sits on the banks of the Teddington Reservoir (if it is full), nestled at the heart of Kara Kara National Park in western central Victoria.
campsite is surrounded by rolling hills and majestic box ironbark forests and is a fairly remote peaceful and scenic camping experience with lots of wildlife including stumpy tail lizards (“shinglebacks”), skinks, kangaroos, lots of birds, etc
no traffic noise
not much light pollution - so nice night skies
the NP protects one of the most intact remnants of Victoria's box-ironbark forests and parts are relatively unmodified in comparison to other areas of forest in the central goldfields and are a fine example of the type of vegetation that once covered almost 13% of Victoria.
lies within the St Arnaud Box-Ironbark Region Important Bird Area, identified as such by BirdLife International because of its importance for swift parrots and other woodland birds
easy return walk loop around the reservoir back to the campsite
huge camping area with lots of campsites which vary in size and slope and some can accommodate large groups
flush toilets with cubicle to hang up a shower; fire pits; picnic tables;
shady spots available plus secluded campsites
suitable for caravans
poor mobile reception
early Nov 2024:
upper reservoir was dry but presumably the moist soil and animal dung was a good breeding ground for bush flies as they tended to travel to the camp ground during the day, but there were very few south of the camp ground along the circuit walk
there were no mosquitoes
1.2km along the road you will find the Teddington Hut Camping Area - a wooden hut which is open for campers to stay in for free (bookings required) - although I would think it would be more pleasant outside than inside.
not much to see or do here other than chill out and enjoy the wildlife and ambience and have a nice woodland nature walk around the upper reservoir or kayak on the lower reservoir - Melville Caves campground, Kooyoora State Park is much more interesting with better walks but is busier
as usual take care not to camp under higher risk branches which may drop unexpectedly
firewood collection in the park is prohibited
no dogs
no mobile reception although you may get some with Optus (2024)
BYO toilet paper and firewood
need to take all rubbish home
reservoir water level may vary, and the upper dam is often empty but it is only 10 min walk to the lower dam
swimming and powered boats are not permitted in the Upper or Lower Teddington Reservoirs
no drones
watch out for snakes which are more active in spring, summer and autumn (especially near the water) - also be wary of the large Lace Monitor (Varanus various), usually a ground dwelling lizard but will take to a tree when disturbed
area is a heavily mined landscape with unstable slopes and mine shafts while tailings may contain the toxic residue of arsenic, mercury, and cyanide but pose minimal risk if not disturbed
do not climb cliffs, over or around barriers and fencing, or enter old mine workings
2km from Taltarni wines, open from 10.00am to 4pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday. bookings are required for groups of eight to twenty max ph 5467 2388;
Kara Kara NP
hiking, mountain bike and 4WD trails to explore
nice views from West of England Fire Tower (4WD access road)
towns
24min, 29km Nth to St Arnaud via Stuart Mill
main regional town; most cafe's close at 2pm! silo art; petrol; hotels, swimming pool; cafes, fish and chips, IGA grocery usually closes 7pm; railway station;
Wax Garden Conservation Reserve;
St Arnaud Regional Park - forest to the west
33min, 39km NE to Logan Pub
35min, 45km SE to Avoca
pie shop with very nice chicken burgers, Country Grocers, cafe, petrol x 3; milk bar, hotel, motel, swimming pool, golf club, caravan park, silo art, winery (Forest Gate - by prior booking on wkends; St Ignatius - by prior booking on wkends;)