Exploring Victoria’s State Forests: The Complete List for 4X4 Adventurers
When most people think about camping in Victoria, they picture the well-known national parks. But for us 4X4 drivers, campers, and bush explorers, it’s often the State Forests that give the best mix of freedom, accessibility, and rugged tracks.
Victoria has more than 3 million hectares of State Forest — and they’re scattered right across the state. These forests are managed by DEECA and are open to a wide range of activities like dispersed camping, four-wheel driving, hunting (in designated areas), horse riding, and bushwalking.
Here’s a breakdown of every named State Forest in Victoria, grouped by region.
Central Highlands & North Central
Wombat State Forest – 70,000ha of tracks, history, and now community management.
Cobaw State Forest – rocky climbs near Lancefield, popular for 4X4 trips.
Black Forest (Woodend) – small but historic.
Mount Disappointment State Forest – close to Melbourne, packed with off-road trails.
Tallarook State Forest – an easy day-trip from Melbourne with plenty of trails.
Mount Robertson State Forest – a quieter Central Highlands option.
Toolangi State Forest – rainforest pockets and the famous Kalatha Giant tree.
Rubicon State Forest – logging history, waterfalls, and great campsites.
Big River State Forest – a hotspot for campers and trail riders.
Marysville State Forest – mountain scenery on the doorstep of the township.
Walmer State Forest – smaller, near Castlemaine, great for a quiet camp.
Goldfields & Wimmera
Pyrenees State Forest – rolling ranges, wineries nearby, and solid touring tracks.
Mount Cole State Forest – tall eucalypt forest with a maze of tracks.
Mount Lonarch State Forest – tucked between Ararat and Beaufort.
Mount Difficult State Forest – close to the Grampians.
Gunbower State Forest – red gum country along the Murray, a classic camping destination.
Annya State Forest – near Heywood, popular with hunters and locals.
Mount Clay State Forest – coastal forest close to Portland.
Mallee & North-West
Big Desert State Forest – sand, scrub, and a real outback feel in Victoria’s far northwest.
Gippsland & East Gippsland
Colquhoun / Boyanga Gidi State Forest – dual-named, near Lakes Entrance.
Bruthen State Forest – a handy stopover with dispersed sites.
Yowen-burrun State Forest – another East Gippsland forest, part of the cultural landscape.
Bemm State Forest – dense bush near Bemm River.
Mount Raymond State Forest – camping and trail riding territory.
Bonang State Forest – straddling the high country tracks towards NSW.
Mount Alfred State Forest – alpine foothills, tall timber country.
Murrungower State Forest – close to Orbost.
Hartland State Forest – East Gippsland backroads.
Bullung-warl State Forest – dual-named, highlighting local heritage.
Gurrun-Gurrun-Yarn State Forest – another East Gippsland dual-name forest.
Won Wron State Forest – flat country east of Yarram, with old growth patches.
Alberton West State Forest – small, coastal-plain forest near Woodside.
Mullungdung State Forest – huge lowland forest south of Sale.
Why State Forests Matter to 4X4 Drivers
Unlike national parks, most Victorian State Forests:
Allow dispersed camping — no booking systems, just pick a spot responsibly.
Offer genuine 4X4 tracks — from easy gravel through to steep rutted climbs.
Support multiple uses — trail bikes, hunting, horse riding, and camping side-by-side.
Carry history — from old logging coupes to gold rush relics.
But with that freedom comes responsibility. Rubbish dumping, track damage, and “ghost camping” have been big issues. If we want to keep access, we’ve got to show respect for country: leave no trace, stick to open tracks, and respect fire restrictions.
Planning Your Trip
Before heading out, check:
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) for planned burns and closures
VicEmergency app for fire warnings
DEECA’s “Explore Outdoors” website for visitor info
Exploring NSW State Forests: The Free Camping Guide for 4X4 Adventurers
When it comes to camping in New South Wales, national parks usually grab the spotlight. But if you’re chasing freedom — no booking systems, no fees, and plenty of room to roll in with your rig — it’s the State Forests that deliver.
NSW has nearly 500 named State Forests managed by Forestry Corporation, spread across every corner of the state. In most of them, camping is 100% free, dogs are welcome, and campfires are allowed (outside of fire bans). You can even stay for up to four weeks in the same spot.
Here’s a breakdown of NSW’s State Forests by region. I’ve picked a handful of highlights for each, but you can also download a full PDF list of every forest in that region.
