Big Bend – Wail State Forest (FC)

This is one of several camp sites located within the Wail State Forest. The Wail State Forest is located 25 minutes northwest of Horsham, just off the Western Highway. The majority of the area is native bushland. It follows the east side of the Wimmera River for 12km where there are numerous camping and picnic areas.

SITE ACCESS
Located about 335km NW from Melbourne, Wail is easily accessible via the Western Highway. Travel through Ballarat to Horsham, and 25km NNW of Horsham is the Wail Nursery turn off. This side road will take you directly to the State forest. Wail is about 40km from Nhill along the Western Highway if traveling from Adelaide.

FEES
Fees are not charged and booking is not necessary, camping is on a first-come first-served basis and no bookings are required, but early arrival may be advisable during peak periods.

FACILITIES

The sites are basic bushcamps, most have fireplace and picnic table facilities but there are no toilet facilities. The most popular camping and picnicking sites tend to be along the Wimmera River, where a number of basic facilities can be found at several locations. Big Bend, at the southern end of the forest is the largest camping and picnicking area.

Where there is a creek or river nearby, fresh water can be obtained from the creek or river however we suggest you boil any water for drinking.

If there are no facilities for rubbish collection you must take rubbish with you when you leave and ensure the area is clean for future campers. Do not bury or dump litter in the forest.

THINGS TO DO
This area is very popular for Bushwalking, Motorbikes and 4WDing

RULES:
Only camp in an existing campsite rather than create a new one and camp at least 20 meters from any stream, lake or reservoir.
Do not dig trenches around tents.
Take your rubbish home. Do not bury or dump litter in the forest.
Where drop toilets are provided, please use them for their intended purposes. Do NOT use these toilets to empty chemical waste from cassette toilets or for the disposal of general waste.
Campfires are permitted, provided the following guidelines are observed:
The fire is in a fireplace or trench 30 cm deep. Please use existing fireplaces rather than create your own.
The fire is not more than 1 square metre and 3 metres around the fire is cleared.
The fire is not left unattended and is put out before you leave.
Collect only fallen wood for fires _ Cutting down trees or damaging standing vegetation is not permitted.
Fires of all types, including portable gas and liquid fuel stoves, are prohibited on days of TOTAL FIRE BAN
It is your responsibility to know if a TOTAL FIRE BAN is declared.
For up to date information about Fire Bans refer to www.emergency.vic.gov.au
Be aware of your and your vehicle’s limitations. Most of our forest roads are dirt roads, many are four-wheel drive only (particularly after rain!) and are typically narrower than urban roads so always keep to the left.
With the exception of Murrindindi Scenic Reserve (east of Buxton) and Steavenson Falls Reserve (near Marysville), you may bring your dog into Victorian state forests, provided they are under your control at all times.

For more detailed information please visit the DELWP website via the link below.

FRC are still in the process of obtaining more information about this site and it will be updated as it comes to hand.

Data courtesy of: Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
Updated: 051217GR