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Between 2.5 and 3.5 hours north east of Melbourne are many campgrounds scattered along rivers and in tall forests. They make a great base for 4WDing, sightseeing, walking, fishing, hunting and exploring the forests.
Upper Goulburn State Forest campgrounds
Cool off along the Goulburn River at campgrounds popular with campers, anglers, paddlers and visitors keen to relax.
There are over 12 campgrounds along the river from Jamieson, south of Lake Eildon. All have direct river access.
Like Doctors Creek Reserve, just out of Jamieson, or further south Skipworth Reserve, Flour Bag Reserve, Tunnel Bend, Twelve Mile, Blue Hole Reserve, Picnic Point, Snakes Reserve and Gaffneys Creek Reserve.
All these campgrounds have toilets.
If you’re keen to see more of the forest, check out the Upper Goulburn 4WD Tour that runs from Jamieson south of Mansfield and finishes at the historic Kevington Hotel.
Big River State Forest campgrounds
For the more adventurous, independent camper who doesn’t need much in the way of facilities, the campgrounds along the scenic heritage-classified Big River are perfect.
Located about 180 km northeast of Melbourne and running into Lake Eildon from the Yarra Ranges, choose from 31 campgrounds over the two camping precincts — Lower Big River and Upper Big River.
The Lower Big River sites are south of Lake Eildon along Eildon-Jamieson Road and Big River Road. They include sites like Taponga, flanked by both the Big and Taponga Rivers. Jim Bullock and Horseshoe Bend are both about 500 metres away and further south is Chaffe Creek.
The Upper Big River sites are located off Big River Road stretching from Married Men Camp to 25 Mile Creek Camp at the other end, offering a range of riverside camping options.
Beyond camping, the area is perfect for 4WD adventures, trail bike riding, fishing and hunting.
Find out more about these campgrounds and their facilities on the More to Explore app.
How to get there
Upper Goulburn campgrounds can be accessed from the north via Jamieson, or from the south via Matlock and Woods Point.
Big River campgrounds can be accessed from the north along Eildon-Jamieson Road, or from the south via Marysville and Woods Point Road.
The camping areas on Eildon-Jamieson Rd and part of the Big River Road are accessible by 2WD vehicles. Between 25 Mile Creek and Enochs Point, Big River Road is suitable for 4WD vehicles only.
Page last updated: 19/12/25