For the ultimate in lakeside seclusion, few places can rival the appeal of The Island Campground, a remote and primitive camping area on Lake Eildon that is accessible only by boat. This is not an official, gazetted island, but a prominent peninsula that becomes a temporary island when water levels are high, offering a truly unique and isolated camping experience. It’s a destination for the dedicated boatie and self-sufficient adventurer who is willing to trade facilities for unparalleled peace, quiet, and 360-degree water views.
Camping here is an exercise in pure escapism. The site is a rugged, natural clearing in the eucalypt forest, offering a handful of spots to pitch a tent with magnificent vistas across the Delatite Arm. The raw beauty of the location is its main drawcard. Days are spent on the water—fishing in the deep, quiet coves, exploring the intricate shoreline by kayak, or simply swimming from your own private ‘beach’. As evening approaches, the sense of isolation deepens, with the sounds of the bush coming alive and the sky, free from light pollution, erupting in a dazzling display of stars.
This is a completely undeveloped site within the state forest, meaning there are absolutely no facilities. Campers must be meticulously prepared, bringing in everything they need, including all drinking water, a portable toilet, and emergency supplies. A strict ‘leave no trace’ ethic is fundamental to preserving the wild character of this special place. The journey by boat from Jamieson or Goughs Bay is a scenic adventure in itself, building anticipation for the solitude that awaits. For those properly equipped to handle the isolation, a stay at The Island Campground is an unforgettable experience, offering a rare opportunity to inhabit your own private piece of the Victorian high country.
The Island Campground
- Address: Walshes Rd, Lake Eildon, VIC 3713
- GPS Coordinates: -37.12533273414521, 145.96320401557927
Campsite Information
- Location: A remote peninsula on the Delatite Arm of Lake Eildon.
- Site Suitable For: Tents and swags only.
- Road Access: Dirt.
- Site Surface: Dirt, rock, and natural bush floor.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free, dispersed camping is permitted.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit.
- Facilities: Absolutely none. This is a primitive wilderness site.
- Potable Water: No. Bring all required drinking and washing water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: None. An emergency communication device (PLB or satellite phone) is mandatory for safety.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. A portable toilet and a system to carry out all waste are essential.
- Rubbish Bins: No. A strict carry-in, carry-out policy applies. Leave it better than you found it.
- Open Fires: Permitted subject to all fire regulations and Total Fire Bans, but fuel stoves are highly recommended. Use extreme caution.
- Generator Use: Strongly discouraged to preserve the peaceful atmosphere.
- Number of Sites Available: Very limited. Only a few small, informal clearings are suitable for camping.
- Essentials to Bring: All water and food, portable toilet, rubbish bags, emergency communication device, comprehensive first-aid kit, navigation tools.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on-leash as it is within a state forest.
Local Area & Amenities (Distances from Jamieson)
- Fishing: Superb, isolated fishing for Murray cod, golden perch, and trout. A Victorian Fishing Licence is required.
- Short Walks: Explore the shoreline of your ‘island’.
- Nearest Town for Supplies: Jamieson (~30-35 km by water) or Mansfield (~50 km from Goughs Bay ramp).
- Local Pubs:
- The Courthouse Hotel (Jamieson): ~30 km by water/road.
- Jamieson Brewery and Grill (Jamieson): ~30 km by water/road.
- Places to Eat:
- Jamieson has a pub, cafe, and general store. You must bring all your own food to the campsite.
- Local Attractions:
- The sheer beauty and isolation of Lake Eildon.
- The historic gold town of Jamieson.
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Jamieson Caravan Park.
- Goughs Bay Holiday Park.
- Next Free Camps: Other informal, remote sites along the lake shore, such as Ewarts Camp Grounds.
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Jamieson (check for public access).
- Mansfield Showgrounds (public dump point).
- Nearest Petrol Station: Jamieson or Mansfield.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Fill up all water supplies in Jamieson or Mansfield before launching your boat.
- Public Toilets: Located at public boat ramps in Jamieson and Goughs Bay.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry with high fire danger. Water levels are lower. Average temperatures: 15°C to 32°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, clear days and cool nights. Arguably the best season to visit. Average temperatures: 8°C to 24°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and wet. The lake can be hazardous in poor weather. Not recommended for inexperienced boaties. Average temperatures: 2°C to 13°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool with unpredictable weather. The lake levels rise, and the area is lush and green. Average temperatures: 6°C to 20°C.