Starlings Gap – Yarra State Forest (FC)

Latrobe River Camping Area and Starlings Gap are the main campgrounds in the Yarra State Forest.
The forest is situated only 80 km east of Melbourne and provides some of the best forest walks and drives in close proximity to Melbourne. Choose from a range of short or long walks, picnic or camping areas and lookouts in the mighty mountain ash forests of the region.
All of the camping sites, picnic sites and walking tracks in the Yarra State forest are accessible from well formed gravel roads. These roads are suitable for vehicles for most of the year, but care should be taken after rain.
CAUTION: Snowfalls can occur at higher altitudes such as Starlings Gap and the Ada Tree.

SITE ACCESS
From Melbourne, head out along the Maroondah Highway to Lilydale. Past Lilydale, turn right onto the Warburton Highway. At the township of Yarra Junction, turn right at the traffic lights and travel onto Powelltown in the heart of the Yarra State forest to the orientation and information board in the town centre or continue through the traffic lights to Warburton and visit the Water Wheel Tourist Information Centre.

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
Both campgrounds have toilet facilities, picnic tables and fireplaces. Camping is on a first-come first-served basis and no bookings are required, but early arrival may be advisable during peak periods.

If there are no facilities for rubbish collection please take rubbish with you when you leave and ensure the area is clean for future campers.

THINGS TO DO
The Forest is reknown for its might Mountain Ash trees and has an abundace of fauna and wildlife. There are an abundance of walking tracks of variying difficulties.

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