Beveridges Campground is a highly sought-after free camping destination, beautifully situated on the banks of the Big River in the heart of Victoria’s High Country. Offering a step up from purely primitive camps, this site provides a fantastic blend of natural beauty and basic convenience, making it a favourite for families, anglers, and touring travellers alike. The campground is a large, open, and relatively flat grassy area, shaded by mature native trees, providing numerous idyllic spots to set up a tent, swag, or camper. The river itself is the main attraction, with its clear waters offering opportunities for fishing, swimming, and kayaking.
What sets Beveridges apart from many other free camps in the region is the presence of a long-drop toilet, a simple amenity that significantly enhances the camping experience for many visitors. While still requiring a high degree of self-sufficiency, this one feature makes it particularly appealing for longer stays or for those new to bush camping. The atmosphere is typically peaceful and relaxed, with the gentle sound of the river providing a constant tranquil backdrop. It’s a place where you can truly unwind, watch for local wildlife like wombats and wallabies, and enjoy a traditional campfire under a brilliant starry sky, far from the glow of city lights.
Access is via an unsealed road that is generally manageable for 2WD vehicles in dry conditions, though an AWD or 4WD is recommended as the track can become corrugated or slippery after rain. Its location makes it an excellent base for exploring the wider Alpine region, with the historic towns of Omeo and Anglers Rest just a scenic drive away. Beveridges Campground perfectly captures the essence of High Country camping: it’s accessible, stunningly scenic, and offers just enough in the way of facilities to be comfortable without sacrificing its authentic, rustic charm.
Beveridges Campground – VIC Location Map
Beveridges Campground
Campsite Information
- Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, camper trailers, off-road caravans, and motorhomes.
- Road Access: Unsealed road. Accessible by 2WD in dry conditions, but AWD/4WD is recommended.
- Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit.
- Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilet.
- Potable Water: No. Bring all your own drinking water or a reliable filtration/treatment system for river water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: None.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, one long-drop toilet.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken out with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in existing fire pits, subject to local fire restrictions and Total Fire Bans. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: A large area with many informal sites available.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, rubbish bags, toilet paper, firewood, first-aid kit, warm clothing.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on-leash.
Local Area & Amenities
- Fishing: Excellent trout fishing in the Big River. A Victorian Fishing Licence is required.
- Short Walks: Plenty of opportunities for informal bushwalking along the river and nearby tracks.
- Local Pubs:
- Blue Duck Inn (Anglers Rest): ~25 km
- Golden Age Hotel (Omeo): ~60 km
- The Mitta Pub (Mitta Mitta): ~40 km
- Places to Eat:
- Blue Duck Inn (Anglers Rest): ~25 km (check opening hours)
- Mitta Mitta (Pub, General Store): ~40km
- Omeo (Bakery, cafes, pubs): ~60 km
- Local Attractions:
- Historic gold mining towns of Omeo and Mitta Mitta.
- Access to the Alpine National Park and numerous 4WD tracks.
- Scenic drives along the Omeo Highway.
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Mitta Mitta Caravan Park: ~40 km
- Omeo Caravan Park: ~60 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Numerous other campsites along the Big River and Omeo Highway, such as Jokers Flat.
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Mitta Mitta: ~40 km
- Omeo (Livingstone Park): ~60 km
- Nearest Petrol Station: Mitta Mitta (~40 km) or Omeo (~60 km).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Mitta Mitta or Omeo.
- Public Toilets: Located in Mitta Mitta and Omeo.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm days with cool alpine evenings. Ideal for river activities. Average temperatures: 10°C to 26°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Cool, clear days and cold nights. The area is spectacular with autumn colours. Average temperatures: 4°C to 19°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Very cold, with frequent frosts and a high chance of snowfall. Access can be difficult or impossible. Average temperatures: -1°C to 9°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and variable conditions. The river runs high and fast with snowmelt. Tracks can be wet and slippery. Average temperatures: 3°C to 16°C.
