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Strathbogie Ranges outdoor centre

Charnwood

A private, forest-fringed outdoor centre with creek frontage at Lima East, offering accommodation, camping, catering and activities for school and non-school groups.

Group size
121 beds across the Lower Block, Middle House, Upper Block and Upper Top Block, plus camping grounds for 200+ guests.
Location
Lima East
Catering
Group catering can be arranged
Region
Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria
Plan your stay

A practical place to gather

About this venue

A private, forest-fringed property with creek frontage and tall, established trees at the end of Lima East Road in the Strathbogie Ranges.

Charnwood is a private outdoor centre at Lima East in the Strathbogie Ranges, with creek frontage and tall, established trees throughout its bush setting. It gives school camp and outdoor education groups a flexible base with residential and camping accommodation options.

While schools remain central, Charnwood has also welcomed community, faith, family, wedding, festival and corporate groups. Its secluded setting, activity options and catering facilities support groups that want accommodation and outdoor experiences in one place.

Well suited to

  • Residential school camps
  • School expedition programs
  • Community and faith groups
  • Family groups and reunions
  • Weddings and celebrations
  • Festivals
  • Corporate team-building groups

Plan with confidence

Accommodation, catering and facilities

Accommodation

  • Dormitory accommodation across four separate blocks
  • Camping options on the property and in surrounding forest areas
  • Separate areas of the property may suit groups with different accommodation or activity plans

Catering

  • Group catering can be arranged
  • Self-catering can be discussed where the commercial kitchen is suitable for the group plan

Facilities

  • Commercial-size kitchen
  • Large dining area
  • Conference room with fireplace
  • Communal fireplace
  • Outdoor chapel
  • Treated drinking water

Build the right experience

Activities associated with this venue

  • Flying fox over the dam
  • Mountain bike riding
  • Archery
  • Bushwalking
  • Initiative activities
  • Bushcraft
  • Abseiling on a natural rock face
  • Winter trips to Mount Buller for skiing or snow play

Seasonal planning

  • Heated dormitory accommodation can support cooler-weather residential stays
  • Winter programs may include Mount Buller snow activities when dates, conditions and supervision arrangements are suitable

Explore the property

Venue gallery

Know the layout

Maps and property plans

Arrival planning

Location and transport

1450 Lima East Road, Lima East VIC 3673

  • Approximately three hours by road from Melbourne CBD
  • Approximately 40 minutes by road from Benalla

Bus-transfer options can be discussed for school camps, outdoor education programs and organised group stays

Most groups approach Charnwood through Benalla and Swanpool or through Yea and Bonnie Doon, depending on their starting point

From Benalla, travel towards Mansfield and Swanpool, then turn towards Lima East Road for the final approach to the property.

From Melbourne via Yea, continue towards Mansfield and Bonnie Doon, then approach Swanpool before turning towards Lima East Road.

A low-pressure next step

Could Charnwood suit your group?

Tell AusCamp what you are planning and the team can help confirm the right venue, program, services and current capacity.