Goongerah Campground: Free, Pet-Friendly Gateway to Errinundra National Park

For travellers seeking an authentic and remote bush experience, Goongerah Campground is a spectacular free camping destination in the heart of East Gippsland’s ancient forests. This beautiful, grassy reserve is perfectly situated on the banks of the Brodribb River and serves as the southern gateway to the magnificent Errinundra National Park, home to some of Victoria’s largest and oldest stands of cool temperate rainforest. The campground itself is a spacious and peaceful haven, with level sites suitable for everything from tents to caravans. It’s a place to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature, with the sound of the river and the calls of lyrebirds providing a constant, calming soundtrack.

The campground offers excellent basic facilities for a free site, including well-maintained non-flushing toilets, picnic tables, and a charming communal hut that provides shelter and a place to connect with fellow campers. The Brodribb River offers lovely spots for a refreshing swim or to try your luck fishing. As a State Forest campground, it is proudly pet-friendly, making it a wonderful destination for the entire family. Access is via the sealed Bonang Highway, making it easily reachable for 2WD vehicles. Campers must be self-sufficient, bringing their own drinking water and taking all rubbish home. For those looking to explore the majestic old-growth forests and walking trails of the Errinundra Plateau, or simply seeking a tranquil riverside escape, Goongerah Campground is an exceptional and highly-recommended choice.

Campground Information

• Name: Goongerah Campground
• Address: Bonang Highway (C612), Goongerah, Victoria 3888, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.3432,148.7006
• Website: Managed by Forest Fire Management Victoria.

Features & Rules

• Location: Spacious, grassy reserve on the Brodribb River, at the edge of Errinundra National Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.
• Road Access: Excellent sealed road access.
• Site Surface: Level grass.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit.
• Facilities: Non-flushing toilets, a communal hut, picnic tables, and fire pits.
• Potable Water: No, the water on site is non-potable. Bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic non-flushing toilets are available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in provided fireplaces, 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, firewood, rubbish bags, and toilet paper.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Possible in the Brodribb River.
• Short Walks: Informal walks along the river and access to trails in Errinundra National Park.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Bendoc Hotel – approx. 50 km
  • Delegate Hotel (NSW) – approx. 65 km
• Places to Eat:
  • The nearest cafes and takeaways are in Orbost – approx. 65 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Errinundra National Park & Rainforest Walk – access from the campground
  • Snowy River National Park – nearby

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Orbost Caravan Park – approx. 65 km
  • Bombala Caravan Park (NSW) – approx. 90 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Ada River Campground – approx. 25 km (4WD recommended)
  • Delegate River Camping Area – approx. 40 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Orbost Public Dump Point – approx. 65 km
  • Bombala Showground (NSW) – approx. 90 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Orbost – approx. 65 km or Bombala (NSW) – approx. 90 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Orbost.
• Nearest Public Toilets: On-site (basic).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm days with cool nights. Average maximum temperatures are around 25°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Cool days and cold nights, with beautiful autumn colours in the surrounding forests. Average maximums range from 15°C to 22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frosty nights and a high chance of rain or snow, which can close access roads into the National Park. Average maximums are around 12°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and becoming milder. The forest is vibrant and waterfalls are flowing. Average maximums range from 15°C to 20°C.