The Gulf Camping Area | Free Goulburn River Bush Camp Near Barmah Forest

For a magnificent and truly memorable free camping experience, The Gulf Camping and Picnic Area is one of the premier destinations in the Lower Goulburn National Park. This spectacular reserve offers an authentic Australian bush camp on a high bank overlooking a majestic, wide bend of the Goulburn River. It is a paradise for self-sufficient travellers, especially anglers, kayakers, and nature lovers seeking a peaceful and scenic escape. The campground is a large, open, and grassy area, surrounded by a stunning forest of ancient river red gums, providing ample shade and a serene atmosphere. There are numerous fantastic sites to choose from, suitable for all setups from tents and camper trailers to large caravans and motorhomes, with many offering incredible, elevated views of the river below.

The main attraction here is the breathtaking Goulburn River itself. The high cliffs of The Gulf provide a unique and dramatic landscape, and the deep, slow-moving water is a legendary hotspot for fishing for Murray Cod and Golden Perch. The campground has a dedicated boat ramp, making it a popular launch point for tinnies and kayaks to explore the pristine waterway. The surrounding national park is a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and an incredible diversity of birdlife, including majestic sea eagles, often spotted from the campsite. While it is a free, back-to-basics camp, it is well-equipped with clean non-flush toilets and picnic facilities. Its location, feeling wonderfully remote yet accessible from nearby towns like Nathalia and Barmah, makes it a perfect base for exploring the world’s largest river red gum forest. For an unforgettable, budget-friendly adventure that showcases the best of Australia’s riverine landscapes, The Gulf is a top-tier destination.

Campground Information

• Name: The Gulf Camping and Picnic Area
• Address: River Rd, Yielima VIC 3638

Location Coordinates

• GPS:-35.84373051345009, 145.15235505587670

Website

• Website: This is a free campground in a National Park. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Riverside bush camp in the Lower Goulburn National Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, and Motorhomes.
• Road Access: Unsealed dirt tracks. Dry weather access only. 4WD is recommended as tracks can be slippery and boggy when wet.
• Site Surface: Natural dirt and grass base.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free dispersed camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe Parks Victoria guidelines.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, boat ramp. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy. Telstra has the best chance of a signal.
• TV Reception: Possible but can be unreliable.
• 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 from outside the park.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of the natural environment.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with many dispersed sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent, fishing gear.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in Lower Goulburn National Park.

Activities

• Fishing: Premier location for Murray Cod and Golden Perch (Yellowbelly).
• Short Walks: Enjoy exploring the riverbanks and the surrounding Red Gum forest.
• Kayaking & Boating: The onsite boat ramp provides excellent access to the Goulburn River.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Barmah Hotel (Barmah) – Approx. 20 km
  • Nathalia Hotel (Nathalia) – Approx. 25 km
  • Court House Hotel (Nathalia) – Approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Barmah Hotel (Bistro) & Cafe – Approx. 20 km
  • Nathalia Bakery – Approx. 25 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Lower Goulburn National Park – You are in it!
  • Barmah National Park (World’s Largest Red Gum Forest) – Approx. 20 km
  • Kingfisher Cruises (Barmah) – Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Barmah Bridge Caravan Park – Approx. 20 km
  • Nathalia Caravan Park – Approx. 25 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Numerous other sites along the Goulburn and Murray Rivers (e.g., Doctors Beach on Ulupna Island).
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Barmah Public Dump Point – Approx. 20 km
  • Nathalia Showgrounds Public Dump Point – Approx. 26 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Barmah – Approx. 20 km
  • Nathalia has multiple options – Approx. 25 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Barmah or Nathalia townships.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and sunny, ideal for river activities, with average temperatures of 16-32°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and mild nights, perfect for fishing and exploring, averaging 9-26°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and crisp with frosty mornings and often clear days, great for campfires, averaging 4-15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild to warm and pleasant, a prime time for being on the water, averaging 8-24°C.