We spent the 2002 Australia Day long weekend (plus a few extra days) at Teddington Reservoir, North West Victoria. Teddington Reservoir is in the Kara Kara State Park, which is an area of about 4000 hectares of steep, forested (mature eucalypts) terrain. Access is from Stuart Mill, turn West in the centre of the village (War monument) and follow the narrow but good road. Stuart Mill is approximately midway between St. Arnaud and Avoca on the Sunraysia Highway, which connects Mildura to Ballarat.

Free bush camping (listed in a number of those "free camping" books) in a large treed area that can accommodate all types of vehicles but, no dogs, cats, or firearms. Amenities block has three unisex flush toilets (one of which can accommodate a wheelchair) and a shower cubicle with hooks for your solar shower bag.

The reservoir, which was very very low, is used for drinking water so no swimming or power boating (?). Some fireplaces and tables available, and a wood collection area is nearby. Teddington is located in Victoria’s North West fire region so if there is any likelihood of a fire ban this is the first area that will be banned.

The park provides some easy 4WDing with a good trip up to the fire tower for some fabulous views towards the Grampians and Mount Cole. Also the 4WD along the mountain ridge to the wineries at Moonambel is a good alternative to the black top (Sunraysia Hwy), but suggest use the highway to come back to camp. Note, You will need descent 1:25,000 maps of the area.

We can certainly recommend Teddington Reservoir, but in summer it can be a very hot even though there are plenty of trees providing shade.

• Just off "The Great Grape Road" which takes in the wine regions of the Pyrenees, Grampians, and Ballarat. About twelve boutique wineries within 40km, and another ten within a further 60km. Great wines but some a little pricey for us, top of range $45.00 for a bottle of red, but average price of around $20 -$25.

• The reservoir is stocked annually with fingerling Brown trout. We observed one guy catching 4 nice sized Redfin in 30 minutes.

• It is on the edge of the Golden Triangle and there is evidence of the gold mining activity from the mid 1800’s, and there is a prospecting area nearby.

• Some great sight seeing and bushwalks through the Pyrenees, plus historical walks around Avoca and St Arnaud; check at the Avoca & St Arnaud Information Centres.

• An interesting Pie shop on the eastern side of the main street of Avoca. Great variety with "Croc & vegetable with Honey/Macadamia" and "Emu in Black bean" catching the eye, but the list went on.   
  The art gallery virtually opposite the Pie Shop is interesting, but not for those that may be offended by nudity.