Pros & cons
PROS
- Glow worms sparkle along the creek after dusk
- Secluded, quiet setting with frequent koala and wallaby sightings
- Charcoal BBQs available for simple cook‑ups
CONS
- Day‑use only—no camping permitted
- Access is via a narrow dirt road that gets muddy and slippery after rain
- No on‑site toilets are listed; plan to be self‑sufficient
Overview
Tucked off Grey River Road, this is a low‑key forest nook where towering gums meet a ferny creek. It’s officially a day‑use picnic area—no camping, no dogs, no firearms—so think lazy lunch stop, a twilight wander, then back to your base.
Why come here
The draw is simple, natural magic: glow worms dot the creek banks like a starfield after dark. Give your eyes five minutes without light and they pop into view. By day, it’s peaceful and rarely crowded; on the way in, keep an eye out for koalas in the treetops and wallabies near dusk.
What to expect
Facilities are minimal. Charcoal BBQs have been noted, but no toilets are listed on the official page, so arrive prepared. The final stretch is a narrow dirt road that can be muddy and slippery after rain—go slow and avoid it in very wet conditions.
Best time to visit
- Daytime: arrive late morning for a quiet picnic among the ferns.
- Dusk: come in the late afternoon and linger into twilight for glow worms, then head out—this is day‑use only.
- Weekends/holidays see a small bump in visitors, but it’s seldom busy compared with coastal lookouts.
Wildlife notes
Koalas and wallabies are commonly spotted along the approach road. At night by the creek, the glow worms are the headline act—keep lights low to let them shine, and don’t touch or disturb them.
If you were hoping to camp
There is no “Grey River Campground.” Nearby options exist elsewhere in the park, but check current statuses before you go. As of November 27, 2025: Big Hill Campground is closed on weekdays until December 12, 2025 (open on weekends during that period); Aire East is closed through December 8, 2025; Aire West is partially closed (Sites 17–22 and 27–40) through December 8, 2025. Lake Elizabeth Campground is scheduled for a full closure January 27–March 31, 2026 for upgrades.
Bottom line
Underrated for a quiet picnic and a brief after‑dusk glow‑worm moment—just don’t plan to camp here, and come prepared for minimal facilities.
Where it is
-38.6598, 143.8160Tips for Grey River Campground
- 01Arrive late afternoon, then kill your torch for 5 minutes to see the glow worms pop.
- 02No camping here—plan a day visit only and sort lodging elsewhere.
- 03The road in is narrow dirt and can be slippery after rain; drive slowly.
- 04Bring your own toilet solution and rubbish bags; facilities are minimal.
Near Grey River Campground
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayGrey River LookoutQuiet valley lookout with glow worms and koalas nearbyParking · Scenic Viewpoint
2.2 mi awayCarisbrook FallsQuick roadside walk to a tall cascade viewed across a ravineTrailhead · Parking
2.4 mi awayCape Patton LookoutRoadside perch with big ocean views and winter whale chancesPullout · Parking
2.5 mi awayKennett River Koala WalkEasy roadside stroll for wild koalas and colorful parrotsParking · Restroom
8.5 mi awayLake Elizabeth WalkRiverside stroll to a drowned valley lake with real platypus chancesEasy · 1.2 mi · 45 min
10 mi awayKalimna Falls WalkShaded creek stroll to a walk behind waterfall near LorneEasy · 3.5 mi · 2 hr
10 mi awaySheoak Picnic Ground – The CanyonFerny waterfall ramble into a mossy slot canyon near Lorne.Moderate · 5.3 mi · 3 hr
10 mi awaySheoak Picnic Ground Nature WalkShort ferny loop with a suspension bridge from Lorne's picnic hubEasy · 0.8 mi · 45 min
