Your guide to free Easter state forest camping

From the Goulburn River to the Otways, the High Country to the Murray, here’s your guide to some of the best places to set up camp and enjoy the Easter long weekend outdoors.

Goulburn River camping

Choose from over 12 campgrounds dotted along the Goulburn River from Jamieson, south of Lake Eildon—a spot popular with campers, anglers and paddlers keen to relax.

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
• Gaffneys Creek Reserve.

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 camping

For the more adventurous and independent camper, head to the scenic Big River.

Located about 180 km northeast of Melbourne and running into Lake Eildon from the Yarra Ranges, there are 31 campgrounds over the 2 camping precincts — Lower Big River and Upper Big River.

The Lower Big River sites 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 — through Stockmans Reward and Frenchmans Creek — to 25 Mile Creek Camp at the other end.

The area is also perfect for 4WD adventures, trail bike riding, fishing and hunting.

Latrobe State Forest/Yarra State Forest

If you’re keen to camp closer to Melbourne, Poplars Reserve on the Loch River just 10 minutes from Noojee is the perfect place to base yourself for a few days while you explore close-by Toorongo Falls, Noojee Trestle Bridge and the Ada Tree.

20 minutes away from Poplars is the Latrobe River Campground, a smaller site a short walk from the Latrobe River. Or further up the road set within beautiful mountain ash forest, cool temperate rainforest and towering tree ferns is Starlings Gap, a great base to explore the Yarra State Forest and the Yarra Ranges National Park further north.

Or enjoy other forest attractions, including Seven Acre Rock, Hey Hey My My Mountain Bike track or the Warburton Mountain Bike Track (opening April 2026), about a 35 minute drive away.

If you’re keen to explore the forest more, this site sits along the Walk into History route that follows historic timber tramways.

Located 45 minutes east of Warburton is the 3.6 km Ada Tree Walk, that takes you past beautiful groves of ancient myrtle beech, sassafras, tree ferns and the hero of the walk, the over 300 year old Ada Tree.

Or enjoy other forest attractions, including Seven Acre Rock, Hey Hey My My Mountain Bike track or the Warburton Mountain Bike Track (opening April 2026), about a 35 minute drive away.

Upper Dargo Camping Precinct

Tucked deep in Gippsland’s high country, the Upper Dargo camping precinct is a favourite for those who love a true bush escape.

Set up camp along the stunning Dargo River and surround yourself with rugged forested hills. The area offers a string of peaceful riverside campgrounds that are perfect for swimming, fishing, paddling or simply unwinding beside the water.

Popular spots provide easy river access and plenty of space to spread out include:

• Italian Flat
• Jimmy Iversons
• Collins Flat
• Ollies Jump Up
• Two Mile Creek
• Black Flat.

The precinct is also a gateway to iconic 4WD routes including the High Country Back Road Tour – Omeo to Dargo.

Otways camping

Head to the southwest of the state for towering eucalypts, fern‑filled gullies and cool forest air.

Popular spots include Stevensons Falls, a favourite for families thanks to its easy forest walks and spacious grassy areas, and Dandos, set beside the Gellibrand River with plenty of shade and room to unwind.

Further south, Beauchamp Falls Campground gives you access to lush rainforest walks and the impressive waterfall. With forest roads weaving through the area, there are plenty of opportunities to explore 4WD tracks, picnic areas and small streams tucked away in the surrounding bush.

There’s also Hammonds Road North Campground is in the beautiful Otway Forest Park near Anglesea. It’s just a short drive from the beaches along the Surf Coast and can be accessed from the iconic Great Ocean Road.

Gunbower camping

For those looking for a no-frills camping experience by the water, there are a range of campgrounds located along the Murray and the vast Gunbower State Forest.

This area is known for its sweeping river red gum landscapes and peaceful riverside sites.

Enjoy fishing, paddling, or simply relaxing while taking in the views of the river and surrounding gums. Choose from these campgrounds:

• Twin Bridges
• Five Sleeper
• Horse Shoe Lagoon
• Reedy Lagoon
• Spence Bridge
• Goat Island
• Black Swamp
• Ti-Tree.

Wimmera River camping

The Wimmera River winds through shaded red gum country, offering laid‑back bush camping in the Wail State Forest near Dimboola, perfect for those looking to slow down and enjoy the serenity.

It also offers easy access to the river for fishing, paddling or cooling off on those warmer Easter days.

Choose from Big Bend or one of the 5 Wail Campgrounds and enjoy the abundant birdlife and tranquil surrounds of the Wimmera landscape.

Or wander through the stringybark and native pine open woodland along the Wail Trail and Scenic Loop.

Rocklands Reservoir camping

If you’re after a quiet bush escape with easy access to the water, Rocklands Reservoir, west of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, is hard to beat. Constructed in the 1950s, it’s Victoria’s second-largest reservoir.

With 6 roomy camping sites dotted around the shoreline, it makes an excellent base for boating, fishing, canoeing or taking a swim.

Be sure to pack your camera or binoculars too, as the area is perfect for spotting local wildlife and a wide range of birdlife.

Planned burns this autumn

Stay informed about autumn planned burns before you go and always check VicEmergency for fire danger ratings, total fire bans, advice and warnings.

Page last updated: 28/03/26