Kurth Kiln Regional Park

Kurth Kiln Regional Park combines forest walks, basic bush camping and a distinctive piece of wartime industrial history near Gembrook. The old charcoal kiln gives the park its name, while creekside paths and separate picnic areas make it useful for a day outdoors as well as an overnight stay.

A visit can be as simple as exploring the kiln precinct and taking a short walk. Camping or linking several forest tracks requires more preparation, particularly for drinking water, vehicle access and fire conditions.

The Kiln and Its Wartime History

The kiln was built during the Second World War to produce charcoal for gas-producer units fitted to motor vehicles when petrol was rationed. Its design was developed by Professor E. E. Kurth of the University of Tasmania.

The surviving structure provides a tangible way to understand that unusual alternative fuel system. Charcoal was used in vehicle-mounted gas producers to generate fuel gas, rather than being an ordinary replacement liquid poured into a petrol tank. Read the information at the site and examine the exterior rather than expecting an operating furnace or a staffed industrial museum.

Workers’ huts also survive in the precinct. They relate to the area’s later forestry use, when former army huts were brought here for workers after the war. Together, the kiln and huts give the forest clearing a history beyond its present picnic and camping role.

Stay outside closed structures and respect barriers. The heritage precinct is an outdoor place to explore, with no guarantee of interior access to individual buildings.

Short Walks and Shiprock Falls

Tomahawk Creek Circuit

The approximately 2km Tomahawk Creek circuit follows a moist forest setting close to the creek. Allow around 30-60 minutes, depending on pace and stops. Ferns, tall trees and changing creek conditions reward a slower walk.

Use the signed route from the kiln area and wear shoes suited to natural surfaces. Rain can leave muddy or slippery patches, even when the distance looks manageable for a casual outing.

Thornton Walk

Thornton Walk is approximately 2km return, running through the forest near Tomahawk Creek. It provides another short option from the main precinct. Return along the known route unless you have checked a map for a longer connection.

Other tracks can be combined into a longer outing, but the stated return distance does not automatically become the distance of a circuit using Scout Loop or Soldiers Road. Photograph the map before leaving the picnic area.

Shiprock Falls

Shiprock Falls is reached from a separate picnic area, rather than directly from the kiln clearing. Its short walk is about 300 metres return and can take around ten minutes, with longer spent looking at the granite formations and water.

Water flow varies with rainfall. Treat this as a forest and rock-landscape stop even when the falls are modest. Keep away from slippery edges and supervise children around water and uneven rock.

Camping in the Forest

Camping is free in the designated areas. Scout Loop and Magazine tracks have 36 designated sites between them, while Heritage Fence offers a communal camping area. These are basic bush settings rather than serviced caravan-park accommodation.

There is no potable water supply in the park. Bring drinking water, food, suitable shelter and everything needed to take rubbish home. Do not assume that water found at the park is safe to drink. Plan a facilities stop and buy supplies before arriving, especially for a late check-in.

Some sites can accommodate caravans, campervans or motorhomes, but gravel approaches and the layout of individual spaces matter. Check suitability for your vehicle and avoid entering a narrow or soft track simply because another campsite accepts a larger rig.

Camp only in designated places and leave enough room for others to use shared spaces. Check current camping arrangements with Parks Victoria before travelling with a large group or needing a particular site configuration.

Picnics, Dogs and Shared Tracks

The main precinct has picnic tables, toilets and designated fireplaces, with facilities also distributed around other visitor areas. Pack a picnic that can be enjoyed without a fire, as restrictions may prevent cooking at a fireplace.

Bring your own firewood where a permitted fire is intended; collecting wood in the park is not allowed. Use only designated fireplaces, never light a fire during a Total Fire Ban and fully extinguish it before leaving.

Dogs are permitted in Kurth Kiln Regional Park on a lead. Keep them controlled around other campers, wildlife and horses. The neighbouring Bunyip State Park has different pet rules, so permission here should not be extended to an adjoining outing.

Horse riding and cycling are permitted on designated routes. Read track signs, share space courteously and choose a walking route that suits everyone in your group. The park should not be treated as an unrestricted mountain-bike singletrack network.

Getting There and Planning Around Conditions

The park lies about 7km north of Gembrook and roughly 65km east of Melbourne. Access to the kiln precinct is via Beenak Road, with other visitor areas reached from the surrounding road network. Allow for gravel surfaces on the final approach.

The bridge at the Soldiers Road and Beenak Road junction has reopened, including access for horse floats. Temporary storm damage or works can still affect other roads, so check the specific approach you intend to use.

The park closes on Catastrophic fire-danger days in the Central district. Check fire ratings, weather and current park notices before departure, then follow any signed closure at the entrance.

For a day visit, allow a few hours for the heritage precinct, a short walk and a picnic. Add driving time if including Shiprock Falls. Overnight visitors should arrive with time to inspect the campsite and settle in before dark.

Kurth Kiln Regional Park FAQs

What is the kiln's history?
The wartime kiln produced charcoal for vehicle gas-producer units during petrol rationing. Its surviving exterior and nearby workers' huts give context to the forest clearing; treat this as an outdoor heritage visit rather than an operating factory tour.

Which walks start near the kiln?
Tomahawk Creek is about a two-kilometre circuit, while Thornton Walk is around two kilometres return. Allow roughly 30-60 minutes for a short walk with nature stops, checking the signed route so a longer connection does not unexpectedly extend the outing.

Is Shiprock Falls in the same clearing?
It has a separate picnic-area start and an approximately 300-metre return walk. Add driving time if combining it with the kiln, and enjoy the granite and forest setting even when rainfall leaves the cascade modest.

Is camping free?
Camping is free in designated areas, with 36 sites along Scout Loop and Magazine tracks and a communal Heritage Fence area. Bring supplies and check current arrangements for your group or vehicle rather than expecting serviced caravan-park facilities.

Can I get drinking water at camp?
There is no potable water supply, so bring enough for drinking, cooking and the length of your stay. Arrange supplies before arriving and take rubbish home; nearby creeks are not a reliable substitute for carried drinking water.

Can I bring a caravan or motorhome?
Some sites accommodate caravans, campervans and motorhomes, but approaches include gravel roads and individual site layouts vary. Confirm suitability for your rig before entering a narrow or soft track, especially after rain.

Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are welcome on lead in Kurth Kiln Regional Park. Keep them controlled around campers, horses and wildlife; that permission does not carry into neighbouring Bunyip State Park, which has different rules.

Can I have a campfire?
Use only designated fireplaces when conditions permit, bring your own firewood and fully extinguish the fire. No fires may be lit on Total Fire Ban days, and the park closes on Catastrophic fire-danger days in the Central district.