Echo Bend Camping Park: Your Bush Retreat at Mitchell River National Park

Escape to the serene bushland of East Gippsland with a stay at Echo Bend Camping Park, a cherished family-owned retreat nestled on the doorstep of the magnificent Mitchell River National Park. For over 35 years, this park has offered a genuine back-to-nature experience, providing a peaceful haven away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Set within a sprawling natural landscape, Echo Bend is the ultimate destination for those who appreciate tranquillity, abundant wildlife, and the simple joys of camping under the stars. The park’s spacious grounds allow for a true sense of freedom, with kangaroos, wallabies, and a vast array of native birdlife as your friendly neighbours. It’s an ideal base for adventurers looking to explore the national park’s famous attractions, including the sacred Den of Nargun, rugged river gorges, and numerous walking trails.

Echo Bend provides a range of camping options to suit all styles, from grassy unpowered sites perfect for tents and swags, to powered sites for caravans and motorhomes. The facilities are clean and well-maintained, including hot showers and toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay. A unique feature is the charming Bark Hut Kiosk, built from materials found on the property, which opens during peak times to serve refreshments. Campfires are a central part of the experience here, with fire pits provided for campers to gather around, share stories, and enjoy the crisp country air. The park’s proximity to the Mitchell River offers fantastic opportunities for fishing, swimming, and kayaking in the nearby waterholes. As a pet-friendly park, your entire family is welcome to join the adventure. For a truly authentic and relaxing Australian bush camping holiday, Echo Bend Camping Park is a destination that captures the heart and soul of East Gippsland.

Park Information & Contact Details

• Name: Echo Bend Camping Park
• Address: 345 Dunbars Road, Iguana Creek, Victoria 3875, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.71201, 147.36461
• Phone Number: (03) 5157 6317
• Email Contact: echobendcp@skymesh.com.au
• Website URL: echobendcampingpark.wixsite.com/mysite

Features & Facilities

• Location: Quiet, natural bush setting adjacent to the Mitchell River National Park.
• Road Access: Access via unsealed roads. Standard vehicles are usually fine, but it’s best to check conditions after heavy rain. The owners recommend not using GPS and following a map.
• Site Surface: Primarily grass and natural earth sites.
• Facilities: Clean amenities block with hot showers and toilets, laundry facilities.
• Number of Powered Sites: A good number of powered sites are available.
• Number of Unpowered Sites: Ample unpowered sites spread throughout the park.
• Gas Swap Bottle: Available in the nearest town, Bruthen.
• Fishing Bait: Basic supplies may be available in Bruthen or Bairnsdale.
• Firewood: Available for purchase on-site.
• Kiosk: The Bark Hut Kiosk is open during peak periods or by request, serving snacks and drinks.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited. Some reception may be found on higher ground near the amenities block.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
• Open Fires: Permitted in provided fire pits, subject to local fire bans.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water hose, power lead, levelling blocks, and cash for kiosk/firewood.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome.
• Fishing: Opportunities in the nearby Mitchell River.
• Short Walks: Direct access to walking tracks within the Mitchell River National Park, including the Den of Nargun loop.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Bruthen Inn Hotel (Bruthen) – approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Bullant Brewery (Bruthen) – approx. 25 km
  • Bruthen Pizza & Takeaway – approx. 25 km
  • A wide variety of restaurants and cafes in Bairnsdale – approx. 40 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Den of Nargun, Mitchell River National Park – approx. 5 km
  • Billy Goat Bend Lookout – within the National Park
  • Bairnsdale town centre – approx. 40 km

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Alternate Caravan Parks:
  • Bairnsdale Holiday Park (Bairnsdale) – approx. 40 km
  • Mitchell Gardens Holiday Park (Bairnsdale) – approx. 40 km
  • Nicholson River Holiday Park (Nicholson) – approx. 45 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Angusvale Campground (Mitchell River NP, 4WD access) – approx. 20 km
  • Log Crossing (Kalimna West) – approx. 40 km
• Nearest Alternate Dump Points:
  • Bruthen Public Dump Point – approx. 25 km
  • Bairnsdale Visitor Information Centre – approx. 40 km
  • Bairnsdale Holiday Park (may be for guests only) – approx. 40 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Bruthen – approx. 25 km.
• Nearest Alternate Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps available in Bruthen and Bairnsdale.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry. Ideal for swimming in the river. Average maximums are around 25°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. Perfect weather for bushwalking. Average maximums range from 18°C to 23°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, especially overnight, with frequent frost. Great for sitting by a campfire. Average maximums are around 14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and becoming warmer, with the landscape turning green and wildflowers blooming. Average maximums range from 17°C to 21°C.