Nestled on the tranquil banks of the beautiful Nicholson River, the Nicholson River Holiday Park is a true paradise for anglers, boaters, and families looking to explore the magnificent Gippsland Lakes. This peaceful and friendly park offers an unbeatable location with direct river access, complete with its own private boat ramp and jetty, making it the ultimate destination for a water-based holiday. Situated just a short drive from the major regional centre of Bairnsdale and the popular tourist hub of Lakes Entrance, the park provides a serene escape while keeping you close to all the action.
The park is celebrated for its spacious, grassy sites set amongst shady trees, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It caters to a wide range of travellers, offering generous powered and unpowered sites for caravans, motorhomes, and tents, as well as a selection of comfortable, self-contained cabins for those seeking a home away from home. Family fun is at the heart of the park’s appeal, with a solar-heated swimming pool, a giant jumping pillow, and a playground to keep the kids entertained for hours. As a proudly pet-friendly park, your four-legged family members are welcome to join you on your riverside adventure. Excellent facilities, including a well-equipped camp kitchen, BBQ areas, and fish cleaning stations, ensure a convenient and enjoyable stay.
The star attraction is undoubtedly the direct access to the Gippsland Lakes. The Nicholson River is renowned for its exceptional bream fishing, and from the park’s boat ramp, you can explore the entire lakes system, chasing flathead, luderick, and more. The park is also located directly on the East Gippsland Rail Trail, offering a fantastic opportunity for a scenic walk or bike ride through the picturesque countryside. With its prime location, superb fishing opportunities, and great family-friendly facilities, the Nicholson River Holiday Park is the perfect choice for an unforgettable East Gippsland holiday.
Nicholson River Holiday Park – VIC Location Map
Nicholson River Holiday Park
- Address: 915 Princes Hwy, Nicholson VIC 3882
- Website: www.nicholsonriver.com.au
- GPS Coordinates: -37.81605, 147.73778
Site Details
- Location: Absolute riverfront on the Nicholson River, between Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, and tents. Cabins are also available.
- Road Access: Sealed road access directly off the Princes Highway.
- Site Surface: Spacious, grassy sites.
Facilities
- Solar-Heated Swimming Pool
- Private Boat Ramp & Jetty
- Jumping Pillow & Playground
- Camp Kitchen & BBQ Areas
- Fish Cleaning Facilities
- Onsite Public Toilets & Showers
- Guest Laundry
- Onsite Dump Point
- Potable Water, Rubbish Bins & Kiosk
- Good Mobile Phone & TV Reception
Activities & Essentials
- Essentials to Bring: Your boat, kayaks, and all your fishing gear, especially for bream. Bicycles for the rail trail.
- Pet-Friendly: Yes, the park is pet-friendly for sites by application (conditions and blackout periods may apply).
- Open Fires: Campfires are permitted in portable fire pits that are raised off the ground, subject to local fire restrictions.
- Generator Use: Generators are generally not permitted to maintain the park’s peaceful atmosphere; please confirm with management.
- Fishing: Excellent river fishing for Bream, with access to the entire Gippsland Lakes system for other species.
- Short Walks: Direct access to the East Gippsland Rail Trail for walking and cycling.
Local Amenities
Pubs
- The Nicholson Hotel: Approximately 1 km
- Main Hotel, Bairnsdale: Approximately 10 km
- Kalimna Hotel (Kalimna): Approximately 10 km
Places to Eat
- The Nicholson Hotel Bistro: Approximately 1 km
- The Long Paddock (Cafe in Lindenow): Approximately 18 km
- Extensive dining options in Bairnsdale: Approximately 10 km
Local Attractions
- East Gippsland Rail Trail: Adjacent to the park
- Nyerimilang Heritage Park: Approximately 7 km
- Paynesville & Raymond Island Koala Trail: Approximately 15 km
- Bairnsdale’s St Mary’s Church: Approximately 10 km
- Lakes Entrance Foreshore & Footbridge: Approximately 12 km
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Bairnsdale Riverside Holiday Park: Approximately 9 km
- LEALOW Caravan Park (Johnsonville): Approximately 8 km
Nearest Free Camps
- Log Crossing Picnic Area (Colquhoun State Forest): Approximately 20 km
- Stirling Creek Bridge (near Bruthen): Approximately 25 km
Nearest Dump Points
- Onsite at Park
- Bairnsdale Public Dump Point (Showgrounds): Approximately 11 km
Nearest Petrol Stations
- Caltex/Ampol Johnsonville: Approximately 7 km
- Multiple major stations in Bairnsdale: Approximately 10 km
Drinking Water Resupply
- Onsite at Park
- Bairnsdale Visitor Information Centre: Approximately 10 km
Nearest Public Toilets
- Onsite at Park
- Nicholson River Boat Ramp Public Toilets: Approximately 1 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Nicholson / Bairnsdale
- Summer (December – February): Warm to hot, with average maximum temperatures around 26-27°C. Perfect for all boating and fishing activities.
- Autumn (March – May): Mild, sunny days and calm waters make this the prime time for targeting big bream and enjoying the serene waterways.
- Winter (June – August): Cool, with average maximums around 14-15°C. A quieter time to visit, great for scenic drives and enjoying the crisp country air.
- Spring (September – November): Mild and pleasant weather. A beautiful time for exploring as the landscape becomes green and vibrant.