Wombat State Forest camping guide: Firth Park near Melbourne

Wombat State Forest lies about 80 km northwest of Melbourne, between the Daylesford, Trentham and Blackwood area. The current Victorian government camping listing identifies Firth Park as a free campground in the forest, with basic facilities and access to the Andersons Mill heritage walk.

A major management change is approaching. Victorian Parliament has passed legislation to create the Wombat-Lerderderg National Park from the existing Lerderderg State Park and large parts of Wombat State Forest. The government expects the new park to be created on 5 October 2026. Until then, check current state-forest information; after that date, verify the new park's operational rules rather than assuming the scheduled transition automatically changed every site's arrangements.

Verified camping option: Firth Park#

Firth Park is the current official camping listing for Wombat State Forest. It sits on the northern slopes of the Great Dividing Range and is suitable for tents, with limited space for small caravans on the western side of the parking area.

Current listed facilities include:

• drop toilets
• picnic tables
• fireplaces and wood-fired barbecues
• a horse yard
• access to the Andersons Mill walk

The campground is currently listed as free and dog-friendly. Bring drinking water and everything else you need for a self-sufficient stay. Do not assume informal clearings or names shown on third-party maps are authorised campgrounds; confirm the location in the official More to Explore map before setting up.

Getting there and checking access#

The official Firth Park page places the campground about 80 km northwest of Melbourne. Forest roads and tracks can be affected by weather, seasonal closures, fire operations and other works.

Before leaving:

• check the live Victorian public-land closures and Public Access Map
• review seasonal road closures
• download maps before entering the forest
• do not assume a route is suitable for a 2WD vehicle just because it appears on a general map

The marked Wombat 4WD Tour is a separate 100 km four-wheel-drive route. Its official guidance describes it as easy to medium in dry conditions and specifies a 4WD vehicle.

Camping rules and fire safety#

While the area remains state forest, follow current Victorian state-forest rules and any local closure or fire notice.

Key current guidance includes:

• camp at least 20 metres from waterways
• keep portable showers and toilets at least 50 metres from waterways
• if there is no toilet, bury human waste 20 cm deep and at least 100 metres from waterways and other campers
• take all rubbish home
• use a properly constructed fireplace or commercially manufactured barbecue where fires are permitted
• never light a campfire on a Total Fire Ban day
• extinguish a fire with water until the ashes are cool to touch
• source firewood legally; do not cut trees or vegetation or assume fallen timber may be collected

Check Camping with care, current fire restrictions and VicEmergency before every trip. Rules and local conditions can change at short notice.

Dogs are currently allowed at Firth Park. Across Victorian state forests they must be on a leash or under immediate control, subject to local exceptions. Check the current dog-access guidance and the site listing before travelling.

Mine-shaft safety: Wombat Forest is historic gold-mining country. Victorian resources guidance warns visitors in old mining areas to watch for open shafts, keep away because the ground may be unstable, and never enter old workings. Stay on formed tracks and supervise children and dogs.

For broader advice, see our campfire tips for camping in Australia.

Things to do#

Andersons Mill and forest history#

A walk from Firth Park leads to Andersons Mill, a former sawmill site. The campground also contains heritage ornamental trees and traces of the area's forestry history.

Horse riding#

Firth Park has a designated horse yard and access to a network of forest tracks. Check current access conditions before taking a float into the forest.

Four-wheel driving#

The official Wombat 4WD Tour links forest recreation sites and historic locations. Conditions can deteriorate after rain, and temporary or seasonal closures take priority over route descriptions.

Fishing and prospecting#

Fishing and recreational prospecting are regulated activities. Check current Victorian Fisheries Authority licence and waterway rules before fishing, and Resources Victoria prospecting guidance before fossicking or prospecting.

The national park transition#

The park transition is no longer merely a proposal. The Parks and Public Land Legislation Amendment (Central West and Other Matters) Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 25 November 2025. The Victorian government says the Wombat-Lerderderg National Park is expected to be created on 5 October 2026.

That date is a scheduled implementation milestone, not evidence that every operational detail has already changed. Current official sources do not yet confirm the final camping, booking, fee, firewood or dog-access arrangements for each affected site. Avoid relying on predictions that camping will become paid or that dogs will automatically be excluded everywhere.

Use the government's Wombat Forest transition update and the Victorian legislation record for the legal status, then check the live park or forest page for the rules that apply on your travel date.

When to visit#

Conditions vary sharply through the year. Cold, wet weather can make unsealed roads difficult, while warm and windy conditions can bring fire restrictions or closures. Choose dates based on the current forecast, fire danger, public-access map and your vehicle rather than relying on a fixed seasonal rule.

Nearby towns and supplies#

Daylesford, Trentham, Blackwood and Bacchus Marsh are useful places to check supplies and fuel before entering the forest. Confirm opening hours and carry enough water, food and fuel for the trip.

Plan from live information#

Firth Park remains a verified free camping option in Wombat State Forest as of 5 September 2026. With the new national park expected on 5 October, check the official campground page, access map and transition update immediately before travel—and recheck after the transition for any new site rules.