Kurth Kiln is one of the closest bush camping opportunities to urban Melbourne
Camping in a National Park is an exciting and sometimes more challenging way to camp as it doesn’t offer the security or conveniences of the paid camping grounds of caravan parks.
However, in saying this—it is an opportunity to get away from people and be one with nature and fall in love with the wonderful smells and sounds of the forest.
One of the best things about this place is you can have a fire there. For me—camping and camp fires go hand in hand. Singing around the camp fire can be heaps of fun—a totally different take on the Karaoke scene
The camping area at Kurth Kiln is just that—a camping area. It isn’t the Hilton, so please don’t expect the luxury of one of the major hotels. It does have a non-flush toilet—but I suggest you bring your own toilet paper.
Kurth Kiln Regional Park is 65 kilometres east of Melbourne, and you can get there via Launching Place Road or Beenak Road, Gembrook. Kurth Kiln Picnic Ground and Camping Area is seven kilometres north of Gembrook.
The location of the park—being so close to Melbourne gives the opportunity for happy campers to get away without having to sacrifice too much time in travelling to and from their camping destination.
One of the best things about this place is you can have a fire there. For me—camping and camp fires go hand in hand. Singing around the camp fire can be heaps of fun—a totally different take on the Karaoke scene. Even gazing at the campfire, reflecting on everything makes for a very relaxing and meditative state of mind. Marshmallows—hmmm I prefer hot chocolate, but the kids love marshmallows.
Please bring your own firewood for campfires where possible. Alternatively, campers can collect fallen wood (if available) from around the campsite area for use in the fireplaces.
It is prohibited to cut wood from live trees to use as firewood or to take wood collected in the park with you when you leave.
Fees no longer apply to these campgrounds. No bookings are taken for campgrounds where fees do not apply. Camping is first in, first-served.
Charcoal beginnings
Kurth Kiln was built during the Second World War to make charcoal. It was developed and patented by Professor E. E. Kurth of the University of Tasmania
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