Nuggets Flat Camping | Free Mount Emu Creek Camp at Elephant Bridge

For a unique and historic free camping experience in the heart of Victoria’s volcanic plains, Nuggets Flat at Elephant Bridge is a true icon. This fantastic community-supported campground is set on the grassy banks of Mount Emu Creek, right beside the magnificent, heritage-listed Elephant Bridge. It offers a wonderfully peaceful and scenic stopover for self-contained travellers, with a rich history that is palpable from the moment you arrive. The camping area is a spacious, open reserve, providing plenty of large, level sites suitable for all types of setups, from big rigs and caravans to smaller campervans. The atmosphere is famously friendly, a place where travellers gather to enjoy the tranquil country setting and the convenience of its location on the Hamilton Highway.

The main attraction of Nuggets Flat is its idyllic setting. The gentle Mount Emu Creek is perfect for a spot of fishing, with a reputation for yielding Redfin and Trout, and it’s also a lovely spot for a paddle in a kayak. The historic bluestone Elephant Bridge, built in the 1850s, provides a stunning backdrop and a tangible link to the region’s past. For a free camp, the facilities provided by the local community are excellent, with clean toilets and picnic areas available (donations are crucial for upkeep). The campground’s strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding ‘Lakes and Craters’ district. The majestic Mount Elephant is just a short drive away, offering a rewarding hike to its summit. The renowned fishing lakes of Tooliorook and Deep Lake are also nearby. For travellers seeking a charming, convenient, and historically significant free camp, Nuggets Flat at Elephant Bridge is a truly special destination.

Campground Information

• Name: Nuggets Flat (Elephant Bridge Free Camp)
• Address: 2810 Hamilton Hwy, Darlington VIC 3271

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -37.99972322478431, 143.04425343141386

Website

• Website: This is a public reserve. Information is available on the Corangamite Shire Council website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Creekside reserve next to a historic bridge.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
• Road Access: Sealed highway.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping (donations are appreciated).
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe local signage, typically 48-72 hours.
• Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. The tap water is non-potable. Bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, patchy for other carriers.
• TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, available.
• Open Fires: Permitted in contained fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with plenty of space.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, fishing gear.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: Fishing for Redfin and Trout in Mount Emu Creek.
• Short Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the creek and around the historic Elephant Bridge.
• History: The bridge itself is a significant historical structure.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Derrinallum Hotel (Derrinallum) – Approx. 10 km
  • Lismore Hotel (Lismore) – Approx. 25 km
  • Mortlake Hotel (Mortlake) – Approx. 30 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Derrinallum Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 10 km
  • Derrinallum Takeaway & Cafe – Approx. 10 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Mount Elephant – Approx. 5 km
  • Deep Lake Recreation Reserve – Approx. 20 km
  • Lake Tooliorook – Approx. 25 km
  • Great Ocean Road (via Princetown) – Approx. 110 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Deep Lake Recreation Reserve (free camp with toilets) – Approx. 20 km
  • Mortlake Caravan Park – Approx. 30 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Deep Lake Recreation Reserve – Approx. 20 km
  • Lake Tooliorook Camping Ground – Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Mortlake Public Dump Point @ Caravan Park – Approx. 30 km
  • Terang Lions Club Public Dump Point – Approx. 45 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Derrinallum – Approx. 10 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Derrinallum.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and typically dry, averaging 14-28°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, ideal for fishing, averaging 8-22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and crisp, with frequent frosts and chilly, often windy days, averaging 3-13°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild with increasing sunshine, a great time for exploring the volcanic plains, averaging 6-19°C.