Bruntons Bridge Campground: Historic 4WD Riverside Camping near Walhalla

For adventurous four-wheel drive enthusiasts and history buffs, Bruntons Bridge Campground offers one of the most iconic and rewarding free camping experiences in Victoria. Located deep in the Walhalla Historic Area, this remote campsite is set on the picturesque banks of the Thomson River, surrounded by the steep, forested hills of the Gippsland high country. The journey to the campground is an adventure in itself, requiring a capable 4WD to navigate the narrow, steep, and often challenging Bruntons Bridge Road. The final approach involves a memorable crossing of the Thomson River to reach the main camping flats, making this a destination for the well-prepared camper.

The campground is centred around the remains of the historic Bruntons Bridge, with the original vehicle crossing now replaced by a spectacular pedestrian suspension bridge that sways high above the river. The main camping area is a large, open grassy flat offering numerous sites for tents, swags, and off-road camper trailers. It’s a place steeped in gold rush history, with remnants of old mining operations scattered throughout the area waiting to be explored. The river provides excellent opportunities for swimming in the cool, clear water, fishing for trout, or trying your hand at gold panning. As a State Forest campground, it is pet-friendly, allowing dogs to join the adventure. Facilities are basic, with a non-flush toilet and informal fire pits. Campers must be completely self-sufficient, bringing all their own drinking water and taking all rubbish home. The lack of mobile phone reception guarantees a true escape. For those with the right vehicle and a spirit for adventure, Bruntons Bridge is an unforgettable destination that beautifully combines natural splendour with a tangible connection to Victoria’s pioneering past.

Campground Information

• Name: Bruntons Bridge Campground
• Address: Bruntons Bridge Road, Walhalla, VIC 3825, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.99971493191988, 146.47223361126595
• Website: Managed by Forest Fire Management Victoria (no dedicated site).

Features & Facilities

• Location: Remote riverside setting in the Walhalla Historic Area.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, and off-road camper trailers. Not suitable for caravans.
• Road Access: Difficult 4WD access only, involving a river crossing. Tracks are steep, narrow and can be slippery.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Standard state forest limits apply (typically up to 28 days).
• Facilities: Non-flush toilet, fire pits.
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own or treat river water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: None. An emergency communication device is highly recommended.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a non-flush toilet is available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. Carry-in, carry-out policy applies.
• Open Fires: Permitted in established pits, subject to local fire restrictions.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Numerous unmarked, dispersed sites.
• Essentials to Bring: All water, food, firewood, rubbish bags, recovery gear, and an emergency communication device.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Yes, in the Thomson River.
• Short Walks: Explore the historic bridge site and old mining ruins.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Wally Pub (Walhalla) – approx. 18 km
  • Erica Hotel – approx. 25 km
  • Rawson Stockyard Bar & Bistro – approx. 30 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Walhalla General Store & Cafe – approx. 18 km
  • Erica Hotel Bistro – approx. 25 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Walhalla Historic Township – approx. 18 km
  • Walhalla Goldfields Railway
  • Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine Tour
  • Coopers Creek Copper Mine

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Walhalla Log Cabin Park (unpowered sites only) – approx. 18 km
  • Erica Caravan Park – approx. 25 km
  • Rawson Caravan Park – approx. 30 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Coopers Creek Campground
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Moe Public Dump Point – approx. 50 km
  • Traralgon Public Dump Point – approx. 65 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Erica – approx. 25 km. Rawson has fuel but may have limited hours.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Walhalla or Rawson.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite. Also in Walhalla township.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm days, cool nights. Perfect for swimming. Average maximums are around 25°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, pleasant days and crisp nights. The autumn colours in Walhalla are famous. Average maximums range from 15°C to 22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and often wet, with very cold nights and frost. Tracks can be extremely slippery and subject to closure. Average maximums are around 12°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days as the forest comes alive. Tracks may still be wet. Average maximums range from 15°C to 20°C.