The Andrews Labor Government is making camping better and more accessible for Victorians in the south west, with works to commence at a popular Otways campground.
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney announced a $448,000 expansion for the Dandos Campground near Gellibrand along the Gellibrand River.
It means the site will be able to cater for thousands more campers every year.
Works are to commence in 2021 to create 20 new camping sites, catering for camper trailers, camper vans and tents in a newly laid out and designed campground footprint.
The project has been funded by Victoria’s Great Outdoors – a $105.6 million Labor Government investment to boost regional economies by upgrading and building better forests, parks, tracks, trails and campgrounds.
FFMVic staff will conduct the works, beginning with the removal of aging pine trees to create space for new campsites.
New facilities will include a new toilet block, 15 picnic tables, 30 firepits and extra picnic shelters.
Internal roads at the campground will also be realigned and hardened to improve drainage on site and traffic flow. Included in the design is an extra river access point that will provide safer and secure access to the Gellibrand River.
Landscaping works will include planting more than 500 new native plants and trees. Eucalyptus and wattle trees will provide a canopy of shade around the campground, with the additional aim of providing vegetated barriers between camp sites and road networks.
The upgrades are expected to increase visitation at the site from 40,000 to 60,000 visitors each year and are due to be complete by November 2021.
FFMVic is continuing preparations for a $225,000 expansion of the nearby Beauchamp Falls Campground, which will deliver new camping sites, fire pits, picnic tables, and a designated area for camper trailers.
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“Dandos Campground has become increasingly popular in recent years – the expansion of this site will give more people the chance to stay and experience the beauty of the Otways.”
“By creating new river access at the Dandos Campground, there’ll be more space for visitors to swim and fish – or just enjoy the picturesque setting from the riverbank.”