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Balley Hooley Campground, Buchan

★★★★☆

Nestled in the heart of East Gippsland’s rugged and beautiful landscape, Balley Hooley Campground offers a serene escape for nature lovers and adventurers. Known locally as ‘The Junction’, this picturesque free campsite marks the magnificent confluence of the Buchan River and the legendary Snowy River. It’s a place of profound tranquility, where the gentle sounds of flowing water provide a constant, calming soundtrack to your stay. The campground is set within a spacious, grassy clearing along the riverbanks, making it an ideal location for setting up camp and unwinding away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.The site is perfectly suited for a range of outdoor activities. The relatively shallow embankments provide easy access to the pristine river waters, inviting visitors for a refreshing swim on a warm day, or to simply paddle and relax. Anglers will find it a rewarding spot to cast a line in hopes of catching local fish species. For the more adventurous, Balley Hooley serves as a popular finishing point for multi-day kayaking and rafting expeditions that begin further up the Snowy River, such as the trip from McKillops Bridge. The surrounding area is crisscrossed with short walking tracks that lead to different scenic points along the river, offering beautiful views and opportunities to spot local wildlife and wildflowers, especially during the summer months.

While the campground provides a genuine back-to-nature experience, it is equipped with essential facilities to ensure a comfortable stay, including drop toilets, picnic tables, and wood barbecues with fire pits at most sites. The spacious layout allows for a good number of campers without feeling crowded. Access to the site is via unsealed roads that can be steep, so caution is advised. Balley Hooley is more than just a campsite; it’s a destination that captures the essence of the Australian bush, offering a perfect base to explore the wonders of the Snowy River National Park and the nearby attractions of Buchan.

Campground Information

Name: Balley Hooley Campground
Address: Balley Hooley Rd, Buchan, VIC 3885, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -37.51803500124053, 148.26352005480743
Website: Not available (managed by Parks Victoria)

Location Map

Use the map below to set your GPS. The location is marked at the campground entrance.

Site Details & Facilities

Location: Situated at the junction of the Snowy River and Buchan River, within Snowy River National Park.
Road Access: Accessible by 2WD vehicles in dry conditions, but caution is advised. The final access roads are unsealed, steep, and can be narrow in places. Not recommended for very large rigs without prior inspection.
Site Surface: Grass and natural earth.
Camping Permitted: Yes, suitable for tents, camper trailers, caravans, and RVs.
Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but standard Parks Victoria fair use policies apply.
Facilities: Basic drop toilets, picnic tables, and wood fire pits/BBQs are available at most sites.
Potable Water: No potable water is available. You must bring your own drinking water supply.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent. Expect to be offline.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flushing (drop) toilets.
Rubbish Bins: No. This is a carry-in, carry-out site. Please take all your rubbish with you.
Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to local fire restrictions and total fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers regarding noise and fumes.
Number of Sites Available: Undesignated sites in a large grassy area, approximately 15-20 informal sites.
Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, insect repellent, and all necessary camping supplies.

Activities & Local Area

Pet Friendly: No, dogs and other pets are not permitted as it is within a National Park.
Fishing: Yes, fishing is a popular activity in both the Snowy and Buchan Rivers. A Victorian fishing licence is required.
Short Walks: Yes, there are several informal tracks along the riverbanks to explore.
Local Pubs:
- Buchan Caves Hotel – Main Rd, Buchan (approx. 17 km)
Places to Eat:
- Buchan Caves Hotel (Bistro) – Main Rd, Buchan (approx. 17 km)
- Various cafes and takeaway options in Orbost (approx. 65 km)
Local Attractions:
- Buchan Caves Reserve – Buchan (approx. 18 km)
- Snowy River National Park – You are in it!
- Little River Gorge & Falls – (Further into the National Park, check road conditions)
Nearest Caravan Parks (Paid):
- Buchan Caves Reserve Campground – Buchan (approx. 18 km)
- The Stockmans Camp – Buchan South (approx. 20 km)
- Orbost Caravan Park – Orbost (approx. 65 km)
Next Free Camps:
- Timbarra Bridge Camping Area – Timbarra (approx. 40 km)
- Raymond Creek Falls Campground – Yalmy (approx. 50 km)
Nearest Dump Points:
- Bruthen Public Dump Point – Bruthen (approx. 62 km)
- Orbost Public Dump Point – Orbost (approx. 65 km)
Nearest Petrol Station:
- Buchan (approx. 17 km)
Drinking Water Resupply:
- Buchan (check availability at public taps) or purchase from local stores.
Nearest Public Toilets (Flushing):
- Buchan Caves Reserve or in the Buchan township (approx. 17-18 km)

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Balley Hooley / Buchan Area

Summer (Dec-Feb): Generally warm to hot days, with average temperatures between 15°C and 30°C. Can be very hot. Good for swimming. High fire danger risk.
Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and pleasant days with cool nights. Temperatures typically range from 10°C to 22°C. A great time for walking and exploring.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold days and very cold nights. Temperatures range from 3°C to 15°C, with overnight frosts common. Be prepared for cold weather camping.
Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild days with increasing warmth, but can be unpredictable. Temperatures range from 8°C to 20°C. Wildflowers are often in bloom.

Balley Hooley Campground – Buchan