Just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne CBD, Mortimer Picnic Camping Ground offers that rare mix of convenience combined with true off-the-grid vibes. It’s hard to believe something so close to the city can have that ‘oh-so-far-away’ feeling.
I stumbled across this campground entirely by accident too. After a hectic week at work, I was itching for some fresh rainforest air and found myself wistfully scrolling Google Maps on a Thursday night. That’s when I spotted this tucked-away campground nestled in the lush greenery east of Melbourne. The very next day, I packed up my van Maeve and shot off after work. Since then, it’s a discovery I keep coming back to because of its pure convenience and peaceful atmosphere.
Small but serene, it’s the perfect recharge spot, whether you’re craving solitude or sharing a weekend with friends. In fact, I’ve returned multiple times now – including alone twice as well as a long weekend with a mate. Each visit feels like a refreshing breath of fresh, eucalyptus-scented air.
Whether you’re solo camping or with company, Mortimer feels safe, welcoming, and drenched in nature’s beauty.
Here’s everything you need to know about Mortimer Picnic Camping Ground in Victoria – my go-to spot for a quick Melbourne camp escape!
Key Stats
Location: Bunyip State Forest, Gembrook
Distance from Melbourne: 80km
Time from Melbourne: Roughly 1 hour 10 minutes
Campground Type: Tent car camping (though small vans are OK)
Toilets: Yes, long-drop
Fire pits: Yes, about four
Phone service: No
Location & How to Get There
Mortimer Picnic Camping Ground is located 80 km east of Melbourne, 6.5kms away from the town of Gembrook. It’s nestled in the picturesque rainforest pocket in the west of the Bunyip State Park (i.e. on the Melbourne side of it).
If you’re coming from the Peninsula or east of Melbourne, then you’ll drive via Tynong North.
Accessibility
Driving & Road Conditions
If you’re coming from Melbourne via Gembrook, the campground is easy to access just off a nice sealed road. There’s no off road driving or corrugated roads to navigate.
If you come via Tynong North, the road isn’t as good – be especially cautious of a narrow section closer towards the campground. My friend described it as “a little sketchy” because of others driving a little faster than they should have been for the size of the road.
Regardless of which route you take though, Mortimer Picnic Camping Ground is absolutely 2WD accessible. Its ease of access is definitely a big drawcard here.
Accessibility Requirements Suitability
In terms of how suitable Mortimer Camping and Picnic Area is for those with limited mobility or a physical disability, the main issue here I’d say are the toilets.
Whilst the rest of the campground is flat and has no obvious barrier for camping and enjoying the surroundings, the toilets are located at the top of a small incline. There are steps to it from the day area, and a sloped 15m or so path towards the campground side. The mud and gravel path is pretty steep. So whilst there are no steps, it might be a little tricky to get up and down after rain.
Whilst the toilets are spacious, they certainly didn’t strike me as particularly disability friendly.
Campground Overview & Layout
Mortimer Camping and Picnic Area is a free tent campground, managed by Parks Victoria. It’s a first-come-first served arrangement with no pre-booking available.
There is ample space for pitching a tent, though firepits are limited and so the earlier you are, the better your chance of bagging one and a nice spot for your tent.
As you enter Mortimer Camping and Picnic Area from the main road, you will approach a small car park at the entrance for 10 or so cars.
To your left is the camping area for tents. To the right, a day area for picnics, where camping is not permitted. That being said, every time I’ve been, a few people either don’t see, or ignore the signs and pitch up there regardless. I guess it depends if you want to risk being moved on by Parks Vic Rangers, or not!
In front of the entrance are the basic long-drop toilets. Following the road on to the right, you will find more parking spaces should you need them.
One important thing to note is that there is no phone reception at Mortimer Camping and Picnic Area. So if you’re meeting someone there, it’s best to give them the heads up. A short drive to Gembrook is your best bet to get a connection if you need it.
Sometimes a good disconnect is in order though, so this campground is the perfect opportunity!
Tent vs Van Camping
Although Mortimer Camping and Picnic Area is primarily set up for tents, with no grassy areas to park vehicles on (there are bollards all around the carparks), I’ve always found no issues with parking my van for multiple nights. Others seem to do the same. There are no signs saying van camping is not permitted.
That being said, Mortimer Camping and Picnic Area will be unsuitable for large caravans or motorhomes. There isn’t the space for big vehicles to park up, or turn around.
Facilities
As a free bush camp, you can’t expect many facilities at Mortimer Camping Ground aside from the two very basic long-drop toilets, some picnic benches, and a few fire pits.
