Horseshoe Bend Camping Ground, near Alexandra
- Name and Address: Horseshoe Bend Camping Ground, Horseshoe Bend Road, Cathkin, VIC 3714, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.366680082700704, 146.05599753941573
- Website: This is a State Forest reserve.
Campground Information & Features
- Location: On the Goulburn River, off the Melba Highway, near Alexandra and Cathkin.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.
- Road Access: Good quality unsealed road, easily accessible for 2WD vehicles.
- Site Surface: Large, flat, grassy areas with shade.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free of charge. No bookings required.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Standard 28-day state forest limit.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Generally good coverage with major providers.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic non-flush toilets are available.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in existing fire pits, subject to fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days. BYO firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers due to the open nature of the site.
- Number of Sites Available: Numerous unmarked sites in a very large area.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, fishing gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash or under control.
- Fishing: Excellent fishing for trout and Murray cod in the Goulburn River.
- Short Walks: Pleasant, easy walks along the riverbank.
Nearby Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- The Corner Hotel Alexandra – Approx. 15 km
- The Commercial Hotel Alexandra – Approx. 15 km
- Shamrock Hotel Alexandra – Approx. 15 km
- Places to Eat:
- Alexandra (Numerous cafes, bakeries, pubs, and restaurants) – Approx. 15 km
- Yea (Various options) – Approx. 20 km
- Local Attractions:
- Great Victorian Rail Trail – Access nearby
- Lake Eildon National Park – Approx. 30 km
- Alexandra Timber Tramway and Museum – Approx. 15 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Alexandra Tourist Park – Approx. 15 km
- Yea Riverside Caravan Park – Approx. 20 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Molesworth Recreation Reserve – Approx. 25 km
- Numerous smaller spots along the Goulburn River
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Alexandra Public Dump Point – Approx. 15 km
- Yea Public Dump Point – Approx. 20 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Alexandra (Multiple major stations) – Approx. 15 km
- Yea – Approx. 20 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Alexandra and Yea both have public taps for water refills.
- Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
- Rotary Park, Alexandra – Approx. 15 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Alexandra / Cathkin Area
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and generally dry. Perfect weather for swimming and river activities. Temperatures often exceed 30°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and pleasant with sunny days and cool nights. A great time for camping and cycling the rail trail. Temperatures range from 8°C to 24°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and often damp, with frequent frosts, especially overnight. Temperatures range from 2°C to 14°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild but can be unpredictable with a mix of sunshine and showers. The landscape is at its greenest. Temperatures range from 7°C to 22°C.