Works are set to commence to upgrade a popular camping destination, nestled in Otway rainforest alongside spectacular waterfalls.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) is delivering the $225,000 upgrade of Beauchamp Falls Campground, east of Beech Forrest.
The funding has been provided by Victoria’s Great Outdoors, a $105.6 million Victorian Government investment in better walking trails, campgrounds, four-wheel drive tracks and visitor facilities to boost regional tourism and make it easier to enjoy nature.
Improving the layout of the campground and installing new facilities will expand site capacity, with visitation expected to increase from 80,000 to 100,000 per year once the project is complete.
The upcoming works follow extensive site preparation that has included the removal of a pine plantation, to make way for an expansion of the campground and carpark.
New facilities will include a toilet block, picnic tables and fire pits, while landscaping works will see the addition of 5,000 native plants around the campground.
170 trees, including Mountain Ash, Blackwood and other local varieties, will be planted to provide shade around the campground.
An internal road leading to vehicle-based campsites will be constructed and new parking spaces will be added to the carpark.
The campground, waterfalls, viewing platform and nearby walking tracks will remain closed to the public during the works. The site is due to re-open in time for summer.
FFMVic carried out community consultation for the project in 2020, with the final design incorporating ideas and suggestions from local residents.
Quotes attributable to Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“This is an idyllic camping location that’s hidden away in cool temperate rainforest, on the doorstep of the stunning Beauchamp Falls, with access to other waterfalls including the Triplet Falls and Stevensons Falls.”
“Once this project is complete, this destination will be even more attractive to visitors and Beech Forrest’s economy will benefit from the extra tourism in the region.”
“While these works are weather dependent, we’re expecting they’ll be completed during winter and the upgraded campground will be open to the public in time for summer.”