VISITORS to the Big Desert State Forest in the Mallee can now enjoy a night under the stars in the newly constructed Stockman’s Campground near the Nhill-Murrayville Track.
The new camp was funded by the Victorian Great Outdoors Program and named for the stockmen who camped along the track when moving stock between Nhill Station and Kow Plains Station in the mid-1800s.
Forest Fire Management Victoria senior forest management and roading officer Scott McLean said the campground had a network of four-wheel-drive tracks suitable for beginners to advanced drivers and an abundance of flora and fauna species.
“We’ve installed camping bays, tables, wood barbecues, toilet and a picnic shelter so visitors can camp comfortably in the stunning Mallee surrounds,” he said.
“There’s also bore water on site that’s suitable for washing and extinguishing fires.
“Construction has started on a walking trail to a nearby high point and, when it’s complete, visitors will be able to enjoy the beauty of the area by car or on foot.”
The new $300,000 Stockman’s Campground is a bush camp on the Nhill-Murrayville Track, 30km south of the very popular Big Billy Bore Campground.
Due to the terrain and track surface, the campground should only be reached in 4WD vehicles.
“Following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, we have seen how much people value exploring the great outdoors, experiencing the health benefits of spending time in nature and visiting locations closer to home,” Mr McLean said.
“We are making it easier for locals and visitors to enjoy the Mallee with better facilities, new and upgraded campgrounds, tracks and trails.
“Temperatures in the Mallee can be very hot in summer so visitors should plan ahead, have the right vehicles, equipment and check the long-range weather forecast before heading out.”
The new campground is part of Victoria’s Great Outdoors program, a $105.6 million investment by the Victorian Government in forests, parks, campgrounds, caravan parks, tracks and outdoor facilities, making it easier for people to get out and support regional tourism as they explore nature.
For further information about Victoria’s Great Outdoors Program, visit www.vic.gov.au/victoria-great-outdoors.
