GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #9 | Page 22

RV TRAVEL WALHALLA NORTH GARDENS, VIC Not everyone wants to go to the beach, with its salt, flies and sand, Instead, if you are in Victoria, head for the hills to the old gold mining town of Walhalla in sub-Alpine Victoria, where you will find the Walhalla North Gardens free camp on the north side of the heritage-listed town. While this large and grassy campground is very popular during the warmer months, there is plenty of room, but the best advice still is to arrival early. Flushing toilets and free gas barbecues are provided, non-potable water may be available and fires are allowed in formed fire places (subject to prevailing local fire bans), so what’s not to like? All the locals ask is that you leave it clean. Walhalla itself is a fascinating town, with wonderful history, plenty to see and some nice cafes at which you can kick back, so it’s worthwhile spending a couple of nights there. To help you do this, there is a good pub, a general store and a petrol station for restocking your supplies, but you’ll have to drive to get river access for a dip. We recommend following your nose to nearby Coopers Creek, which is a popular place to laze about on an inflatable tyre – just be careful, as it’s also popular with four-wheel-drivers who tend to use the creek as a 4WD playground. WALHALLA NORTH GARDENS CAMPING: Free. Twenty sites available. FACILITIES: Flushing toilets, free gas barbecues and non-potable water. CAMP FIRES: Yes, in designated places. STAY LIMIT: No specific limit. CARAVAN ACCESS: Good. GETTING THERE: Walhalla is 182km east of Melbourne on the Princes Highway (exit at Moe and head in via Erica). The free camp is easy to find – just follow the signs. DOG FRIENDLY: Yes, provided they are restrained and quiet. VIEW MAP Nearby Coopers Creek is a 4WD playground. SWANS CREEK CROSSING, NSW Popular with both the locals and visitors, the Swan Creek Crossing free camping ground is a real New South Wales find. The large, open, grassy area is surrounded by native forest and hardwood plantations and is suitable for tents, caravans and campervans provided they are self-contained, with nearby Upsalls Creek a popular swimming spot. Located in the Kerewong State Forest, the camping ground is peaceful, a short drive from Kew (halfway between Taree and Kempsey). With toilets, water and camp fires permitted, the area is worth a couple of nights’ break and if sitting around is not your thing, there are a number of walking trails at the campsite, while Longworths Tramway Heritage Walk is a short drive away. SWANS CREEK CROSSING CAMPING: Free FACILITIES : Toilets, water CAMP FIRES : Yes STAY LIMIT: No limit we are aware of CARAVAN ACCESS : Good DOG FRIENDLY: Yes GETTING THERE: Turn north 4km west of Kendall, off Kendall-Lome Road onto Upsalls Creek Road and drive for 12km – 10km on a good dirt road. VIEW MAP