Anderson Mill Walking Track (5.8km)

Firth Park

Firth Park sits quietly within the northern reaches of the Wombat State Forest, around 80 kilometres north-west of Melbourne. Nestled on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, it’s a peaceful spot with a long and layered history—part of a landscape once shaped by forestry, now gently returning to its natural rhythm. For those looking to slow down and spend a night under the canopy, Firth Park offers a simple, free campground with a few welcome comforts: wood-fired barbecues, drop toilets, picnic tables, and generous space for tents. There’s also limited room for smaller caravans, most easily accommodated on the western edge of the parking area.

The surrounding forest was once home to a number of sawmills that sprang up in the late 1800s, built to harvest the region’s eucalypts. One of the more intriguing walks from the campground leads to the site of Anderson's Mill, a reminder of the area’s industrial past and a fascinating destination in its own right. These traces of early enterprise add a sense of depth to the landscape, with remnants of activity slowly being reclaimed by time and nature.

Firth Park itself carries the name of Joseph Firth, who was appointed superintendent of the State Nursery at Macedon in 1881. By 1890, he had acquired 100 hectares of forest here, where he cleared land, dammed the creek, and built a modest home. Joseph Firth’s passion for horticulture is still evident—many of the ornamental trees he planted more than a century ago continue to stand, casting seasonal colour and character across the campground. The park also played a role in the eucalyptus oil industry; his sons later harvested gum leaves from the forest to supply their distillery.

Today, the campground is welcoming and low-key, ideal for families, couples, and anyone travelling with a dog. The surrounding trees offer shade and a feeling of seclusion, and the nearby dam—once built for fire protection—now adds a touch of stillness and scenic charm, fed by a small tributary of the Campaspe River. It’s not a place with dramatic landmarks or busy trails. Rather, its appeal lies in the quiet atmosphere, the gentle nods to history, and the sense of connection to the forest that settles in when the sun starts to dip and the firewood begins to crackle.

Firth Park Campground

Firth Park Campground offers a quiet, no-fuss camping experience nestled within the Wombat State Forest. Surrounded by tall eucalypts and a scattering of heritage trees, this free site caters well to families, solo hikers, and anyone travelling with their dog. The facilities are basic but practical—drop toilets, wood-fired barbecues, and picnic tables—providing the essentials without disturbing the natural feel of the place. There’s ample space for tents, and while caravan access is limited, smaller vans can usually find a spot on the western side of the car park.

The campground carries a sense of history that deepens its character. Back in 1890, Joseph Firth—then superintendent of the State Nursery at Macedon—secured 100 hectares of this forested land. He cleared sections, dammed the creek, built a modest home, and planted many of the ornamental trees that still thrive here today. What began as a family retreat later became part of a small eucalyptus oil enterprise, with Firth’s sons collecting gum leaves from the surrounding bush for distillation. The area’s wider connection to the timber industry is also evident, with the remains of old sawmills dotted nearby, harking back to the late 1800s when the eucalypt forests were logged more intensively.

From the campground, a gentle walk leads to the site of Anderson’s Mill—a fascinating relic of the region’s industrial heritage. It’s one of those places where the line between human history and natural landscape feels especially thin. The walk is quiet and enjoyable, making it an easy addition to a relaxing overnight stay.

The adjacent dam, originally built as a fire protection measure, adds a touch of serenity. Fed by a tributary of the Campaspe River, it reflects the sky on still days and attracts birdlife, contributing to the sense of calm that defines the area. Firth Park might not have the flashier amenities of more developed sites, but that’s part of its charm. It invites you to slow down, listen to the forest, and settle in among the trees.