For us it has to be peaceful, very few or preferably zero numbers of other persons. Tap water helpful but not necessary, a place nearby of interest, birds, no unleashed licking dogs that chase wildlife, low grass is good, a safe campfire area and low to zero noise (power boats for example – yuk)
So we found a few. The latest was a real surprise. We have the “grey nomad’s bible” a book with all the “freebee” camping spots around Australia. We’d visited the spots listed from Mansfield to Myrtleford and found that just north of Whitfield there is a good one next to a small river with a low priced cost to use the caravan park toilets and showers. This time with a toilet/shower tent attached to our annex these facilities were not required. Monday and Tuesday we covered the sites from Benalla to Tolmie. The first ones we visited were merely small loops off the road- not really overnight grounds…then we arrived at the Stringybark Creek Camping ground.
The site has a maximum capacity of about 50 vans/families. No power. Concrete fireplaces at each site. Toilets. From the grounds there is a walk about 400 metres to a bridge and running creek where fresh water can be captured if you straddle the moss covered stream. The water- pristine. We caught some to lengthen our shower duration- I dare not drink it! I did so many years ago at Cradle mountain TAS and had the shits for a few days- too pure I think.
Then we walked a further 300 metres to the actual site where Ned Kelly shot 3 policemen. Plaques tell the intriguing story of how the gun fight progressed with one surviving policeman hiding in a wombat hole to escape being killed- lived to tell the tale. There are large holes all around- gold diggings. Ned would mine a bit to finance some of his crusades.
A sign nearby says that they have sprayed the blackberries. Some are shooting again. Think a short note to DSE as feedback about the berries and appreciation is warranted.
The Subaru engine proved its worth with 23 mpg towing the van (19mpg with the VW) and with more mid to high range power, even 110 kph is ok on the freeway but I prefer 95 where it is content. Those rear airbags work great for towing especially levelling the unit to reduce inner tyre wear. We stopped at Mansfield at a café in the centre of town. We walked 15 metres from the trike to the café, turned around and there were already 3 cameras clicking. People do find it an interesting rig.
I’d recommend the Stringybark Creek Camping Ground if you don’t need power. Like all sites- not during holiday seasons.
