McKinnons Point Campground: A Secluded Free Camp in Briagolong State Forest

For those seeking a truly rustic and remote bush camping experience, McKinnons Point Campground offers an authentic escape into the rugged beauty of Briagolong State Forest. Situated along the scenic Freestone Creek Road, this free campground is a haven for self-sufficient campers who value serenity and a direct connection with nature over creature comforts. The campground is essentially a designated clearing in the forest, providing a handful of relatively flat, grassy sites perfect for pitching a tent or setting up a camper trailer. Its elevated position offers pleasant views over the surrounding bushland and the creek valley below.

This is a genuine back-to-basics campground with no facilities whatsoever—no toilets, no bins, and no drinking water. Campers must be entirely self-contained and prepared to leave no trace, taking all rubbish with them. The reward for this preparedness is a peaceful environment where the sounds of the Australian bush are the main soundtrack. The nearby Freestone Creek provides opportunities for a refreshing dip on warm days and a chance to cast a line for trout. As part of a state forest, the area is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your canine companion along for the adventure, provided they are kept under control. Open fires are generally permitted in line with CFA regulations, making it a great spot for a traditional campfire under the stars. Access is via unsealed forest tracks that can be rough, making it more suited to 4WDs or high-clearance vehicles, particularly after wet weather. McKinnons Point is ideal for experienced campers looking to get off the beaten track and enjoy the solitude of the Gippsland foothills.

Campground Information

• Name: McKinnons Point Campground
• Address: Freestone Creek Road, Briagolong, VIC 3860, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.76218136890048, 147.1065001658788
• Website: Managed by Forest Fire Management Victoria (no dedicated site).

Features & Facilities

• Location: Remote bushland setting in Briagolong State Forest.
• Site Suitable For: Tents and camper trailers. Experienced caravan users with off-road setups may manage access.
• Road Access: Unsealed forest tracks. 4WD or high-clearance 2WD recommended, can be slippery when wet.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Standard state forest limits apply (typically up to 28 days).
• Facilities: None. Campers must be fully self-contained.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Unlikely. Expect no mobile signal.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No.
• Rubbish Bins: No. Carry-in, carry-out policy applies.
• Open Fires: Permitted, subject to local fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: A small number of informal, unmarked sites.
• Essentials to Bring: All water, portable toilet, rubbish bags, firewood, cooking equipment, and emergency communication device.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash as per state forest regulations.
• Fishing: Possible in Freestone Creek.
• Short Walks: Informal tracks through the surrounding bushland.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Briagolong Hotel – approx. 20 km
  • Tinamba Hotel – approx. 32 km
  • Maffra Hotel – approx. 35 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Briagolong General Store & Cafe – approx. 20 km
  • Various cafes and takeaways in Maffra – approx. 35 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Blue Pool swimming hole – approx. 10 km
  • The Quarries Reserve – approx. 12 km
  • Avon Wilderness Park

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Maffra Caravan Park – approx. 35 km
  • Stratford on the River Tourist Park – approx. 40 km
  • Sale Motor Village – approx. 50 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Blue Pool Campground (no toilets) – approx. 10 km
  • The Quarries Reserve (low-cost, toilets) – approx. 12 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Maffra Showgrounds Public Dump Point – approx. 35 km
  • Sale Showgrounds Public Dump Point – approx. 50 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Briagolong – approx. 20 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Briagolong or Maffra.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Briagolong township – approx. 20 km.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days. Ideal for swimming in the creek. Average maximums are around 27°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, pleasant days and cool nights. Perfect for bushwalking. Average maximums range from 18°C to 25°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold days and very cold nights, with possible frost. Tracks can be very slippery. Average maximums are around 14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days with the forest coming to life. Average maximums range from 17°C to 22°C.