🌲 Central Region (84 forests)
Covering the Hunter Valley, Mid-North Coast, and surrounding ranges, the Central Region has some of the most popular 4×4 and camping forests in NSW.
Highlights:
Barrington Tops – alpine trails and remote campsites in the high country.
Olney – Watagan Ranges classic, with trail bike access and free campgrounds.
Ourimbah – great for 4WD, MTB, and dog-friendly camping.
Styx River – riverside camps and fire trails with alpine scenery.
📂 Download the full Central Region forest list (PDF)
🌾 Western Region (206 forests)
The Western Region is massive — stretching from red gum country along the Murray to the outback’s dry forests. Camping here feels wild and remote.
Highlights:
Pilliga East & West – Australia’s largest inland forest, full of tracks and hidden camps.
Matong – free bush camps, sometimes used for regional festivals.
Perricoota – classic red gum forest on the Murray River.
Warraderry – rolling hills and quiet forest camping.
📂 Download the full Western Region forest list (PDF)
🌳 North East Region (114 forests)
This is lush, steep country with rainforests, rivers, and some of the best 4×4 challenges in NSW.
Highlights:
Bagawa – subtropical rainforest camping near Coffs Harbour.
Nymboida – riverside free camping, whitewater rafting nearby.
Doubleduke – tall eucalypt forest with free campgrounds and 4WD trails.
Washpool – World Heritage-listed rainforest camping.
📂 Download the full North East Region forest list (PDF)
🏔 Southern Region (71 forests)
From the South Coast to the tablelands, this region offers coastal forests and big mountain bushland.
Highlights:
Bodalla – near the coast with plenty of free dispersed camping.
Mogo – historic goldfields forest, with MTB trails and camping.
Currowan – huge bush forest between Batemans Bay and Braidwood.
Yadboro – gateway to the Budawangs, a favourite among 4WDers.
📂 Download the full Southern Region forest list (PDF)
🌲 Northern Softwood Region (44 forests)
This region mixes pine plantations with scattered native bush. While not all are ideal for camping, a few standouts remain.
Highlights:
Ben Bullen – near Lithgow, good for quiet bush camping.
Canobolas – near Orange, with both pine and native forest areas.
Neville – a smaller, lesser-known spot for free camping.
Riamukka – big, rugged forest with dispersed camps.
📂 Download the full Northern Softwood Region forest list (PDF)
❄️ Snowy Region (29 forests)
The Snowy Region covers the southern ranges and alpine country. Winter camping here is tough but unforgettable.
Highlights:
Bago – massive forest near Tumbarumba, with plenty of free camping.
Bondi – mixed-use forest with dispersed bush camping.
Bondo – a classic spot for 4WDers and hunters.
Wee Jasper – caves nearby and good camping spots in the hills.
📂 Download the full Snowy Region forest list (PDF)
🛑 Camping Rules in NSW State Forests
Free: camping is free in almost all State Forests.
Stay limit: up to 4 weeks in one place.
Dogs welcome: but must be controlled.
Campfires: allowed except on Total Fire Ban days.
Exceptions: no camping in Cumberland or Strickland State Forests, and not inside designated picnic/day-use areas.
Leave no trace: take rubbish with you — no bins provided.
Final Word
If you’re a 4×4 driver chasing real freedom, NSW State Forests are unbeatable. From the Pilliga scrub to rainforest rivers, from the Snowy mountains to the red gums of the Murray, there’s always somewhere new to explore.
Load up the Cruiser, grab your swag, and go have a crack.
Free Camping in Queensland: What You Need to Know Before You Pack the Swag
If you’re used to camping down south, where state forests often mean free bush camping, Queensland can be a bit of a shock. Here’s the deal straight up:
👉 There is no free camping in Queensland’s state forests or national parks.
Every official park and forest requires a permit and camping fees. Rangers patrol regularly, and fines apply if you try to sneak a freebie.
But don’t stress — Queensland still has plenty of free camping opportunities. They’re just found outside the park system, in roadside reserves, council-managed areas, and bush spots where you can roll in with your 4X4, set up camp, and enjoy a night under the stars without opening the wallet.
✅ Where You Can Free Camp in Queensland
Roadside Rest Areas – scattered along highways, often with toilets, tables, and bins. These are usually 24–48 hours max stay.
