Toolangi State Forest sits about 90 minutes northeast of Melbourne in the Yarra Ranges, home to some of the tallest flowering trees on the planet. The Mountain Ash here grow over 80 metres tall, and the forest feels ancient in a way that's hard to find this close to a capital city.
The official Victorian Government page lists six camping areas in Murrindindi Scenic Reserve, on the northern edge of Toolangi State Forest. Sites cannot be reserved and are first-come, first-served. The current fee is $7 per car per night, with permits available online or from the payment box beside the reserve noticeboard.
If you're after Toolangi State Forest camping that combines towering forests, waterfalls, and genuinely affordable riverside sites without the booking scramble, this guide has everything you need.
The campgrounds at a glance#
Murrindindi Scenic Reserve has six designated camping areas and 100 sites:
| Camping area | Current official detail |
|---|---|
| Blackwood Camp | Telstra reception is normally available |
| Bull Creek Camp | Has flushing toilets and some small-caravan sites |
| Cassinia Camp | Check the More to Explore app for current facilities |
| Ferns Camp | Has flushing toilets |
| SEC Campground | Walk-in, tent-only camping across the river from the car park |
| Water Gauge Camp | Starting point for the Wilhelmina Falls walk |
Flushing toilets are at Ferns and Bull Creek; the other camping areas have pit toilets. Most areas have fireplaces and picnic tables, and some have wood-fired barbecues. Bring your own firewood and check current fire restrictions before use.
The official page says Telstra reception is normally available at Blackwood and at the information board outside the Bull Creek toilets. Do not rely on reception elsewhere; take offline directions and arrive self-sufficient.
How much does it cost?#
Camping in Murrindindi Scenic Reserve currently costs $7 per car per night ($3 for a motorcycle, $20 for a small bus or $35 for a large bus). Buy the required permit online or from the payment box beside the reserve noticeboard. Display the receipt when possible, or keep the electronic receipt available for a ranger.
No booking required. No booking possible. It's first-come, first-served only.
Peak periods: The official page warns that sites may be unavailable during busy periods. Because they cannot be reserved, arrive with a backup plan.
Getting to Toolangi State Forest#
From Melbourne CBD: Head north on the M31, through Whittlesea, then east toward Yea. Turn south at Glenburn onto the Murrindindi Road. Total drive is about 100 km, roughly 90 minutes.
From Yea: About 25 minutes south via Murrindindi Road.
From Mernda (northeast suburbs): About 1 hour via Kinglake-Healesville Road.
Road conditions: The Victorian Government lists the camping area as suitable for 2WD vehicles, but forest roads and tracks can change with weather, works and closures. Check the official Public Access Map before travel and follow onsite signs.
Download the official map or More to Explore app for offline navigation before you lose reception.
Waterfalls: the main drawcard#
Murrindindi Cascades#
This signed walk drops through forest to two bridges at the base of the cascades.
The walk: 600 metres return, about 45 minutes including time at the viewing platform. Steel stairs and a boardwalk make it accessible for most fitness levels. It's short but steep in sections.
Best time to visit: Spring or after heavy rain for maximum flow. In dry summer months, the cascades can slow to a trickle.
Wilhelmina Falls#
The official route from Water Gauge Camp is about 6km return and two hours. It is a very steep, formed track with obstacles and many steps, recommended for experienced bushwalkers.
Things to do beyond waterfalls#
Bushwalking#
The forest has a network of marked and unmarked trails through towering Mountain Ash. The trees here are among the tallest in the world, and walking beneath them is genuinely humbling. Short walks around the campgrounds connect to the waterfalls. Longer routes head deeper into the forest, but signage is limited. Carry a map.
Note: The adjacent Yarra Ranges National Park has no camping at all. Make sure you're camping within the state forest or scenic reserve boundaries.
