Idyllic remote camping spots to escape everything in East Gippsland
You can pitch a tent near a beach that you might just have to yourself, or walk among the waterfalls at these incredible remote camping spots in East Gippsland.
Lifestyle
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News.
There’s plenty of places for remote camping in Far East Gippsland.
Whether you’re after a coastal getaway that lets you pitch a tent close to the beach, or a forest adventure among towering gum trees, there’s an experience to suit everyone’s taste and experience.
Orbost ranger team leader Mike Irvine shares advice on the best places to visit, things to do and some of the hidden places to camp.
BANKSIA BLUFF CAMPGROUND
Level: Mid-level
Closest town: Cabbage Tree Creek: 16km
Drawcard: Cape Conran lets you escape the daily grind and get away from people. Beaches in the area are usually quiet, aside from the odd fisherman. There’s a large underdeveloped forest area. You can bring your dog, but it must be on a lead at all times — even at the beach.
Facilities: No powered sites, no hot water, flushing toilets, BYO drinking water.
When to visit: Boxing Day to Australia Day weekend is the busiest period, with sites usually booked for that period. Mr Irvine recommended visiting when the weather was milder. Surrounding beaches outside of the peak period are quieter.
Things to do: Beaches between East Cape and Cape Conran are generally safe to swim, but are unpatrolled. There’s also plenty of 2WD and 4WD drives to take, ranging from sedate to challenging courses. The self-sufficient coastal walk to New South Wales is popular. There’s also an offshore marine sanctuary that allows for scuba diving.
Advice: Be aware of the bushfire risk when camping during summer. Larger campsites are in direct communication with occupants about the fire risk and can notify people quickly if conditions change. There’s no hot running water, so make sure you take more than enough for drinking and cooking water. All sites are unpowered. Mr Irvine warned against camping in dense bushland on hot days.
Campfires are allowed but should not be left unattended.
Ticks are common in East Gippsland, so make sure you keep an eye on your dog.
JACKSONS CROSSING CAMP AREA
Via Jacksons Crossing Track.
MCKILLOPS BRIDGE CAMP GROUND
Via McKillops Rd.
RAYMOND CREEK FALLS
Via Garnets Track.
Level: Basic
Closest town: Jacksons Crossing to Buchan (30km), McKillops Bridge to Buchan (84km), Raymond Creek Falls to Buchan (106km).
Drawcard: The Snowy River is a main drawcard for people staying in the area. People can drive into river side campsites at McKillops Bridge. There’s a spot on the Jacksons Crossing that allows you to drive through a shallow part of the river. If you’re camping at either McKillops Bridge or Jacksons Crossing, you’ll need a 4WD to camp by the river.
Facilities: Unpowered sites at McKillops Bridge, drop toilets only and fireplace.
There’s no facilities at this site and you’ll need to bring everything in.
When to visit: As there’s no bookings, campsites are available on a first in, first served basis. To avoid disappointment, camp outside of the popular times.
Things to do: Visit Raymond Creek Falls and take the 1km return walk through wilderness to the spectacular waterfall that plunges 20 metres into a deep, clear pool.
Advice: Mr Irvine warned against camping on the river bed at Jacksons Crossing, as the river may flood even if there’s no rain.
“They can do releases from time to time. We’d advise people to camp in the designated areas,” he said.
Mr Irvine said the Snowy River may have snags under the water and to remain vigilant when swimming.
He also suggested campers share their destination and expected return time when going on long drives or bushwalking.
Food not stored correctly at campsites could unintentionally bait wildlife, particularly goannas.
FROSTY HOLLOW CAMP GROUND
Access via Coast Range Rd.
DELEGATE RIVER CAMPING AREA
Access via Cobon Rd.
Level: Basic
Closest town: Frosty Hollow to Goongerah (44.5km), Delegate River to Goonegerah (44km).
Facilities: Very basic facilities with Frosty Hollow the main camping area with pit toilets.Delegate River is for remote bush camping.
Drawcard: Errinundra National Park is a remote forest populated by large gum trees.
When to visit: It’s not advised to visit on high temperature days.
Things to do: Walking or driving to the summit of Mount Ellery is popular. The walk becomes quite rough and rocky, with scrambling and climbing required to reach the summit. Climb at your own risk.
Advice: Make sure you pack more than enough supplies for your stay, as the area is quite remote. Mr Irvine advised campers to stick to the designated roads and to be aware of other traffic, as large timber harvesting trucks were common in the area.
MORE NEWS
CAMPING HACKS FOR VICTORIAN ALPS
Via Back Corringle Rd.
Level: Mid-level
Closest Town: Marlo: 33km
Facilities: 26 unpowered sites, pit toilets, BYO drinking water, picnic tables and campfires spaces supplied. The park is dog friendly.
Drawcard: The campsite is quite unique as it allows beach access via the estuary (The Slips) and the coast. Some campsites are 20 metres from the water. Boats can be parked at the shore close to your camp.
When to visit: Summer is the most popular time and availability was better outside of peak holiday periods.
Things to do: Surf fishing is popular, with salmon and shark caught in the area. Ocean swimming isn’t advised, but there’s plenty of safer waterways nearby. People who have access to boats can travel to Marlo Pub for lunch.
Advice: Make sure you book a camp spot, as the site is popular in summer especially around Boxing Day and Easter. There’s a Rotary Club fishing event that often books out majority of the Corringle Foreshore Reserve sites around Easter. Mr Irvine also warned phone reception was patchy in some areas.