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This camping area is managed by the Burnie Municipal Council and there are NO camping fees, it is situtated inland 24 Klm as the crow flies South West of Penguin on the North West Coast. Traveling from the NW Coast and driving to Upper Natone it can be found by turning left off the C102, Upper Natone Rd onto Blythe Rd at Latitude 41°14'54.06"S Longitude145°51'36.85"E and follow this road for a few hundred metres. If travelling from the West Coast on the B18 turn right onto the C102 Upper Natone Rd as you pass through Hampshire. After approx 9 Klm turn right when you get to Blythe Rd, once again traveling a couple of hundred metres to the first campsite area.
As the name states it is a forest reserve. It once was the location of a prosperous sawmill. Here you can see many species of pines that were planted many years ago including some Sequoia gigantea or as commonly known, Redwoods.
There are many grassed camping areas including some that are somewhat secluded if that is what you wish. There is a substantial day shelter in the central area and the original shelter which is the "Pat Crane Memorial Hut" which is up the first main track on the right as you enter the camping area and also signposted. This could be an ideal spot for a little privacy with a small tent as there is a nice grassed area with extra shelter provided. There are a couple of fixed BBQ's and a couple of fireplaces for those that must have flames. I tend to use the camping area over the bridge SW of the waterhole/swamp as one tends to get less disturbance from other campers.
On the left as you enter there building housing a flushing toilet and a handbasin, both are suplied with water from a rainwater tank. You can fill the billy from the tap if need be but most people usually bring in their own water.
There is a large waterhole/swamp which although looking very still rarely stops flowing as can be seen when crossing the bridge where it runs under the track. Crossing the bridgetakes you to another camping area and access to the loop walk around the waterhole/swamp which is also the return route depending on whether you walk clockwise or anti-clockwise. Apart from the tanin the water is fine when boiled.
The waterhole supports platypus and it is rare that you never see one, it's also alive with dragonflies and damselflies along with numerous other kinds of flying life and aquatic creatures.
Be aware that it can be busy during school and other major holidays, but there is more than enough room to tuck oneself away if that is whats required..
At best you are 45 minutes from the NW Coast. If desperate there is a shop/Post Office at South Riana which operates 7 days a week with petrol and takeaway food, as well as petrol the service station at Hampshire does takeaways as well (the coffee is crap).
Having read what I have typed I see its a litlle disjointed but the general info is all there.
I have put together a collage of the area as attached which is a full A4 if enlarged.
If anyone has any futher questions be sure to message me and I will do my best to provide an answer..
