Walhalla North Gardens

Walhalla North Gardens is a free campground in the valley below Walhalla, one of Victoria's most atmospheric gold rush towns, and it is reported by campers as a genuinely pet friendly base. Dogs are allowed on a leash and under control at all times, which suits a creekside clearing where the whole point is stepping straight out of camp and into Gippsland bush.

Dogs at the campground

The setting is the pitch: North Gardens sits along the creek at the edge of the historic township, with grassy sites under trees rather than a formal caravan park layout. Facilities reported by visitors include flushing toilets, fire pits, BBQs and picnic tables, and the clean state of the toilets comes up often enough to be worth noting. Because it is free and first in, weekend arrivals should plan for an early setup in peak season. The dog rule is simple and worth respecting: leash on, always, since the campground sits close to town and to bush that supports native wildlife.

Walhalla itself is a short walk away, which is the best part of staying here with a dog. The town's boardwalk, heritage buildings and the creek line all make for an easy evening stroll, and leashed dogs fit right into a village that is more street than traffic. Bring your own water and firewood, phone coverage can be patchy, and there is no shop campside, so arrive stocked.

While you are out there

Base yourself here and the surrounding valley fills a weekend. Coopers Creek Campgrounds at Rawson makes a good second camp if you are working along the Thomson River, and the St Phillack Reserve off leash area at Rawson gives dogs a proper run off the lead. For supplies and a coffee stop, Erica Cafe and Bar is the nearest dog friendly cafe call. More pet friendly stays across VIC are listed for trip planning.