Huggett’s Crossing Free Campground: A Riverside Escape in Gippsland

Tucked away in the beautiful Avon-Mount Hedrick Scenic Reserve, Huggett’s Crossing offers a classic Australian bush camping experience for the self-sufficient traveller. This spacious and serene free campground is set on the banks of the majestic Avon River, providing a picturesque backdrop of flowing water and towering river gums. It is a popular spot for those looking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature, with the sounds of the bush and the river providing a peaceful soundtrack to your stay. The campground’s large, open, and relatively flat grassy areas make it suitable for a range of setups, from tents and swags to camper trailers and off-road caravans.

As a true bush camp, facilities are basic but well-maintained, including non-flush toilets, picnic tables, and established fire pits. Visitors must be fully self-reliant, bringing their own drinking water and taking all rubbish home with them. The Avon River itself is a major attraction, offering fantastic opportunities for swimming in the deep pools, fishing for local species, or launching a kayak to explore the winding gorges. The access road via Kentucky Road can be rough and is best suited to 4WD or high-clearance 2WD vehicles, especially after rain, which adds to the sense of adventure and seclusion. Being pet-friendly, it’s a wonderful destination to bring your dog for a weekend of exploring. For those seeking an authentic, remote, and beautiful riverside camp away from the crowds, Huggett’s Crossing is a genuine Gippsland gem.

Campground Information

• Name: Huggett’s Crossing Campground
• Address: Kentucky Road, Monomak, VIC 3860, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.81027369424445, 146.85427745984472
• Website: Managed by Parks Victoria (no dedicated site).

Features & Facilities

• Location: Remote bush setting on the Avon River in the Avon-Mount Hedrick Scenic Reserve.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, and high-clearance caravans/RVs.
• Road Access: Unsealed road (Kentucky Rd), which can be rough and corrugated. 4WD is recommended, especially in wet conditions.
• Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but standard state forest limits apply.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood fire pits.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to none. Expect to be offline.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush toilets are available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a carry-in, carry-out site.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to local fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Numerous unmarked sites in a large open area.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, and all camping supplies.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Yes, in the Avon River.
• Short Walks: Informal walking tracks along the river and through the surrounding bushland.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Briagolong Hotel – approx. 28 km
  • Tinamba Hotel – approx. 40 km
  • Maffra Hotel – approx. 45 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Briagolong General Store & Cafe – approx. 28 km
  • Various cafes and takeaways in Maffra – approx. 45 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Avon Wilderness Park
  • Briagolong State Forest
  • Blue Pool & The Quarries – approx. 20-25 km

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Maffra Caravan Park – approx. 45 km
  • Stratford on the River Tourist Park – approx. 50 km
  • Sale Motor Village – approx. 60 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • The Quarries Reserve (low-cost) – approx. 20 km
  • Blue Pool Campground – approx. 25 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Maffra Showgrounds Public Dump Point – approx. 45 km
  • Sale Showgrounds Public Dump Point – approx. 60 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Briagolong – approx. 28 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Briagolong (check availability at the General Store or local parks).
• Nearest Public Toilets: On-site. Next closest in Briagolong township – approx. 28 km.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days, perfect for swimming. Nights can still be cool. Average maximums are around 27°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, pleasant days and cool nights. Ideal for bushwalking. Average maximums range from 18°C to 25°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold days and very cold nights, with frequent frost. The access road may be affected by weather. Average maximums are around 13°C to 15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days, with the landscape turning green and wildflowers emerging. Average maximums range from 17°C to 22°C.