Council Free Camps – many regional councils offer free or low-cost camping to encourage travellers to stop and spend in town.
Donation Camps – gold-coin donation spots, usually with basic facilities like drop toilets or water tanks.
Remote Bush Spots – unofficial camps on Crown Land or outback areas.
🚫 Where You Can’t Free Camp
National Parks – all require paid permits.
State Forests – also require a camping permit (unlike Victoria or NSW).
Urban areas – towns, beaches, and carparks are usually “no overnight camping zones”.
🌟 Great Free Camping Spots in QLD
Here are a few popular and tested spots where you can camp for free:
Notch Point (near Mackay)
Arguably the best free camp in QLD. Beachfront, 4WD access only, fishing and crabbing on your doorstep. No facilities — self-contained rigs only.
Futter Creek (Boyne Valley)
Council-run free camp by the water, grassy sites, toilets on site. Good for caravans and 4X4s.
Mary Kathleen Abandoned Mine (west of Townsville)
Ghost town vibes! Explore the old mining ruins and camp under the stars. No facilities — bring everything.
Bundaberg Riverside Parklands
A council-supported free overnight stop close to town. Handy for topping up supplies.
Alkoomi Adventure Farm (Gladstone region)
Technically a donation camp — stay free or toss in a few dollars. Family-friendly, with farm activities.
🛑 The Rules of Free Camping in QLD
Stay limits: often 24–72 hours max in rest areas.
Self-contained rigs: many sites expect you to bring your own loo and water.
Leave no trace: no bins at a lot of spots, so pack it out.
Respect locals: these spots are offered by councils and communities — do the right thing or risk them being shut down.
Final Word
While Victoria and NSW offer loads of free state forest camping, Queensland plays by different rules. You won’t find free camping in state forests or national parks, but the Sunshine State still shines bright for budget adventurers — you just need to aim for rest areas, council reserves, and remote bush spots.
Load up the Cruiser, plan your stops, and you’ll find plenty of ways to camp for free while still exploring Queensland’s coasts, ranges, and outback.
Free Camping in South Australia: What You Need to Know
When it comes to camping rules, every state in Australia does things differently. In South Australia, there’s one clear rule:
👉 You cannot camp for free in state or national parks.
Every official South Australian park and reserve requires a booking and camping fee, and you must book online through Parks SA. Rangers check, and fines apply if you skip the system.
But that doesn’t mean free camping is off the table — you just need to look outside the park network, where council-managed sites, outback reserves, and roadside stops open the door to plenty of no-cost adventures.
✅ Where You Can Free Camp in SA
Council Free Camps – many country towns offer designated free sites to encourage travellers to stop in and spend locally.
Roadside Rest Areas – legal overnight stops on major routes.
Outback Crown Land – much of SA is remote Crown Land, and you can often pull up and camp for free if you’re self-sufficient.
Private Property (with permission) – plenty of station stays, some free, others donation-based.
🚫 Where You Can’t Free Camp
State and National Parks – permits and fees always required.
Popular tourist hubs – e.g. Adelaide metro, Barossa, Fleurieu — free camping is usually banned or heavily restricted.
Random roadside pullovers in towns – most councils enforce “no overnight stays” outside of their designated free sites.
🌟 Great Free Camping Spots in South Australia
Here are some well-loved free camps you can add to your SA road trip:
Point Lowly (near Whyalla, Eyre Peninsula)
Stunning coastal free camp with views over the Spencer Gulf. Popular with fishos and 4WDers. Toilets available.
Port Gibbon Cliffs (near Cowell)
Free (donation-based) beachfront camping right under red cliffs. Great for caravans and off-grid rigs.
24-Mile Tank Rest Area (Flinders Ranges region)
Basic roadside rest stop but a classic outback free camp. No facilities — bring everything.
Hancock’s Lookout (near Wilmington)
Incredible lookout over the Spencer Gulf, free camping area with plenty of space for 4WD rigs.
Kimba Recreation Reserve (Eyre Highway)
Council-supported free/donation camp. Showers, toilets, and a short walk to town.
🛑 Rules of Free Camping in SA
Stay limits: most council sites are capped at 24–72 hours.
Self-contained rigs: many sites expect you to bring your own toilet/water.
Leave no trace: rubbish dumping gets free camps closed.
Check signage: not all rest areas allow overnight stays.
Final Word
If you’re exploring South Australia in your 4X4, remember:
State and National Parks = paid permits only.
