Thomson Bridge Campground | Free Riverside Camping near Walhalla, VIC

Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Victorian High Country at Thomson Bridge Campground, a premier free camping destination located on the banks of the majestic Thomson River. Just a stone’s throw from the historically rich gold-mining town of Walhalla, this spacious and popular campground serves as the perfect base for adventure, relaxation, and exploration. The campsite is spread across a large, open grassy flat, offering numerous spots for tents, campervans, and caravans to set up with picturesque river views. The constant, soothing sound of the river flowing over stones provides a tranquil backdrop for your entire stay, making it easy to unwind and connect with the pristine natural surroundings.

Thomson Bridge is an adventurer’s paradise. The river itself is a major drawcard, renowned for its excellent trout fishing and offering fantastic opportunities for kayaking and swimming in the warmer months. The surrounding Baw Baw National Park and state forests are crisscrossed with an extensive network of 4WD tracks, ranging from easy scenic drives to challenging low-range climbs, appealing to off-road enthusiasts of all skill levels. For those interested in history, a short drive takes you to the lovingly preserved town of Walhalla, where you can ride the historic Goldfields Railway, venture deep underground on a mine tour, or simply wander the charming streets. The campground is well-equipped with basic facilities, including non-flushing toilets and picnic tables, catering to self-sufficient campers. As a pet-friendly site, your furry companions are welcome to join in the fun. Given its popularity, especially on weekends and public holidays, arriving early is recommended to secure a prime spot. Remember to pack out everything you pack in to help maintain the beauty of this exceptional free camp for future visitors.

Campground Details

• Name: Thomson Bridge Campground
• Address: Thomson Dam Access Rd, Walhalla, VIC 3825, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.957512846900926, 146.42008687347393
• Website: Not available (State Forest Campsite)

Site Information

• Location: A large, open grassy area on the banks of the Thomson River.
• Site suitable for: Tents, swags, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.
• Road access: Via Thomson Dam Access Road (sealed), with a short gravel entry into the campground. Suitable for all 2WD vehicles.
• Site surface: Mostly level grass and dirt.
• Camping permitted: Yes.
• Maximum overnight stays: No specified limit, but long-term stays are discouraged.
• Facilities: Non-flushing toilets, picnic tables, wood fire BBQs.
• Potable water: No. Bring your own drinking water or be prepared to treat river water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Very limited to none. A short drive towards Rawson may provide some Telstra service.
• TV reception: Unlikely.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes, long-drop (non-flushing) toilets are available.
• Rubbish bins: No. You must take all your rubbish out with you.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to local fire restrictions and total fire bans. BYO firewood is recommended.
• Generator use: Permitted, but please be considerate of fellow campers with noise levels and running times.
• Number of sites available: 50+ informal sites.
• Essentials to bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent.
• Pet friendly: Yes, pets are permitted but must be under control at all times.
• Fishing: Yes, excellent trout fishing in the Thomson River. A Victorian fishing license is required.
• Short walks: Informal walking trails along the river and into the surrounding bush.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Wally Pub (Walhalla): ~13km
  • Erica Hotel Motel: ~18km
  • Stockmans Bar & Grill (Rawson): ~21km
• Places to Eat:
  • Walhalla General Store & Cafe: ~13km
  • Rawson Food & Liquor: ~21km (takeaway and supplies)
• Local Attractions:
  • Historic Township of Walhalla: ~13km
  • Walhalla Goldfields Railway: ~13km
  • Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine Tour: ~13km
  • Thomson Dam Wall Lookout: ~20km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Walhalla’s Star Hotel & Caravan Park: ~13km
  • Erica Caravan Park: ~18km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Coopers Creek Camping Area: ~15km
  • Bruntons Bridge Campground: ~25km (4WD access recommended)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Traralgon Showgrounds (fee applies): ~60km
  • Moe Gardens Caravan Park (check for public access/fees): ~60km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Erica: ~18km (may have limited hours)
  • Rawson: ~21km (may have limited hours)
  • Moe/Traralgon for 24/7 service: ~60km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Rawson: ~21km (check local signage for public taps)
  • Moe/Traralgon service centres: ~60km
• Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Walhalla Rotunda Park: ~13km
  • Rawson Town Centre: ~21km

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Pleasant to warm days, perfect for river activities. Nights are cool. Average temperatures from 12°C to 28°C. High fire risk.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Crisp, clear days with cool nights. The surrounding forest displays stunning autumn colours. Average temperatures from 7°C to 20°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold days and very cold nights, often with heavy frost. Snowfall is possible on higher peaks nearby. Average temperatures from 1°C to 12°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days with increasing sunshine. The river is often high from snowmelt. Average temperatures from 5°C to 18°C.