Buchan Caves Reserve Campground: Explore Underground Wonders in East Gippsland

Nestled in a picturesque valley in the heart of East Gippsland, the Buchan Caves Reserve Campground offers a unique and unforgettable holiday experience for families, nature lovers, and adventurers. This beautiful park, managed by Parks Victoria, is famous for its spectacular limestone caves, formed over millions of years by underground rivers. The campground itself is set on lush, grassy flats alongside the tranquil Buchan River, creating a serene, park-like atmosphere. It’s a place where you can wake up to the sight of kangaroos grazing peacefully just metres from your tent or caravan, and spend your days exploring both the subterranean wonders below and the beautiful bushland above.

Unlike remote bush camps, the Buchan Caves Reserve provides excellent facilities, making it an ideal destination for those who appreciate modern comforts. With powered and unpowered sites, hot showers, flushing toilets, a laundry, and a fully equipped camp kitchen, it caters perfectly to caravans, motorhomes, and tent campers. The main attraction, of course, is the caves. Guided tours of the stunning Royal Cave and Fairy Cave are a must-do, revealing a magical world of intricate stalactites, stalagmites, and calcite-rimmed pools. Above ground, numerous walking tracks wind through the reserve, leading to scenic lookouts and along the river. The nearby Buchan township offers a classic country pub and a general store for supplies. For a comfortable, family-friendly camping trip that combines natural beauty with incredible geological wonders, the Buchan Caves Reserve Campground is one of Victoria’s premier destinations.

Campground Information

• Name: Buchan Caves Reserve Campground
• Address: Caves Road, Buchan, Victoria 3885, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.495259,148.163866
• Website: parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/buchan-caves-reserve

Features & Rules

• Location: Scenic, park-like setting on the Buchan River, within the Buchan Caves Reserve.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes. Cabins are also available.
• Road Access: Excellent 2WD access via sealed roads.
• Site Surface: Level, grassy sites.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, bookings are essential year-round.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with Parks Victoria upon booking.
• Facilities: Hot showers, flushing toilets, laundry, camp kitchen, electric and wood BBQs.
• Potable Water: Yes, drinking water is available.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for Telstra, can be patchy for other carriers.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, flushing toilets are available.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fireplaces only, subject to seasonal fire bans.
• Generator Use: Not permitted.
• Number of Sites Available: 41 powered and 21 unpowered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Bed linen for cabins, firewood if desired (can be purchased locally).
• Pet Friendly: No, pets are not permitted in the campground or the main reserve area.
• Fishing: Possible in the Buchan River.
• Short Walks: Buchan River Walk, trails to lookouts, and guided cave tours.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Buchan Caves Hotel – approx. 1 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Buchan Caves Hotel – approx. 1 km
  • Various cafes and takeaways in Buchan township – approx. 1 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Royal Cave & Fairy Cave Tours – on-site
  • Buchan River Walk – on-site
  • Snowy River National Park – nearby

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • The Stockmans Camp – approx. 2 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Balley Hooley Camping Area – approx. 15 km
  • Timbarra Bridge Camping Area – approx. 25 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Bruthen – approx. 55 km
  • Orbost – approx. 60 km
  • Bairnsdale – approx. 80 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Buchan General Store – approx. 1 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: On-site at the campground.
• Nearest Public Toilets: On-site (flushing). Also in Buchan township.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days, perfect for exploring the caves and swimming in the river. Average maximums are around 25°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights. A beautiful time to visit as the leaves change colour. Average maximums range from 18°C to 24°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold, with frosty mornings. The caves remain a constant temperature year-round. Average maximums are around 14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and becoming warmer, with the surrounding landscape lush and green. Average maximums range from 18°C to 22°C.