Nestled on the picturesque banks of the Tambo River, the Greg Ridsdale Memorial Caravan & Camping Park in Bruthen offers a tranquil and welcoming base for exploring the heart of East Gippsland. This community-run park is a local gem, perfectly positioned for travellers on the Great Alpine Road and those looking to experience the famous East Gippsland Rail Trail, which runs directly alongside the park. Its spacious, grassy sites, set within a natural bush environment, provide a classic and relaxed Australian camping experience. The gentle flow of the river creates a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to unwind, cast a line for a spot of fishing, or simply watch the birdlife.
The park’s prime location is one of its greatest assets. A leisurely five-minute walk takes you into the charming main street of Bruthen, where you can enjoy true country hospitality at the local pub, browse the shops, or grab a coffee. The park itself is well-equipped to ensure a comfortable stay, offering both powered and unpowered sites, clean amenities, and a convenient onsite dump point. It’s particularly popular with families and pet owners, as it provides a friendly and safe environment for all. Whether you’re setting up a caravan for a few days, pitching a tent for a weekend getaway, or stopping over on a cycling adventure, the Bruthen Caravan Park provides the perfect blend of natural serenity and town convenience. It’s a place where you can truly slow down and appreciate the relaxed pace of country life while still having everything you need within easy reach.
Greg Ridsdale Memorial Caravan & Camping Park – VIC Location Map
Greg Ridsdale Memorial Caravan & Camping Park
- Address: 1 Tambo Road, Bruthen, VIC 3885, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.71218136606846, 147.8358284038597
- Website: bruthendistrict.org.au/bruthen-caravan-park
Park Facilities & Information
- Road Access: Excellent sealed road access directly off the Great Alpine Road.
- Site Surface: Mostly grass sites.
- Facilities: Toilets, showers, BBQ areas, dump point.
- Number of Sites: A mix of powered and unpowered sites are available. Contact the park for specific numbers.
- Gas Swap Bottle: Available in Bruthen town.
- Fishing Bait: Available at local stores in Bruthen.
- Firewood: Check with the park caretaker for local suppliers and rules.
- Kiosk: No kiosk onsite, but shops are a 5-minute walk away.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good coverage for major carriers like Telstra.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but with consideration for other campers (check park for specific hours).
- Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire restrictions and Total Fire Bans.
- Essentials to Bring: While close to town, it’s always wise to bring basic supplies.
- Location: On the banks of the Tambo River, adjacent to the East Gippsland Rail Trail.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome.
- Fishing: Yes, river fishing is popular in the Tambo River.
- Short Walks: Yes, direct access to the East Gippsland Rail Trail for walking and cycling.
Nearby Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Bruthen Inn Hotel – Approx. 500 m
- The Nicholson Hotel – Approx. 18 km
- Main Hotel Bairnsdale – Approx. 22 km
- Places to Eat:
- Bullant Brewery – Approx. 400 m
- Bruthen Pizza & Takeaway – Approx. 500 m
- Various cafes and bakeries in Bruthen’s main street.
- Local Attractions:
- East Gippsland Rail Trail – Adjacent to park
- Buchan Caves Reserve – Approx. 55 km
- Fairy Dell Flora Reserve – Approx. 15 km
- Nearest Alternate Caravan Parks:
- Lakes Bushland Caravan Park (Nicholson) – Approx. 18 km
- Lealow Caravan Park (Johnsonville) – Approx. 20 km
- NRMA Bairnsdale Riverside Holiday Park – Approx. 22 km
- Alternate Free Camps:
- Log Crossing Picnic Area (Colquhoun State Forest) – Approx. 25 km
- Informal camping in nearby state forests (check Parks Victoria for rules).
- Nearest Alternate Dump Points:
- Bairnsdale Landfill, Forge Creek – Approx. 30 km
- Lakes Entrance Public Dump Point – Approx. 25 km
- Orbost Caravan Park – Approx. 60 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- BP Bruthen – Approx. 600 m
- Nearest Alternate Drinking Water Resupply:
- Public taps available in Bairnsdale parks and visitor centres – Approx. 22 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast
Bruthen enjoys a temperate climate, making it a pleasant destination year-round.
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days with average maximums of 25-30°C. Perfect for enjoying the river.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and often sunny, with beautiful clear days. Ideal for cycling the rail trail.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool, with average maximums of 12-16°C. Nights are crisp and cold, perfect for a campfire.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and warming, with the surrounding countryside becoming green and vibrant.