English’s Bridge Campground: Free, Pet-Friendly Camping on the Campaspe River

Escape to a classic Australian bush setting at English’s Bridge Streamside Reserve, a much-loved free campground on the banks of the Campaspe River. Located a short drive from the communities of Goornong and Elmore, and within easy reach of Bendigo, this reserve offers a perfect blend of peaceful riverside camping and accessibility. The campground is spread out along the river, with numerous shady and open sites nestled amongst majestic gum trees. It’s a fantastic spot for all types of campers, from those in tents to large caravans and RVs, with plenty of space to find your own private corner. The river is the heart of the experience here, offering beautiful spots for swimming, kayaking, and fishing for Murray Cod and Golden Perch.

As a free, pet-friendly reserve, it’s an ideal destination for the whole family to enjoy a budget-friendly holiday. The campground provides basic but welcome facilities, including non-flushing toilets and some picnic tables and wood barbecues. Visitors need to be self-sufficient, bringing their own drinking water and taking all rubbish home to help keep the reserve pristine. The easy 2WD access in dry conditions makes it a popular weekend getaway. It’s a place where you can truly relax, enjoy a campfire under the stars (subject to fire restrictions), and wake to the sound of kookaburras. For a serene, convenient, and picturesque camping experience that captures the essence of country Victoria, English’s Bridge is a top choice for self-contained travellers.

Campground Information

• Name: English’s Bridge Streamside Reserve Campground
• Address: English Bridge Road, Goornong, Victoria 3557, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -36.623349059111355, 144.56184124927776
• Website: Managed by local authorities (no direct website).

Features & Rules

• Location: Peaceful, shady reserve on the banks of the Campaspe River.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.
• Road Access: Unsealed road access, generally suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry conditions.
• Site Surface: Natural earth and grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but short stays are encouraged.
• Facilities: Non-flushing toilets, some picnic tables and wood BBQs.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy, best with Telstra.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic non-flushing toilets are available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in existing fire pits, subject to seasonal fire bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Numerous undesignated, unpowered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, portable toilet (recommended), firewood, rubbish bags, and toilet paper.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Possible in the Campaspe River.
• Short Walks: Informal walks along the river and through the reserve.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Goornong Hotel – approx. 15 km
  • Toolleen Hotel – approx. 18 km
  • Shamrock Hotel (Elmore) – approx. 20 km
• Places to Eat:
  • The Elmore Bakery – approx. 20 km
  • Various cafes and takeaways in Elmore and Goornong.
• Local Attractions:
  • Campaspe River – on-site
  • Historic town of Bendigo – approx. 40 km
  • Heathcote Wine Region – nearby

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Elmore Caravan Park – approx. 20 km
  • Gold Nugget Tourist Park (Bendigo) – approx. 35 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Rocky Crossing Campground – approx. 5 km
  • Aysons Reserve (Burnewang) – approx. 28 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Bendigo Showground – approx. 40 km
  • Elmore Events Centre (check for public access) – approx. 20 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Goornong – approx. 15 km or Elmore – approx. 20 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Goornong or Elmore.
• Nearest Public Toilets: On-site (basic). Flushing toilets in Goornong or Elmore.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot and generally dry. Average maximum temperatures are around 30°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for exploring. Average maximums range from 17°C to 26°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool days and cold nights with frequent frosts. Average maximums are around 13°C to 14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and becoming warmer, with pleasant conditions. Average maximums range from 17°C to 25°C.