Mountain biking and horse riding#
Toolangi has trail networks used by mountain bikers and horse riders. The fire trails offer long rides through the forest. Some tracks are technical and best suited to experienced riders, especially after wet weather.
4WD tracks#
Forest track conditions can change quickly, and closures may not appear immediately on the official map. Follow road closures and onsite signs, and choose routes suited to your vehicle and experience.
Fishing#
Fishing is permitted in the reserve. Check Victorian Fisheries Authority rules and whether you need a recreational fishing licence before casting.
Best time to visit Toolangi#
Spring (September-November): The best all-round season. The waterfalls are flowing, wildflowers appear along the tracks, and temperatures are comfortable for camping (15-20°C days). Leeches are active but manageable.
Autumn (March-May): Cooler days and nights can suit walking, but check current fire restrictions rather than assuming a campfire is permitted.
Winter (June-August): Cold. Overnight temperatures regularly drop below 5°C, and frost is common. The forest is atmospheric and empty, but you need proper cold-weather gear. Waterfalls flow well.
Summer (December-February): Warm days but fire bans may prevent campfires. The forest provides excellent shade. Waterfalls may slow in dry years.
Campfire and safety rules#
Campfires are permitted in the provided fire pits when no fire ban is active. Check the CFA Victoria website for current fire danger ratings in the Murrindindi area.
Key rules:
- Use existing fire pits only
- Don't collect firewood from the scenic reserve (bring your own or buy from Yea)
- Fully extinguish before sleeping or leaving
- Total Fire Ban = no fires of any kind
Dogs: Dogs are not allowed in Murrindindi Scenic Reserve, even though they are permitted under control in many Victorian state forests.
For general campfire advice, see our campfire tips for camping in Australia.
What to pack#
- Water (no drinking water at any campground)
- Firewood (collection restricted; buy in Yea or bring from home)
- Warm layers (cold nights year-round at elevation)
- Sturdy shoes (waterfall walks have rocky, steep sections)
- Offline map (phone reception is limited and signage is poor)
- Insect repellent and leech socks (especially spring and summer)
- Torch/headlamp (no lighting at campgrounds)
- Camping permit and receipt (buy online or use the reserve payment box)
Our first-time camping guide has a more complete checklist.
Nearby stops#
- Yea (25 min north): Stock up on supplies, grab a meal, buy firewood. The last reliable services before the forest.
- Healesville (30 min south): Healesville Sanctuary (wildlife park), wineries, and the Yarra Valley food scene
- Kinglake National Park (20 min west): More bushwalking and mountain views
- Cathedral Ranges State Park (40 min north): Better walk-in camping options for hikers who want more rugged terrain
Giant trees, cold rivers, and no booking required#
Camping at Murrindindi Scenic Reserve is straightforward: find an available site, buy the required permit and keep or display the receipt. Then use the reserve's walking tracks and riverside setting as your base.
It's not glamorous, and it's not for everyone. But if you like your camping with tall trees, cold water, and no wifi, Toolangi delivers.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to book camping at Toolangi?
No. The six camping areas in Murrindindi Scenic Reserve are first-come, first-served. The current fee is $7 per car per night. Buy a permit online or use the payment box beside the reserve noticeboard.
Can you drive a 2WD to the campgrounds?
The Victorian Government lists Murrindindi camping as suitable for 2WD vehicles, but forest road conditions can change with weather and works. Check the official Public Access Map and current conditions before travel.
Is there phone reception at Toolangi?
The official camping page says Telstra reception is normally available at Blackwood and at the information board outside the Bull Creek toilets. Other networks may require travelling north towards the highway, so carry offline directions.
Are the waterfalls worth visiting?
Murrindindi Cascades is a signed 600m-return walk with many steps. Wilhelmina Falls is a much harder 6km-return walk recommended for experienced bushwalkers.
How far is Toolangi from Melbourne?
About 100 km, roughly 90 minutes by car from the CBD. Under an hour from the northeastern suburbs (Mernda area).