Make sure to bring some toilet roll in case it’s out, your own firewood, and take all your litter home with you, as there are no bins.
Next to the toilet is a water tank, but whether it contains any water will depend on recent rainfall. It’s also non potable, so you should bring your own drinking water, or boil it before consumption.
Aside from that, you’ll have to bring everything else with you, and enjoy the stripped-back camp lifestyle that Mortimer Campground offers!
Atmosphere
One of the main things I love about Mortimer Camping Ground is the forest atmosphere without the isolated ‘in the depths of the bush’ vibe. Watching the mist roll across the campground in the morning really accentuates the attractiveness of this little lush, green spot.
The campground is accessed directly off a main road (which is fairly low trafficked) and you’re also close to civilization. It’s only a 7 minute drive to Gembrook, should you need it.
During the day, there are quite a few people around, from horse riders on a trek to people on bushwalks, as there are many walks beginning, or going through the campground. You’ll often find it busy during the day, but quietening down later in the afternoon or early evening.
I’ve never found the campground too noisy or rowdy, even over a long public holiday weekend. It’s a popular place for families, and school or youth groups to set up camp.
Things to Do Nearby
I’d say the main attraction is the campground itself, but there are some great walks from the campground, and a few natural attractions a short drive away.
– Mortimer Nature Walk
The easy 1.4km circular Mortimer Nature Walk begins at the back of the camping area and is a truly lovely way to spend 30-40 minutes.
Taking you through lush damp fern rainforest, towering eucalyptus forests and over boardwalks along the trickling stream, it’s a great insight into the delights of the Bunyip State Park.
Just be aware there are two road crossings and people do drive fast, so you should take care with young children.
– Four Brothers Mortimer Circuit Walk
Another fantastic, but longer walk direct from the campground is the Four Brothers Mortimer Circuit Walk, a 13 km loop starting from the day area side.
You can begin either on the Ferres Walking Track, or along Triangle Road.
I recommend you do this loop in a clockwise direction (starting on Triangle Road) to get the steep climbs out of the way first. The terrain is mainly wide forest management/fire track roads with some smaller tracks to follow.
A small detour off the defined route up Burgess Track will take you to Four Brothers Rocks – well worth a visit for the epic views and close ups with the epic rock formations!
– Kurth Kiln Ship Rock Falls
A 20 minute drive (17.5 km) north from the campground will take you to Kurth Kiln Ship Rock Falls, located in the neighbouring Kirn Kiln Regional Park. There’s actually another free campground located near here (a much bigger one) called Kurth Kiln Scout Loop.
From the Ship Rock Falls Picnic Ground, it’s only a 170m walk to the waterfall, but it’s pretty steep!
Whilst the view of the somewhat underwhelming trickling waterfall is a little impeded by trees and rocks, I actually found the most interesting feature to be the cool large rock boulders scattered everywhere. I had fun climbing them, as would kids!
My Rating
Location – 9/10
A great campground within easy reach of Melbourne, and a 7 minute drive away from Gembrook.
Accessibility – 8/10
Easily accessed off a good main road, all 2WD accessible. Although small, there are plenty of parking spots available. Toilets may post some accessibility challenges for some.
Layout – 7/10
Small, but well formed. Grass is nice and green and the pitching area is flat, surrounded by wonderful towering trees. It would be nice to also be allowed to camp in the day area, though.
Facilities – 7/10
Long-drops won’t be winning any awards, but hey, they do the job. Expect only the very basics. Loses points for the limited amount of fire pits.
Atmosphere – 8/10
Varied flora, from eucalypts to ferns and some smaller deciduous trees. Nice family feel and its small size only enhances the atmosphere.
Activity Opportunities – 6/10
Although there are some great walks direct from the campground, there is not much to do around the campground, aside from walks in the Bunyip State Park, and the nearby Kurth Kiln Regional Park.
OVERALL RATING 7/10
Overall, its ease of access from Melbourne and chilled vibe means Mortimer Campground is a solid choice for a couple of nights camping away from the city.
Whilst you wouldn’t want to spend days on end here due to the limited activities and attractions nearby, it offers a pleasant basic free camp for a delightful rainforest recharge.
Let me know if you make it!
Please note: this is a personal review of my experience at this campground. Things change, so you may find the conditions or campground different to how I have described. I am also able-bodied, so my assumptions on accessibility are just that. Please contact Parks Victoria for more accurate accessibility information.