Echo Bend Camping Park: A Gateway to the Mitchell River National Park
Discover a true bush sanctuary at Echo Bend Camping Park, a privately-owned haven nestled on the edge of the magnificent Mitchell River National Park in East Gippsland. This idyllic park offers a unique blend of comfortable amenities and direct access to untamed wilderness, making it a perfect destination for families, hikers, and nature lovers. The campground is set within a stunning natural amphitheatre, surrounded by native forest and abundant wildlife. Kangaroos, wallabies, and a symphony of native birds are common visitors, providing an authentic Australian bush experience right at your doorstep. The park’s spacious, grassy sites are perfect for tents, caravans, and camper trailers, with plenty of room to relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
Echo Bend is renowned for its excellent facilities, which set it apart from more basic bush camps. Visitors can enjoy the convenience of a well-equipped camp kitchen, clean toilet and hot shower blocks, and a small kiosk for essential supplies. For those seeking more comfort, the park also offers charming, self-contained cabins. A key attraction is its proximity to some of the national park’s most famous features, including the Den of Nargun, a place of great significance to the Gunaikurnai people, and the Bluff Lookout with its breathtaking gorge views. The Mitchell River itself provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. To protect the park’s rich biodiversity and ensure a peaceful stay for all guests, a strict **no-pets policy** is in place. With its commitment to providing a quality nature-based holiday and its unbeatable location, Echo Bend Camping Park is the ultimate base for exploring the wild beauty of the Mitchell River.
Park Information
- Name: Echo Bend Camping Park
- Address: 5555 Bairnsdale-Dargo Rd, Glenaladale VIC 3864, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.712056924146246, 147.36470286593672
- Phone Number: (03) 5157 6313
- Email: info@echobend.com.au
- Website: echobend.com.au
Features & Facilities
- Location: Adjacent to the Mitchell River National Park, in a secluded bush setting.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes. Cabins also available.
- Road Access: Sealed road access.
- Site Surface: Grass.
- Facilities: Powered and unpowered sites, cabins, amenities with hot showers and toilets, camp kitchen, BBQs, kiosk, playground, laundry.
- Number of Powered and Unpowered Sites: A good selection of both powered and unpowered sites.
- Kiosk: Yes, stocking basic supplies like ice, drinks, and snacks.
- Firewood: Yes, available for purchase.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited. Telstra service may be available in some spots.
- TV Reception: Can be unreliable due to the valley location.
- Generator Use: Permitted with consideration for other guests (restricted hours).
- Suitable For: Families, hikers, nature lovers, and groups.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to fire restrictions.
- Essentials to Bring: Food supplies, as the nearest large supermarket is some distance away.
- Pet Friendly: No. Strictly no pets are permitted.
- Fishing: Yes, in the nearby Mitchell River.
- Short Walks: Direct access to walking tracks leading to the Den of Nargun and other parts of the National Park.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Dargo Hotel (significant drive) – approx. 50 km
- Briagolong Hotel – approx. 55 km
- Places to Eat:
- Onsite Kiosk for basics.
- Cafes and pubs in Bairnsdale – approx. 45 km
- Local Attractions:
- Den of Nargun Loop Walk – direct access
- Mitchell River National Park
- Bluff Lookout
- Billy Goat Bend
Nearby Parks & Services
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Mitchell Gardens Holiday Park (Bairnsdale) – approx. 45 km
- NRMA Bairnsdale Riverside Holiday Park – approx. 45 km
- Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
- Billy Goat Bend Campground (Mitchell River NP)
- Various sites in the Briagolong State Forest
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Bairnsdale Public Dump Point – approx. 45 km
- Nearest Petrol Station: Bairnsdale is the nearest reliable option – approx. 45 km.
- Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
- Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days, perfect for swimming. Average maximums are around 27°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, pleasant days and cool nights. Great for hiking. Average maximums range from 18°C to 25°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool days and cold nights, with occasional frosts. The forest is lush and green. Average maximums are around 15°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days with the forest in bloom. Average maximums range from 18°C to 23°C.