Free camping = roadside stops, council sites, and Crown Land.
From the red dirt of the Flinders to the turquoise waters of the Eyre Peninsula, there are still plenty of places to roll out the swag for free — you just need to know where to look.
Load up the Cruiser, plan your route, and go have a crack at South Australia’s free camping scene.
Free Camping in Tasmania’s State Forests: The “Almost” Complete Guide
If you’re chasing real, off-grid camping with your 4×4 in Tasmania, the State Forests (Permanent Timber Production Zones or PTPZ, managed by Sustainable Timber Tasmania — STT) are your best bet. They offer free dispersed camping with minimal oversight, provided you follow the rules.
1. What Makes Tasmanian State Forests Pop?
Free camping is allowed, unless otherwise signed. These forest areas are primarily for sustainable timber production and are more relaxed than national parks.
No bookings or fees — just roll in, set up camp away from roads or work sites, and enjoy.
Managed as PTPZ (Permanent Timber Production Zone) — they balance forestry with public access. (turn0search4)
2. Key State Forest Areas Where Free Camping Is Known to Be Acceptable
While there's no official master list, several named forest reserves are commonly cited by outdoor communities as accessible and open for bush camping:
Wielangta Forest – Southeast Tasmania, scenic forest drive between Orford and Copping.
Savage River Forest – Northwest Tasmania; look for nearby free sites like Milkshakes Forest Reserve.
Hollybank Forest Reserve – Near Launceston, mixed-use area also popular with mountain bikers.
Tahune Forest Reserve – Southeast, near the famous Tahune Airwalk (check for recent regrowth or closures).
Upper Natone Forest Reserve – Northwest, good 4×4 access into native bush.
Griffin, Brookerana, Jean Brook, Oldina, Springfield — a collection of smaller, named reserves within the forestry zone.
If roads are open and no prohibition signs are present, these forests are generally OK for camping. (turn0search14)
3. What's Off-Limits for Free Camping
National Parks or Nature Reserves: Managed by DPIPWE, require permits and fees.
Parks-managed camping zones: These have booking systems and fixed campsites.
Private lands and picnic areas: Camping is illegal unless clearly designated.
Forest areas with "No Camping" signs: Respect them — forestry activity or ecological protection may be the reason.
4. Free Camping Guide: Rules & Wise Practices
TipWhy It MattersBring everything (water, toilet, fuel)These are bush camps — no infrastructure.Fires only when safeCheck for total fire bans or seasonal rules.Short stays recommendedKeeps the area open for others, safer longer-term.Obey signageTracks can close due to forestry; access may be restricted.Leave no traceThe only way to keep wild camping open in these areas.
5. Downloadable Camping Directory
📥 Download the PDF: [Tasmanian State Forest Reserves (Free Camping)]
It includes the list above, plus notes on permit zones and tips on safe access.
6. Final Word
Tasmania doesn’t come with the predictability of detailed park camping maps like NSW or VIC, but that’s where the adventure lies. The PTPZ State Forests give you freedom, scenery, and solitude — no fees, no reservations, just careful off-road exploration.
Load up your Cruiser, hit one of those named forest areas (like Wielangta or Upper Natone), and enjoy true bush camping.
Free Camping in Western Australia: What You Need to Know
Western Australia does things differently to the east coast. In Victoria and NSW you can pull into a State Forest for free camping, but in WA the rules are tighter.
👉 Camping in WA’s State Forests is not free.
State Forests, National Parks, and Conservation Parks are all managed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), and camping is only permitted in designated campgrounds with a fee. Prices are still pretty reasonable (usually $8–$12 per adult per night), but you’ll need to pay and book.
✅ Where You Can Free Camp in WA
Even though WA State Forests aren’t free, there are still plenty of ways to set up the swag without paying a cent:
24-hour roadside rest areas – Scattered along highways and main routes, many allow overnight stays. Usually basic (toilets, bins, tables).
Council and shire camps – Some shires provide free (or donation-based) camping to encourage travellers to stop in town.
Crown Land and remote bush – In outback WA, unallocated Crown Land often allows bush camping. You’ll need to be self-sufficient and obey fire and closure rules.
Private properties (with permission) – Station stays or farm camps sometimes let you camp free or for a small donation.
🚫 Where You Can’t Free Camp
State Forests – all require a permit and fee at designated sites.
National Parks – Parks Pass + nightly fee required.
