Nestled on a gentle curve of Lake Eildon’s expansive shoreline, Jimmy’s Bend Campground is another of the national park’s prized boat-in destinations, offering a classic waterside camping experience. This secluded spot is a favourite among boaties and families who seek to escape the more accessible areas and immerse themselves in the tranquil environment of the lake. Accessible primarily by water, the journey to Jimmy’s Bend is part of the adventure, setting the scene for a relaxing holiday where the pace is dictated by the sun and the water conditions.

The campground itself is a beautiful, sheltered clearing, providing a number of designated sites on a grassy flat that leads directly to the water’s edge. This prime positioning makes it incredibly convenient for mooring your boat just steps from your tent and enjoying immediate access to all the recreational activities the lake has to offer. Spend your days swimming in the clear, refreshing water, teaching the kids to fish from the bank, or heading out in the boat to explore the vast Delatite Arm of the lake. The surrounding eucalypt forest is rich with wildlife, and it’s common to see kangaroos grazing peacefully in the early mornings and evenings.

As with the other dedicated boat-in camps in Lake Eildon National Park, self-sufficiency is key. While there is a basic toilet, campers must bring all their own supplies, including fresh drinking water and firewood, and are required to take all their rubbish home. This commitment to ‘leave no trace’ camping helps preserve the pristine nature of these special locations. For those with a boat and a desire to find their own slice of lakeside paradise, Jimmy’s Bend Campground is a superb choice, delivering solitude, scenery, and endless water-based fun.

Campsite Information

• Location: Northern arm of Lake Eildon, within Lake Eildon National Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, swags.
• Road Access: Extremely difficult and not recommended. This is a boat-access campsite. Launch from Goughs Bay, Jamieson, or Howqua Inlet.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, fees apply and bookings are essential via the Parks Victoria website.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Determined by your booking.
• Facilities: A single non-flush toilet is available.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited and should not be relied upon.
• TV Reception: None.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a basic long-drop toilet.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted only in the provided fireplaces and subject to all fire regulations, including Total Fire Bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted with restrictions on running times. Be considerate of other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: A set number of unpowered sites. Book well in advance for peak times.
• Essentials to Bring: All drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, first-aid kit, insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not allowed in Lake Eildon National Park.

Local Area & Amenities (Distances from nearest towns/ramps)

• Fishing: Excellent for Murray cod, golden perch, and redfin. A Victorian Fishing Licence is required.
• Short Walks: Explore the immediate shoreline and informal bush tracks.
• Nearest Town for Supplies: Mansfield (~35-40 km from Goughs Bay ramp).
• Local Pubs:
  • Goughs Bay Boat Club (check seasonal hours): ~12 km by water.
  • Jamieson Brewery and Grill (Jamieson): ~20 km from Jamieson ramp.
  • The Mansfield Hotel (Mansfield): ~35 km from Goughs Bay ramp.
• Places to Eat:
  • Basic options at Goughs Bay General Store.
  • A full range of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Mansfield.
• Local Attractions:
  • The entirety of Lake Eildon for boating and water sports.
  • The historic gold town of Jamieson.
  • High Country hub of Mansfield.
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Goughs Bay Holiday Park.
  • Numerous options in and around Mansfield.
• Next Free Camps: Other boat-in campsites on the lake (fees apply). Land-based free camps are located in the surrounding state forests.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Mansfield Showgrounds.
• Nearest Petrol Station: Mansfield. Boat fuel may be available at local marinas like Goughs Bay.
• Drinking Water Resupply: Stock up in Mansfield before launching your boat.
• Public Toilets: Located at major public boat ramps.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot days and mild nights, ideal for water activities. High fire danger season. Average temperatures: 15°C to 32°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, clear days and cool nights. Excellent boating and camping weather. Average temperatures: 8°C to 24°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and often wet. Water levels are typically high. Suitable for hardy campers. Average temperatures: 2°C to 13°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and mild, but can be windy. Water levels rise with snowmelt. A good time for fishing. Average temperatures: 6°C to 20°C.