2 Mile Creek Reserve: Free Riverside Camping in the Dargo High Country

Discover the quintessential High Country escape at 2 Mile Creek Reserve, a stunning free campground situated on the banks of the iconic Dargo River. Located a short drive north of the Dargo township, this beautiful reserve offers a classic bush camping experience in a serene and picturesque setting. The campground is a spacious, grassy flat dotted with large, shady gum trees, providing a variety of excellent sites for tents, camper trailers, and caravans. Its easy accessibility and beautiful location make it a firm favourite for families, fishing enthusiasts, and 4WD adventurers looking to explore the Victorian Alps.

The Dargo River is the centrepiece of the reserve, with its clear, cool waters offering a perfect escape on a hot summer’s day. It’s an ideal spot for swimming, kayaking, and trying your luck catching a trout. The campground itself is equipped with basic but essential facilities, including a non-flush toilet and several established fire pits, allowing for cosy campfires under the brilliant, unpolluted night sky. As the reserve is located within a state forest area, it is a pet-friendly campground, meaning you can bring your dog along for the adventure. Campers must be self-sufficient, bringing their own drinking water and taking all rubbish with them when they leave. The proximity to Dargo means that supplies and a classic pub meal are never too far away. For those seeking an authentic, free, and beautiful base to explore the legendary landscapes of the Dargo High Plains, 2 Mile Creek Reserve is an exceptional choice.

Campground Information

• Name: 2 Mile Creek Reserve
• Address: Upper Dargo Road, Dargo, VIC 3862, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.4077879807707, 147.25710343729764
• Website: Managed by Forest Fire Management Victoria (no dedicated site).

Features & Facilities

• Location: Riverside setting in the Dargo High Country.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.
• Road Access: Unsealed road. 2WD accessible in dry conditions, but 4WD is recommended.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Standard state forest limits apply (typically up to 28 days).
• Facilities: Non-flush toilet, fire pits, picnic tables.
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own or treat river water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a non-flush toilet is available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. Carry-in, carry-out policy applies.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to local fire restrictions.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Numerous unmarked, dispersed sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, food, and rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Yes, in the Dargo River.
• Short Walks: Informal tracks along the river and into the surrounding forest.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Dargo Hotel – approx. 7 km
  • Dargo River Inn – approx. 9 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Dargo Hotel Bistro – approx. 7 km
  • Dargo General Store (takeaway) – approx. 7 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Dargo High Plains
  • Wonnangatta Valley (4WD access)
  • Historic gold mining areas
  • Grant Historic Area

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Dargo River Inn – approx. 9 km
  • Wonnangatta Caravan Park (check for operational status) – approx. 8 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Meyers Flat Camp Area
  • Italian Flat Campground
  • Ollies Jumpup Campground
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Bairnsdale Public Dump Point – approx. 105 km
  • Omeo Caravan Park Public Dump Point – approx. 135 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Dargo General Store – approx. 7 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Dargo.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite. Also in Dargo township.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm days perfect for river activities, with cool nights. Average maximums are around 25°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild days and crisp nights with beautiful autumn colours. Average maximums range from 14°C to 22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold days and very cold nights, with frequent frosts. Higher tracks may see snow. Average maximums are around 11°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days as the country greens up. Average maximums range from 15°C to 20°C.