Best Camping and Caravanning Sites in Australia

A great place to start your adventure

25 Mile Creek Camping Ground
by: Posted on:

25 Mile Creek Camping Ground, Big River State Forest

Spread the love

 


 

25 Mile Creek Camping Ground, Big River State Forest

★★★★☆ (4.0)
For the truly self-sufficient camper seeking a genuine escape, 25 Mile Creek Camping Ground offers a rustic and remote experience deep within Victoria’s Big River State Forest. This small, undeveloped site represents the end of the line for conventional vehicles; it is the final 2WD-accessible camping spot on Big River Road before the track transitions to 4WD-only, ensuring a quieter, more secluded atmosphere. Situated on a ridge above the Big River, this free, pet-friendly campground is an unadorned patch of nature, perfect for those who prioritise solitude over amenities. There are no facilities here—no toilets, no picnic tables, no rubbish bins. It is a place that demands preparedness, rewarding visitors with an unfiltered connection to the surrounding tall-timber forest and the sounds of the Australian bush.The campground is best suited for tent-based camping, with a few small clearings to pitch a tent and set up a basic camp. Its primary appeal lies in its simplicity and its role as a gateway to more rugged adventures. Anglers will find it a convenient spot to access the river for a spot of fishing, while explorers can use it as a launching point for hiking or heading further into the forest with a high-clearance 4WD. Due to its complete lack of facilities, campers must bring everything they need for their stay, including ample drinking water, all cooking equipment, firewood for a small, contained campfire (subject to fire bans), and a portable toilet. Critically, a strict ‘leave no trace’ ethos is essential; all rubbish must be carried out to protect this pristine environment for future visitors. It’s not a campground for everyone, but for those equipped for primitive camping, 25 Mile Creek provides a peaceful and authentic bush retreat, far from the crowds and the distractions of modern life.

Campground Information & Features

  • Location: Big River State Forest, signposted off Big River Road, approx. 2km north of Catford Camping Area.
  • Site Suitable For: Primarily tent-based camping. Small off-road camper trailers may fit.
  • Road Access: 2WD accessible via gravel road. This is the last 2WD accessible campsite heading north; the road becomes 4WD only beyond this point.
  • Site Surface: Natural earth and grass.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping. No bookings.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: Not specified.
  • Facilities: None. Campers must be completely self-sufficient.
  • Potable Water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: None.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: No. A portable toilet is essential.
  • Rubbish Bins: No. You must take all rubbish with you.
  • Open Fires: Permitted, but must be in a contained fire pit and extinguished completely. Subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
  • Generator Use: Permitted, but be highly considerate of the natural setting and other potential campers.
  • Number of Sites Available: A few small, undefined sites.
  • Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, portable toilet, all food and cooking gear, firewood, rubbish bags, first-aid kit.
  • Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed but must be under control at all times.
  • Fishing: Yes, opportunities in the nearby Big River.
  • Short Walks: Informal bush tracks available for exploration.

Nearby Amenities & Attractions

  • Local Pubs:
    • The Duck Inn (Marysville) – Approx. 35 km
    • Buxton Hotel/Pub (Buxton) – Approx. 41 km
    • Eildon Holiday Resort (Eildon) – Approx. 33 km
  • Places to Eat:
    • Marysville Bakery (Marysville) – Approx. 35 km
    • Eildon Bakery Cafe (Eildon) – Approx. 33 km
    • Range of Cafes in Marysville – Approx. 35 km
  • Local Attractions:
    • Lake Eildon National Park – Approx. 35 km
    • Steavenson Falls (Marysville) – Approx. 37 km
    • Cathedral Range State Park – Approx. 55 km
  • Nearest Caravan Parks:
    • Marysville Holiday Park – Approx. 35 km
    • BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks (Eildon) – Approx. 33 km
    • Goughs Bay Caravan Park – Approx. 50 km
  • Next Free Camps:
    • Catford Camping Area – Approx. 2 km south
    • Stockmans Reward Camping Ground – Approx. 10 km south
    • Big River Camp – Approx. 18 km south
  • Nearest Dump Points:
    • Eildon – Approx. 33 km
    • Mansfield Public Dump Point – Approx. 65 km
  • Nearest Petrol Station:
    • Eildon – Approx. 33 km
    • Marysville – Approx. 35 km
  • Drinking Water Resupply:
    • Eildon – Approx. 33 km
    • Marysville – Approx. 35 km
  • Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
    • Stockmans Reward Camping Ground – Approx. 10 km south
    • Marysville (Gallipoli Park) – Approx. 35 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Goughs Bay / Lake Eildon Area

  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Days are warm to hot, ideal for river activities, with cooler mountain evenings. Temperatures range from 12°C to 30°C+. High fire danger.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): Mild days and crisp, cool nights. The forest colours are spectacular. Temperatures typically range from 6°C to 22°C.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with overnight temperatures often dropping below freezing. Frost is common, and occasional snow can fall in the area. Daytime highs are around 2°C to 12°C.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and variable conditions. Be prepared for rain and sudden temperature changes. A beautiful time with wildflowers blooming. Temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *