Granya Big Creek Reserve | Free Lake Hume Camping & High Country Base

An undisputed icon of the Australian free camping scene, the Granya Big Creek Reserve is a magnificent and vast campground nestled on the beautiful upper reaches of Lake Hume. This legendary spot, lovingly maintained by the local community, is a paradise for families, boaties, anglers, and any traveller seeking the ultimate waterside bush experience in Victoria’s High Country. The reserve offers an enormous, sprawling grassy area that slopes gently down to the water’s edge, providing an incredible number of spectacular sites for all setups, from the biggest motorhomes and rigs to tents and camper trailers. Shaded by mature native trees, campers can find their own perfect slice of lakeside heaven with stunning views across the water to the surrounding mountains. The atmosphere is famously friendly and social, a place where generations of campers return year after year.

The main attraction is the majestic Lake Hume itself, a massive body of water that forms part of the Murray River system. The reserve provides unparalleled access to the lake, with a concrete boat ramp making it a hotspot for water skiing, wakeboarding, and recreational boating. The fishing is world-class, with the lake being a premier destination for targeting the legendary Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Redfin. For a free camp (supported by vital donations), the facilities are excellent, with clean toilets providing essential comfort. Its location is a huge drawcard, feeling wonderfully remote while being a scenic drive from the regional hub of Albury-Wodonga. It’s the perfect base for exploring the Great River Road, the historic gold rush towns of the High Country, and the nearby Mount Granya State Park. For a top-tier, budget-friendly holiday that combines incredible recreation with a stunning natural setting, Granya Big Creek Reserve is a true Aussie gem.

Campground Information

• Name: Granya Big Creek Reserve
• Address: Granya, VIC 3691 (on Murray River Rd)

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -35.987530, 147.527575

Website

• Website: This is a public reserve. Information is available via the Towong Shire Council.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Lakeside bush camp on the shore of Lake Hume.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
• Road Access: Sealed road (Murray River Rd).
• Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping (donations are essential for upkeep).
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe local signage; short to medium-term stays are typical.
• Facilities: Toilets, boat ramp. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, patchy for other carriers.
• TV Reception: Possible but can be unreliable due to the terrain.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, but please take your rubbish with you if possible to help the volunteers.
• Open Fires: Permitted in contained fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with room for hundreds of campers.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, fishing gear, boat/kayak.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: Premier location for Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Redfin.
• Short Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the extensive foreshore and into Mount Granya State Park.
• Boating & Water Skiing: The concrete boat ramp provides excellent access to Lake Hume.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Granya Hotel – Approx. 5 km (check opening status)
  • Tallangatta Hotel (Tallangatta) – Approx. 35 km
  • Victoria Hotel (Tallangatta) – Approx. 35 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Granya Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 5 km
  • Tallangatta Bakery & cafes – Approx. 35 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Lake Hume – You are on it!
  • Mount Granya State Park – Approx. 10 km
  • High Country Rail Trail (at Tallangatta) – Approx. 35 km
  • Historic town of Tallangatta – Approx. 35 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Tallangatta Lakeside Caravan Park – Approx. 35 km
  • Lake Hume Tourist Park – Approx. 60 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • The Kurrajongs (further down Lake Hume) – Approx. 20 km
  • Numerous other Murray River reserves.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Tallangatta Public Dump Point – Approx. 35 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Tallangatta – Approx. 35 km
  • Bellbridge – Approx. 45 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Tallangatta.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and sunny, perfect for water sports, with average temperatures of 16-32°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and mild nights, ideal for fishing and exploring, averaging 9-25°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and crisp with frosty mornings and often clear days, great for campfires. Averaging 3-14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild to warm and pleasant, a beautiful time to be on the water, averaging 8-23°C.