The Quarries Campground: Riverside Camping & Swimming at Briagolong

Nestled in the foothills of the Victorian Alps, The Quarries campground is a beloved local treasure and a perfect destination for a classic family camping holiday. Located in the Briagolong State Forest just a short drive from the charming township of Briagolong, this reserve is famous for its spectacular swimming hole on Freestone Creek. The creek, set within a rocky gorge, features deep, clear pools that provide a refreshing escape during the warmer months. The campground itself is a large, flat area set high above the creek, with ample space for tents, camper trailers, and caravans to spread out amongst a shady open woodland of Red Gums and Stringybarks. It’s a vibrant and popular spot, especially on weekends and holidays, with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Managed by a dedicated local committee, The Quarries offers excellent facilities for a low-cost campground. Visitors have access to toilets, cold showers, a large open hall with fireplaces, and numerous fire pits and picnic tables. While camping is not free, a very reasonable nightly fee (payable in town or to on-site caretakers) goes directly towards maintaining these fantastic amenities. The reserve is pet-friendly, so your four-legged family members can join in the fun. With numerous walking tracks to explore, including the nearby Blue Pool, and the convenience of Briagolong just a few minutes away for supplies and a pub meal, The Quarries offers an unbeatable combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and community spirit for a memorable Gippsland getaway.

Campground Information

• Name: The Quarries, George Creek Streamside Reserve
• Address: 365 Freestone Creek Road, Briagolong, Victoria 3860, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.813937852693456, 147.0872733177113
• Website: Managed by a local committee (no official website).

Features & Rules

• Location: Large, flat campground in the Briagolong State Forest, set above Freestone Creek.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, and caravans.
• Road Access: Good access via unsealed roads, suitable for 2WD vehicles.
• Site Surface: Natural earth and grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping. Fees can be paid at the Briagolong General Store or Hotel.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Up to 3 weeks.
• Facilities: Toilets, cold showers, large shelter/hall with fireplaces, picnic tables, fire pits.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy, best with Telstra.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, toilets and cold showers are available.
• Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fireplaces only, subject to seasonal fire bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but a strict 10pm noise curfew applies.
• Number of Sites Available: Numerous undesignated, unpowered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, and cash for fees.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Possible in Freestone Creek.
• Short Walks: Walking tracks within the reserve and to nearby attractions like Blue Pool.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Briagolong Hotel – approx. 6 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Briagolong Hotel – approx. 6 km
  • Briagolong General Store (takeaway) – approx. 6 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Freestone Creek swimming hole – on-site
  • Blue Pool – approx. 2 km
  • Briagolong Historic Town – approx. 6 km

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Stratford on the River Tourist Park – approx. 25 km
  • Maffra Caravan Park – approx. 30 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Blue Pool campground – approx. 2 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Maffra Showgrounds – approx. 30 km
  • Sale Showgrounds – approx. 40 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Briagolong – approx. 6 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Briagolong.
• Nearest Public Toilets: On-site at the campground.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot, perfect for swimming in the creek. Average maximum temperatures are around 27°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for hiking. Average maximums range from 17°C to 25°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often damp, with cold nights. Average maximums are around 14°C to 15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and becoming warmer, with the forest at its most lush. Average maximums range from 17°C to 23°C.