Lerderderg Campground

Lerderderg Campground sits on Upper Chadwick Track in the northern section of Lerderderg State Park, about 5km north of O'Briens Crossing, and it is one of the few free bush camps near Melbourne where dogs can stay overnight. It is rugged, quiet woodland camping with no booking system: arrive early enough to claim a spot and be fully self-sufficient.

Dogs at Lerderderg Campground

Dogs are permitted at the campground and in the park's northern sections, including the O'Briens Crossing picnic area and the surrounding northern fire tracks, but only on-lead at all times: Parks Victoria lists no size or breed restrictions, just the leash rule. The line matters here, because dogs are strictly prohibited in the southern gorge areas, including Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area and the main Lerderderg Gorge basin, to protect native wildlife. Keep to the northern tracks and you and the dog are legitimate campers.

Max: this park splits in two for dogs. Northern tracks, yes; the gorge below Mackenzies Flat, no. A roo or wallaby crashing through camp at dusk is exactly why the short lead rule exists.

The setup

Camping is free and first-come, first-served with no designated sites. Facilities are basic: picnic tables, toilets and designated fireplaces. Fires are allowed only in those fireplaces, with a 3 metre cleared area around them, and never on total fire ban days; chainsaws are prohibited, so bring your own firewood or use fallen timber. There is no reliable drinking water, so carry enough for you and the dog. Expect kangaroos and swamp wallabies around camp, which is part of the appeal and the reason the leash stays on.

Getting there and getting around

Access is by conventional 2WD in dry conditions, turning to 4WD territory after rain. Parks Victoria runs seasonal road closures from after the King's Birthday long weekend in June to late October or early November, gating minor 4WD tracks such as Seereys Track, so check the closures page before you set out. For on-lead walking from camp, the loop from O'Briens Crossing via Kangaroo and Gribbles Track and Websters Track climbs high above the river, and Byers Back Track connects to the 19th century water diversion tunnel.

Close by with the dogs

Blackwood, a short drive north, has the on-lead Lerderderg Heritage River Walk and The Little Leaf & Bean Cafe for a post-walk coffee. If you decide you want power and hot showers, Blackwood Mineral Springs Caravan Park is the serviced fallback.

More options are on the Victoria pet friendly stays guide and the Lerderderg destination page.