The Mount Gambier Forest Reserve, one of South Australia’s most vast forested areas, is located in Mount Gambier and is considered a major tourist attraction in the region.
The proximity of the forest reserve to Mount Gambier has led to the town thriving in forestry, transportation and agriculture. The forested area offers numerous activities for visitors to enjoy against the background of undefiled nature, and away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Mount Gambier Forest Reserve, Map & Address, SA
The floral biodiversity at the forest allows visitors to view various species of wildflowers. In addition, visitors touring the forest reserve can also spot a number of mammals, including the southern brown bandicoot, the eastern grey kangaroo and different species of possums. The beauty of the forest reserve is exemplified by the many species of butterflies that can be seen by visitors walking through the forest.
Recreational trails are also common at the Mount Gambier Forest Reserve with the Dry Creek walking trail, the only marked trail in the forest reserve. For adrenaline junkies, this marked trail offers the opportunity to go mountain bike riding, an exhilarating outdoor activity. By obtaining a forest permit and paying a nominal fee, visitors can also go horse riding. Making plans in advance offers visitors the option of attending different events held in the forest reserve at different times, including sled dog racing, car rallies and bird watching.
Hello, My partner, friend and I are planing to go touring around south australia and are going to be starting by checking out blue Lake for a couple days was wonerding if there is bush camping allowed any where here and if so where it is allowed we dont want to break and laws or anything just after exploring the country
Hi Jacob,
I have found a couple of campaign guides from the surrounding areas, and it appears that the only free camping mentioned relates to “self-contained vehicles only”; not actual campaign sites, which are all listed as paid.
Depending on what your requirements are, the Mount Gambier Showgrounds has powered camping at $22 per 2 people per night, Unpowered $10 per person per night – both with a
$5 booking fee. I just checked a few of the caravan parks and they are charging around $35 a night.
Thanks
Michael
Hello, i am looking to go for a small hiking/camping trip around the outskirts of Mount Gambier, where is it possible to set up a small camp and stay overnight in the surrounding forests? (There will be no fires involved).
Hi James,
Here is a map of all the “Green Triangle” forests managed by Forestry SA. As most of these forests have been set up for conservation, no camping is permitted in these areas. Hiking is permitted during daylight hours and some cycling is permitted on established tracks.
I am not aware of any bush camping sites around the Mount Gambier area. I suggest you contact Forestry SA who may be able to assist further.
Kind regards,
Jess
Most forests in the Mt Gambier region are commercial enterprises. 35% of the Mt Gambier population is employed directly or indirectly in the forestry sector. The forest are very vulnerable to potential bushfire damage – hence there are bans on camping in these forests. In the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires, over 210,000 hectares of forest in the lower South East of South Australia area were destroyed. Note that this figure does not include damage to Victorian forestry assets. The Victorian border is only 11 kilometres from Mt Gambier.