Conservation Parks and Nature Reserves – same rules as State Forests.
Urban areas and beaches – most councils ban free camping in towns or on the coast unless clearly signposted.
🌟 Some Popular Free Camps in WA
Here are a few of the best-known free or donation-based camps across WA (outside State Forests and Parks):
Galena Bridge (near Kalbarri)
Popular roadside free camp on the Murchison River, with toilets and plenty of space.
Lake Poorrarecup (near Cranbrook)
Shire-run, donation-based lakeside camp. Great for water activities.
New Norcia Rest Area (Midwest)
Near the historic monastery town, basic free camp, close to the highway.
DeGrey River (Pilbara, east of Port Hedland)
Large riverside free camp, very popular with travellers. Toilets available.
Mary Pool (between Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek)
Shady riverside free camp, toilets, picnic tables. Good base for Kimberley trips.
🛑 Rules of Free Camping in WA
Stay limits: usually 24–72 hours in rest areas and shire camps.
Facilities: often very basic, so be self-sufficient.
Leave no trace: rubbish dumping can get sites closed.
Check signage: not all roadside stops allow overnight stays.
Fires: follow fire bans strictly — WA rangers enforce this hard.
Final Word
If you’re planning a 4×4 adventure in WA, remember:
State Forests and Parks = paid camping only.
Free camping = rest areas, shire reserves, and Crown Land.
The good news is WA has some of the most spectacular bush and outback free camps in Australia. From riverside stops in the Kimberley to roadside gems in the Midwest, you’ll never be short of a place to roll out the swag.
Load up the Cruiser, keep your water tanks full, and go have a crack at WA’s free camping scene.
Free Camping in the Northern Territory: What You Need to Know
The Northern Territory is different again when it comes to camping. With its huge stretches of outback and low population, the NT has more relaxed rules compared to southern states.
👉 Camping in NT’s national parks and reserves is not free — you’ll usually need to pay a small fee (around $3–$6 per adult per night) and book through NT Parks and Wildlife.
But the Territory is full of opportunities to camp for free outside the official parks system, especially in roadside stops, bush reserves, and remote Crown Land.
✅ Where You Can Free Camp in the NT
24-hour roadside rest areas – The Stuart, Barkly, and Victoria Highways all have designated rest stops where you can overnight for free. Many have toilets, shelters, and tables.
Council-managed camps – Some shires provide free or donation-based camping spots to attract travellers.
Remote bush and Crown Land – Much of the NT is Crown Land, and bush camping is common, but you must be fully self-sufficient and respectful.
Station stays (with permission) – Some pastoral stations allow travellers to pull in for free or for a gold coin donation.
🚫 Where You Can’t Free Camp
National Parks and Conservation Reserves – camping fees apply (e.g., Litchfield, Kakadu, Nitmiluk).
Urban areas and towns – free camping is usually banned around Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, and other communities.
Aboriginal Land Trust areas – large parts of the NT are Aboriginal land. You need a permit to enter and camp (issued by land councils).
🌟 Some Popular Free Camps in the NT
Here are a few of the well-known free camping spots for NT travellers:
Newcastle Waters Rest Area (Stuart Hwy, north of Elliott)
Shady stop with picnic tables and toilets.
Attack Creek Rest Area (north of Tennant Creek)
Historic site with basic facilities, free overnight stop.
36 Mile Rest Area (between Katherine and Darwin)
A common free overnight camp with toilets and shade.
Connells Lagoon Rest Area (Barkly Tablelands)
Remote bush rest area, flat country, good stop on long hauls.
Gorrie Airstrip (near Roper Bar)
A WWII-era airfield now used as a big free camp area, popular with caravanners and 4X4 travellers.
🛑 Rules of Free Camping in the NT
Stay limits: most rest areas allow 24–72 hours max.
Self-sufficiency: many spots have no water or rubbish bins — bring everything.
Respect Aboriginal land: permits are required for entry and camping.
Fires: check for local fire bans. Outback NT burns fast in the Dry season.
Leave no trace: dumping rubbish is a quick way to lose access.
Final Word
The NT is one of the easiest places in Australia to find a free bush camp. While you’ll pay small fees in national parks and Aboriginal land requires permits, there are dozens of free rest areas and bush camps scattered across the highways and outback tracks.
Load up the Cruiser, keep your jerry cans topped, and have a crack at the Territory’s wild and free camping.