Billy Goat Bend Campground: Free Bush Camping with Epic Gorge Views

Perched high above the dramatic gorges of the Mitchell River, Billy Goat Bend Campground offers one of the most scenic and rewarding free camping experiences in East Gippsland. Located within the rugged Mitchell River National Park, this basic campground is a paradise for self-sufficient campers, bushwalkers, and nature lovers seeking solitude and spectacular vistas. The campground itself is a small, open area that serves as a fantastic base for exploring the park’s remote northern section. The main drawcard is the breathtaking lookout point, just a short walk from the campsites, which provides panoramic views down into the Mitchell River Gorge and across the vast, forested landscape. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect, with the sounds of the bush and the whisper of the wind through the trees as your only companions.

This is a true bush camp, and visitors must be entirely self-contained. The facilities are limited to non-flushing toilets and basic wood-fired barbecues, meaning you need to bring everything with you, including your own drinking water and firewood. The access track can be challenging, particularly after rain, making it best suited for 4WDs, high-clearance vehicles, and sturdy off-road camper trailers. The journey in is part of the adventure, preparing you for the remote beauty that awaits. From the campground, you can embark on several walks, including sections of the long-distance Mitchell River Walking Track that links Angusvale to the Den of Nargun. While it lacks the amenities of a commercial park, Billy Goat Bend more than compensates with its unparalleled natural beauty, its sense of peaceful isolation, and the unforgettable experience of watching the sunset light up the ancient river gorge below.

Campground Information

• Name: Billy Goat Bend Campground
• Address: Billy Goat Bend Road, Mitchell River National Park, Iguana Creek, Victoria 3875, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.66748487087176, 147.36889783888196
• Website: Managed by Parks Victoria (no direct website for the campground).

Features & Rules

• Location: Remote bush setting on a high bluff overlooking the Mitchell River Gorge.
• Road Access: Access is via unsealed, and sometimes rough, dirt tracks. 4WD or high-clearance AWD vehicles are highly recommended. Not suitable for large caravans or low-clearance vehicles.
• Site Surface: Natural earth and grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, in designated areas.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but long stays are discouraged.
• Facilities: Non-flushing pit toilets, wood BBQs/fire pits.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic non-flushing toilets are available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, but are subject to seasonal fire bans (check CFA website). Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of the quiet bush environment and other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: A small number of undesignated sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, and recovery gear for your vehicle.
• Pet Friendly: No, pets are not permitted in Mitchell River National Park.
• Fishing: Not directly accessible from the campground; requires a strenuous hike down to the river.
• Short Walks: A short walk leads to the stunning Billy Goat Bend Lookout. The campground is also a starting point for more challenging hikes.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Bruthen Inn Hotel (Bruthen) – approx. 35 km
  • Dargo Hotel (Dargo) – approx. 60 km (requires 4WD)
• Places to Eat:
  • Bullant Brewery (Bruthen) – approx. 35 km
  • Various cafes and takeaways in Bruthen – approx. 35 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Billy Goat Bend Lookout – at the campground
  • Den of Nargun – approx. 15 km drive to the picnic area
  • Mitchell River Walking Track – accessible from the campground

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Echo Bend Camping Park (private park) – approx. 10 km
  • Bairnsdale Holiday Park (Bairnsdale) – approx. 50 km
  • Mitchell Gardens Holiday Park (Bairnsdale) – approx. 50 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Angusvale Campground (Mitchell River NP, 4WD access) – approx. 30 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Bruthen Public Dump Point – approx. 35 km
  • Bairnsdale Visitor Information Centre – approx. 50 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Bruthen – approx. 35 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Bruthen – approx. 35 km.
• Nearest Alternate Public Toilets: Den of Nargun Picnic Area – approx. 15 km.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot. The exposed bluff can be very hot during the day. Average maximums are around 25°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild days and cool nights. Ideal conditions for hiking. Average maximums range from 18°C to 23°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, especially at night with heavy frosts. Can be wet. Average maximums are around 14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and becoming warmer. The park is vibrant with new growth and wildflowers. Average maximums range from 17°C to 21°C.