Help : Need to find a camping ground for a youth group of 80

[hillchaser]

Hi All,

I need your help to find a camping ground for a large youth group and leaders.

We have a youth group with young men aged 12-18 and their leaders. We are organising a 2 night 3 day camp for them on the week after Easter. We'd like to be near a river and be close to mountains for walking and orienteering etc. Basically we'd like to have a traditional camp (tents, fires, damper,hiking and river activities).

Two years ago we had a similar camp at Cathedral and although we were easily able to fit into the camp ground a few of the other campers didn't appreciate the noise from these enthusiastic ym. In saying that the boys were really well behaved and other campers complimented them on their behaviour ... but as you can imagine its hard to find a balance for keeping everyone happy in these situations.

Anyhow we are looking for something a little more remote this year so that we are less likely to disturb others and so that we have the freedom to relax and really challenge these YM.

At this stage we were thinking of some of the following possibilities but our calls to state park rangers and other NP contacts are not being returned so it is hard to know if we can really secure a camp ground.

1. Big River. I think it is a first come first served basis here so we could try to grab a few clearings here
2. Yarra State Forest?
3. Somewhere Near Powell Town
4. Bunyip State Park .. the site we had in mind here is not huge and might already have other campers on site by the time we arrive.
5. Starlings Gap - Is it big enough ?

Would love to hear for people if you have any ideas or experience ???

[Moondog55]

Sheepyard Flat??

[neilmny]

Candlebark camp ground Lake Eildon National Park, heaps of sites but book them early.

[MickyB]

The Pines at Lake Eildon (Delatite Arm). I haven't been there for about 10 years but there used to be heaps of sites (first in best dressed). Not sure if that has changed.

[Stew63]

Sheepyard Flat??

^^^Normally I'd suggest this too - but at Easter (or the week after) good luck finding space for 80 at SYF.
The place is going to the dogs on long weekends and Easter/Xmas holidays.

[Hallu]

In any case I'd advise you to ring the ranger before going there. They'll appreciate it and may be able to help.

[Tortoise]

Have you thought about exploring the option of private land? It might be easier than a national/state park.

[Earwig]

Eildon Lions Club have a bush camp near Big River. I don't know the details but give 'em a google/phone call.

[paidal_chalne_vala]

Campsite number 12 in the Wellington River Valley north of Licola. It is a large campsite in the Alpine N.P.

It isn't that far from the Crinolene track and the Mt Ligar circuit via Tamboritha saddle and Macmillan's track which would be a good walk, up and back to really wear those kids out .There are two or three pit loos there as well as fireplaces and river water all year round.

Even Tawonga huts in the meadows or JB Plain near Dinner plain on the meadows there could work.

[Strider]

Private land would definitely be much better. There is nothing worse than large (massive) groups when you're out there trying to enjoy nature.

[dinna89]

Contact the Scouts. They've got a number of sites that would fit your needs

[paidal_chalne_vala]

Yes, The scouts would have the best place. They have a camp in Torquay and some other places too.