Grannys Flat Reserve | Free Jamieson River Camping in the High Country

An iconic destination in the Victorian High Country, Grannys Flat Reserve is one of the state’s most popular and scenic free campgrounds. Nestled in a beautiful valley on the banks of the crystal-clear Jamieson River, this sprawling reserve offers a quintessential Australian bush camping experience. It’s a paradise for families, 4WD enthusiasts, anglers, and anyone looking to escape into a stunning mountain landscape. The campground is spread across a vast, open, and grassy flat, surrounded by towering eucalyptus forest and the rugged hills of the State Forest. There is an abundance of space, allowing campers in everything from big rigs and caravans to tents and swags to find their own perfect spot, often right on the river’s edge. The atmosphere is famously social and friendly, especially during peak season, with the sounds of kids playing, campfires crackling, and the gentle flow of the river creating a perfect holiday vibe.

The Jamieson River is the heart of the Grannys Flat experience. Its clean, cool waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking, and liloing on a hot summer’s day. The river is also a renowned trout fishing destination, attracting anglers from all over. The campground’s location makes it a premier base for exploring the endless four-wheel drive tracks that crisscross the surrounding High Country, leading to historic huts, incredible lookouts, and challenging river crossings. While it’s a free, back-to-basics camp, the site is equipped with essential non-flush toilets. Its proximity to the charming historic town of Jamieson means supplies, a good pub meal, and a slice of gold rush history are just a short drive away. For a memorable, budget-friendly adventure that truly captures the spirit of the Victorian High Country, Grannys Flat is an unmissable destination.

Campground Information

• Name: Grannys Flat Reserve
• Address: Grannies Flat Track, Jamieson VIC 3723

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -37.289972691621536, 146.2119427821132

Website

• Website: This is a free campground in a State Forest. Information is available on the Explore Outdoors (VIC Gov) website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Riverside bush camp in the Victorian High Country.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs.
• Road Access: Unsealed gravel/dirt road. Generally 2WD accessible in dry conditions, but can be corrugated, steep, and slippery. 4WD is recommended, especially after rain.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe local signage and FFM Vic guidelines.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water or have a reliable purification system for river water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very patchy to non-existent. A satellite messenger is advisable.
• TV Reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
• Open Fires: Permitted in contained fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of the natural setting and other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with room for hundreds of campers.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent, fishing gear.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead in State Forest areas.

Activities

• Fishing: Excellent trout fishing in the Jamieson River.
• Short Walks: Numerous bushwalking and 4WD tracks to explore in the surrounding forest.
• Kayaking & Swimming: The river is a major drawcard for water activities.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Courthouse Hotel (Jamieson) – Approx. 5 km
  • The Jamieson Hotel – Approx. 5 km
  • The Kevington Hotel (Kevington) – Approx. 20 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Jamieson Brewery & Grill – Approx. 5 km
  • The Jamieson Cafe – Approx. 5 km
  • Both Jamieson pubs offer bistro meals – Approx. 5 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Historic town of Jamieson – Approx. 5 km
  • Lake Eildon (Goughs Bay) – Approx. 30 km
  • High Country 4WD Tracks (e.g., The Bluff) – Accessible from the area
  • Mansfield Zoo – Approx. 50 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Jamieson Caravan Park – Approx. 6 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Skipworth Reserve (near Jamieson) – Approx. 10 km
  • Doctors Creek Campground – Approx. 15 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Mansfield Public Dump Point – Approx. 50 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Jamieson – Approx. 5 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Jamieson.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days with cool mountain nights, perfect for swimming. Averaging 12-28°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, the peak season for autumn foliage. Averaging 7-22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frequent frosts and a chance of snow on higher peaks. Averaging 1-12°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild, with the rivers running high and the countryside green and lush. Averaging 5-19°C.