Great riverside camp, Yielima | Free Goulburn River Bush Camp Near Barmah Forest

For those in search of a classic, off-grid free camping experience, the dispersed camping areas along River Road in Yielima offer an authentic Australian bush retreat. Located within the magnificent Lower Goulburn National Park, this area provides a serene and beautiful setting on the banks of the Goulburn River, perfect for fully self-sufficient travellers. It’s a paradise for anglers, kayakers, and nature lovers looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in a pristine riverine environment. The camping here is about finding your own secluded spot amongst the towering, ancient river red gums that line the riverbank. There are numerous informal sites accessible via dirt tracks, allowing campers in tents, swags, and rugged off-road camper trailers to find true solitude.

The main attraction is the majestic Goulburn River itself. The deep, slow-moving waters are a legendary hotspot for fishing for Murray Cod and Golden Perch, and the tranquil environment makes it ideal for launching a kayak or canoe to explore the waterway and its abundant birdlife. As a true bush camp, there are no facilities whatsoever, which is a key part of its appeal for those wanting to get away from it all. This means campers must be completely self-reliant, bringing in everything they need and taking all of it home again, adhering to a strict leave-no-trace ethic. While it feels incredibly remote, the campsite is strategically located between the towns of Barmah and Nathalia, making it a perfect base for exploring the world’s largest river red gum forest in the Barmah National Park. For a memorable, budget-free adventure that captures the timeless spirit of the Australian bush, the riverside camps at Yielima are a fantastic choice for the prepared explorer.

Campground Information

• Name: Great riverside camp
• Address: River Rd, Yielima VIC 3638

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -35.84178428941316, 145.21648319999912

Website

• Website: This is a free camping area in a National Park. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Remote riverside bush camp in the Lower Goulburn National Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, and rugged Off-road Camper Trailers/Caravans.
• Road Access: Unsealed dirt tracks. Dry weather access only. 4WD is highly recommended. Tracks are impassable when wet.
• Site Surface: Natural dirt and grass base.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free dispersed camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe Parks Victoria guidelines.
• Facilities: None.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very poor to non-existent.
• TV Reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No. You must be fully self-contained and have your own toilet.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
• Open Fires: Permitted in contained fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood from outside the park.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of the natural environment.
• Number of Sites Available: Numerous unmarked, dispersed sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Your own toilet, all drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, insect repellent, fishing gear.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in Lower Goulburn National Park.

Activities

• Fishing: Premier location for Murray Cod and Golden Perch (Yellowbelly).
• Short Walks: Enjoy exploring the riverbanks and the surrounding Red Gum forest.
• Kayaking & Canoeing: Ideal for launching a paddlecraft directly from your campsite.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Barmah Hotel (Barmah) – Approx. 22 km
  • Nathalia Hotel (Nathalia) – Approx. 22 km
  • Court House Hotel (Nathalia) – Approx. 22 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Barmah Hotel (Bistro) & Cafe – Approx. 22 km
  • Nathalia Bakery – Approx. 22 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Lower Goulburn National Park – You are in it!
  • Barmah National Park (World’s Largest Red Gum Forest) – Approx. 22 km
  • Kingfisher Cruises (Barmah) – Approx. 22 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Barmah Bridge Caravan Park – Approx. 22 km
  • Nathalia Caravan Park – Approx. 22 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • The Gulf Camping and Picnic Area (nearby in the same park, has toilets) – Approx. 2 km
  • Numerous other sites along the Goulburn and Murray Rivers.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Barmah Public Dump Point – Approx. 22 km
  • Nathalia Showgrounds Public Dump Point – Approx. 23 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Barmah – Approx. 22 km
  • Nathalia has multiple options – Approx. 22 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Barmah or Nathalia townships.
• Public Toilets:
  • The nearest public toilets are at The Gulf camping area (approx. 2 km) or in Barmah. You must have your own at this site.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and sunny, ideal for river activities, with average temperatures of 16-32°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and mild nights, perfect for fishing and exploring, averaging 9-26°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and crisp with frosty mornings and often clear days, great for campfires, averaging 4-15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild to warm and pleasant, a prime time for being on the water, averaging 8-24°C.