground in Warrandyte caters to larger groups with modern amenities and river access. Additionally, Kurth Kiln Regional Park, straddling Yellingbo and Gembrook, blends history with natural beauty, featuring rare flora and the namesake World War II-era charcoal kiln.
