Horse Shoe Lagoon – Gunbower State Forest (FC)

This is one of several camp sites situated in the Gunbower State Forest. The sites lie in the North-Central Victoria flood plains located between the banks of the Murray River and Gunbower Creek. This 26,400ha flood plain is Gunbower Island, internationally recognized as a wetland of significance for its importance to birdlife, native mammals and amphibians.

The Gunbower State Forest is an area with a unique ecosystem and a diverse history. The island contains many sites of European and Indigenous cultural significance, and is popular for recreational activities such as kayaking, fishing, camping and bushwalking.

SITE ACCESS
The Gunbower State Forest lies to the south of the town of Koondrook Victoria which is approximately 300km north of Melbourne via the Calder Freeway.

FEES & BOOKINGS
Fees are not charged and booking is not necessary, although the camping areas may be crowded during peak holiday periods.

FACILITIES
The sites are basic bush camps with no facilities other than fire-pits and picnic tables.

There are no facilities for rubbish collection so 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
Gunbower Island is an ideal destination for nature lovers and campers. Popular activities include bird watching, camping, canoeing, fishing and pleasure driving. Visitors should note that the island is subjected to annual flooding, typically during the months of August to November. Also in the area are Leaghur State Park, Terrick Terrick National Park, Guttrum State Forest and Benwell State Forest

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