Smiths Bridge – Mount Cole State Forest (FC)

This is one of several camp sites located within the Mount Cole State Forest. Located one hour drive west of Ballarat, just off the Western Highway, Mt Cole State Forest is 25 kilometers from the township of Beaufort and marks the gateway to the Pyrenees Wine District and the Grampians.

Other attractive and quiet camping and picnicking spots are scattered throughout Mt Cole State Forest catering for both large and small groups. Visitors have a choice of six different sites, these being Richards, Ditchfields, Mugwamp, Beeripmo and Smith’s Bridge.

HOW TO GET THERE
Located about 200km NW from Melbourne, Wail is easily accessible via the township of Avoca.

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

FACILITIES
The sites are basic bush camps and most provide toilets, picnic facilities, fireplaces/pits and shelters.

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 rich in flora and fauna and visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities including camping, horse riding, four-wheel driving, walking and picnicking.

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: 041217GR