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australia:vic:teddington

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Teddington camp ground, Stuart Mill, Kara Kara NP

see also:

Introduction

  • sits on the banks of the Teddington Reservoir (if it is full), nestled at the heart of Kara Kara National Park in western central Victoria.
  • campsite is surrounded by rolling hills and majestic box ironbark forests and is a fairly remote peaceful and scenic camping experience with lots of wildlife including stumpy tail lizards (“shinglebacks”), skinks, kangaroos, lots of birds, etc
    • no traffic noise
    • not much light pollution - so nice night skies
    • the NP protects one of the most intact remnants of Victoria's box-ironbark forests and parts are relatively unmodified in comparison to other areas of forest in the central goldfields and are a fine example of the type of vegetation that once covered almost 13% of Victoria.
    • lies within the St Arnaud Box-Ironbark Region Important Bird Area, identified as such by BirdLife International because of its importance for swift parrots and other woodland birds
  • easy return walk loop around the reservoir back to the campsite
  • huge camping area with lots of campsites which vary in size and slope and some can accommodate large groups
  • flush toilets with cubicle to hang up a shower; fire pits; picnic tables;
  • shady spots available plus secluded campsites
  • suitable for caravans
  • poor mobile reception
  • early Nov 2024:
    • upper reservoir was dry but presumably the moist soil and animal dung was a good breeding ground for bush flies as they tended to travel to the camp ground during the day, but there were very few south of the camp ground along the circuit walk
    • there were no mosquitoes
  • 1.2km along the road you will find the Teddington Hut Camping Area - a wooden hut which is open for campers to stay in for free (bookings required) - although I would think it would be more pleasant outside than inside.
  • not much to see or do here other than chill out and enjoy the wildlife and ambience and have a nice woodland nature walk around the upper reservoir or kayak on the lower reservoir - Melville Caves campground, Kooyoora State Park is much more interesting with better walks but is busier
  • as usual take care not to camp under higher risk branches which may drop unexpectedly
  • firewood collection in the park is prohibited
  • no dogs
  • no mobile reception although you may get some with Optus (2024)
  • BYO toilet paper and firewood
  • need to take all rubbish home
  • reservoir water level may vary, and the upper dam is often empty but it is only 10 min walk to the lower dam
  • swimming and powered boats are not permitted in the Upper or Lower Teddington Reservoirs
  • no drones
  • watch out for snakes which are more active in spring, summer and autumn (especially near the water) - also be wary of the large Lace Monitor (Varanus various), usually a ground dwelling lizard but will take to a tree when disturbed
  • area is a heavily mined landscape with unstable slopes and mine shafts while tailings may contain the toxic residue of arsenic, mercury, and cyanide but pose minimal risk if not disturbed
  • do not climb cliffs, over or around barriers and fencing, or enter old mine workings
  • see https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/sites/teddington-camping-area

Getting there

  • 2hrs 20-30min (~205km) from NW suburbs of Melb via Harcourt and Dunolly or via Ballarat and Avoca
  • 6.5km SW of Stuart Mill via Teddington Rd most of which is bitumen road
    • Stuart Mill used to have a cafe but it is now closed

Nearby attractions and facilities

  • see also Pyrenees region includes 26 cool climate wineries in the region
    • Kara Kara wines
      • 19min, 21km Nth of campground, on the way to St Arnaud via Stuart Mill
      • open most days 11am to 5pm; tasting fee of $5 applies to each person, waived upon the purchase of wine. wkends 11.30 to 2.30 pm ph 5496 3294;
    • Taltarni winery
      • 33min, 40km south via Moonambel; open Wednesday to Sunday 10:00am to 5:00pm but bookings required ph: 5459 7900; cheese platters and charcuterie;
    • Dalwhinnie winery
      • 2km from Taltarni wines, open from 10.00am to 4pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday. bookings are required for groups of eight to twenty max ph 5467 2388;
  • Kara Kara NP
    • hiking, mountain bike and 4WD trails to explore
    • nice views from West of England Fire Tower (4WD access road)
  • towns
    • 24min, 29km Nth to St Arnaud via Stuart Mill
      • main regional town; most cafe's close at 2pm! silo art; petrol; hotels, swimming pool; cafes, fish and chips, IGA grocery usually closes 7pm; railway station;
      • Wax Garden Conservation Reserve;
      • St Arnaud Regional Park - forest to the west
    • 33min, 39km NE to Logan Pub
    • 35min, 45km SE to Avoca
      • pie shop with very nice chicken burgers, Country Grocers, cafe, petrol x 3; milk bar, hotel, motel, swimming pool, golf club, caravan park, silo art, winery (Forest Gate - by prior booking on wkends; St Ignatius - by prior booking on wkends;)
      • waterfall to the west
      • Blue Pyrenees Estate winery to the west
      • Mrs Baker's Still House
        • 22min, 28km SW of Avoca, near Elmhurst; lovely gins, weekends only - ph: 0418 141 685 for bookings;
      • Governor Rock Lookout Tower in Percydale to the west
      • Chinese Baths historical site Amherst
    • 44min, 60km SE to Maryborough
      • the enormous Maryborough Railway station
      • Bull Gully Battery Dam and Distillery
      • Majorca ghost town
    • 60min, 77km SW to Stawell
    • 90min, 126km NW to Warracknabeal
    • 95min, 135km W to Horsham

Campgrounds nearby

australia/vic/teddington.txt · Last modified: 2024/11/12 20:46 by gary1
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