Popular campsite closes for major upgrades

WORK will commence on a popular Otway forest campsite as part of the Victorian Government’s multi-million dollar investment.

Victoria’s Great Outdoors initiative is set to create better walking trails, campgrounds, four-wheel drive tracks and visitor facilities as part of the $106 million dollar boost for regional tourism.

Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney announced a $225,000 upgrade would commence at the Beauchamp Falls campground east of Beech Forrest.

Set to be delivered by Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), the upgrades will improve the campground’s layout and install new facilities to accommodate an increase in visitation from 80,000 to 100,000 people per year, once the project is completed

New facilities will entail a toilet block, additional picnic tables and fire pits, as well as landscaping work to allow for 5,000 native plants including 170 mountain ash and blackwood trees.

Ms Tierney hopes the upgraded campground will be completed in time for the busy summer period.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

Along with new amenities the work will include the construction of an internal road leading to vehicle campsites as well as an increase in car parking.

Prior to the upgrades FFMVic carried out an extensive community consultation period in 2020 as well as preparation work including the removal of a pine plantation to make way for the expansion.

The campground along with the nearby waterfall, viewing platform and walking tracks will remain closed to the public during the construction period.

The final design will incorporate ideas and suggestions made by local residents.