Kurth Kiln Campgrounds, Gembrook

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Just over an hour's drive from the Melbourne CBD, this camping spot is pretty close, as bush getaways go.

You will find Kurth Kiln Regional Park in Gembrook, with a collection of picnic spots, camping sites, and the historic attraction of the kiln itself. Camping is free, so spots tend to fill up fast, especially in good weather, or on long weekends.



The area provides a range of attractions for visitors. Nearby trails are popular for walking and horse riding, and there are some fun 4WD tracks in this hilly region as well.

Located in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Ranges, you are close enough to have breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, and supper at a different cafe, teahouse, or winery, before returning to your campsite at night.



The facilities are shared between a large number of campsites, so (just like securing a site) securing a BBQ, or even one of the drop toilets, at your chosen time could be a bit of a gamble.

As with any popular site where limited facilities are shared, cleanliness will be variable.

Some campsites have makeshift fire pits left by previous occupants, however, you will need to take your own firewood. You will also need to bring your own water, although being so close to town means that supply runs for all the essentials (like your morning latte) won't be too arduous.



There's plenty to explore in the area, and you might as well start with Kurth's kiln.

During WW2, a shortage of fuel led to the development of charcoal producing sites across Victoria. Dr. Ernest Edgar Kurth was commissioned to design a kiln , and selected the site in Gembrook thanks to the ready access to water, timber, and the sloping ground that made loading the kiln easier.

You can walk around the kiln and surrounding structures today, and read more about their history .



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