For the truly self-sufficient camper seeking a genuine escape, 25 Mile Creek Camping Ground offers a rustic and remote experience deep within Victoria's Big River State Forest. This small, undeveloped site represents the end of the line for conventional vehicles; it is the final 2WD-accessible camping spot on Big River Road before the track transitions to 4WD-only, ensuring a quieter, more secluded atmosphere. Situated on a ridge above the Big River, this free, pet-friendly campground is an unadorned patch of nature, perfect for those who prioritise solitude over amenities.
There are no facilities here—no toilets, no picnic tables, no rubbish bins. It is a place that demands preparedness, rewarding visitors with an unfiltered connection to the surrounding tall-timber forest and the sounds of the Australian bush.
The campground is best suited for tent-based camping, with a few small clearings to pitch a tent and set up a basic camp. Its primary appeal lies in its simplicity and its role as a gateway to more rugged adventures. Anglers will find it a convenient spot to access the river for a spot of fishing, while explorers can use it as a launching point for hiking or heading further into the forest with a high-clearance 4WD. Due to its complete lack of facilities, campers must bring everything they need for their stay, including ample drinking water, all cooking equipment, firewood for a small, contained campfire (subject to fire bans), and a portable toilet.
Critically, a strict 'leave no trace' ethos is essential; all rubbish must be carried out to protect this pristine environment for future visitors. It's not a campground for everyone, but for those equipped for primitive camping, 25 Mile Creek provides a peaceful and authentic bush retreat, far from the crowds and the distractions of modern life.
25 Mile Creek Camping Ground VIC Location Map
25 Mile Creek Camping Ground
Address: Big River Road, Big River State Forest, VIC 3713, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.485861, 146.094505
Campground Information & Features
- Location: Big River State Forest, signposted off Big River Road, approx. 2km north of Catford Camping Area.
- Site Suitable For: Primarily tent-based camping. Small off-road camper trailers may fit.
- Road Access: 2WD accessible via gravel road. This is the last 2WD accessible campsite heading north; the road becomes 4WD only beyond this point.
- Site Surface: Natural earth and grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping. No bookings.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Not specified.
- Facilities: None. Campers must be completely self-sufficient.
- Potable Water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. A portable toilet is essential.
- Rubbish Bins: No. You must take all rubbish with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted, but must be in a contained fire pit and extinguished completely. Subject to fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but be highly considerate of the natural setting and other potential campers.
- Number of Sites Available: A few small, undefined sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, portable toilet, all food and cooking gear, firewood, rubbish bags, first-aid kit.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed but must be under control at all times.
- Fishing: Yes, opportunities in the nearby Big River.
- Short Walks: Informal bush tracks available for exploration.
Nearby Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- The Duck Inn (Marysville) - Approx. 35 km
- Buxton Hotel/Pub (Buxton) - Approx. 41 km
- Eildon Holiday Resort (Eildon) - Approx. 33 km
- Places to Eat:
- Marysville Bakery (Marysville) - Approx. 35 km
- Eildon Bakery Cafe (Eildon) - Approx. 33 km
- Range of Cafes in Marysville - Approx. 35 km
- Local Attractions:
- Lake Eildon National Park - Approx. 35 km
- Steavenson Falls (Marysville) - Approx. 37 km
- Cathedral Range State Park - Approx. 55 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Marysville Holiday Park - Approx. 35 km
- BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks (Eildon) - Approx. 33 km
- Goughs Bay Caravan Park - Approx. 50 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Catford Camping Area - Approx. 2 km south
- Stockmans Reward Camping Ground - Approx. 10 km south
- Big River Camp - Approx. 18 km south
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Eildon - Approx. 33 km
- Mansfield Public Dump Point - Approx. 65 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Eildon - Approx. 33 km
- Marysville - Approx. 35 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Eildon - Approx. 33 km
- Marysville - Approx. 35 km
- Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
- Stockmans Reward Camping Ground - Approx. 10 km south
- Marysville (Gallipoli Park) - Approx. 35 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Goughs Bay / Lake Eildon Area
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Days are warm to hot, ideal for river activities, with cooler mountain evenings. Temperatures range from 12°C to 30°C+. High fire danger.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild days and crisp, cool nights. The forest colours are spectacular. Temperatures typically range from 6°C to 22°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with overnight temperatures often dropping below freezing. Frost is common, and occasional snow can fall in the area. Daytime highs are around 2°C to 12°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and variable conditions. Be prepared for rain and sudden temperature changes. A beautiful time with wildflowers blooming. Temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C.
Address
Big River Road,, Big River State Fores, 3713, Australia
