Flour Bag Reserve: Free, Pet-Friendly Riverside Camping in the High Country

Discover a charming and secluded free camping spot at Flour Bag Reserve, nestled in the scenic Upper Goulburn Historic Area. Located just south of the historic Kevington Hotel on the Mansfield-Woods Point Road, this small campground offers a wonderfully peaceful retreat for self-sufficient travellers. The reserve is a beautiful, grassy flat right on the banks of the Goulburn River, surrounded by the steep, forested hills of the Victorian High Country. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to escape the larger, more crowded campgrounds and enjoy a more intimate connection with nature. The easy access from the main road makes it perfect for all types of camping setups, including caravans, camper trailers, and tents.

Flour Bag Reserve is a classic bush camp that embodies the spirit of the High Country. While there are no formal facilities like toilets or picnic tables, its stunning location more than makes up for it. The Goulburn River provides a picturesque backdrop and is perfect for a refreshing swim, a spot of trout fishing, or launching a kayak. As a State Forest campground, it is pet-friendly, allowing you to share the adventure with your dog. Campers must be completely self-contained, bringing their own portable toilet and drinking water, and must adhere to a strict ‘leave no trace’ policy by taking all rubbish home. With the historic towns of Jamieson and Woods Point within easy driving distance, Flour Bag Reserve is a fantastic base for exploring the region’s rich gold mining past and enjoying its spectacular natural beauty.

Campground Information

• Name: Flour Bag Reserve
• Address: Mansfield-Woods Point Road, Kevington, Victoria 3723, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.382966,146.211840
• Website: Managed by Forest Fire Management Victoria (no direct website).

Features & Rules

• Location: Small, grassy reserve on the Goulburn River in the Upper Goulburn Historic Area.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, and caravans.
• Road Access: Excellent 2WD access from the sealed Mansfield-Woods Point Road.
• Site Surface: Mostly level grass and natural earth.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Up to 28 days.
• Facilities: None. This is a completely self-sufficient campsite.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No. A portable toilet is essential.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted, subject to seasonal fire bans. Use existing fire pits where possible.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: A small number of undesignated, unpowered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, portable toilet, firewood, rubbish bags, and toilet paper.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Excellent trout fishing in the Goulburn River.
• Short Walks: Informal walks along the riverbank.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Kevington Hotel – approx. 1 km
  • Courthouse Hotel (Jamieson) – approx. 24 km
  • Jamieson Brewery and Grill – approx. 24 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Kevington Hotel – approx. 1 km
  • Various cafes and eateries in Jamieson – approx. 24 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Goulburn River and historic gold mining areas
  • Historic town of Jamieson – approx. 24 km
  • Lake Eildon National Park

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Jamieson Caravan Park – approx. 24 km
  • Howqua Valley Holiday Park – approx. 45 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Skipworth Reserve – approx. 5 km
  • Doctors Creek Reserve – approx. 7 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Mansfield Public Dump Point (near Visitor Information Centre) – approx. 50 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Jamieson – approx. 24 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Jamieson – approx. 24 km.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Kevington Hotel (for patrons) or in Jamieson township.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days with cool mountain nights. Perfect for swimming. Average maximum temperatures are around 28°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and crisp nights with stunning autumn colours. Average maximums range from 16°C to 25°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frosty nights and potential for snow on surrounding peaks. Roads can be slippery. Average maximums are around 12°C to 14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and becoming milder. The river can be high from snowmelt. Average maximums range from 16°C to 23°C.