Blue Hole Reserve is one of the most cherished and popular free camping destinations in the Victorian High Country, celebrated for its spectacular natural swimming hole. Located just off the Mansfield-Woods Point Road near Kevington, this state forest reserve is centred around a deep, calm section of the Goulburn River, which takes on a stunning blue-green hue, giving the site its name. It’s an idyllic spot, especially during the warmer months when the river becomes a bustling hub for swimming, kayaking, and lilo-drifting. The main camping area is a large, open, and somewhat rocky flat that can accommodate a significant number of campers. It is well-suited to everything from tents and swags to off-road caravans and camper trailers, though finding a perfectly level spot can sometimes be a challenge during peak periods.
As a free, pet-friendly campsite, Blue Hole attracts a diverse crowd of families, 4WD enthusiasts, and fishing aficionados. The Goulburn River here is well-stocked with trout, making it a prime location for anglers to cast a line. The reserve is equipped with basic non-flush toilets, which is a key facility for such a popular remote location. However, campers must be entirely self-sufficient in all other aspects. This means bringing in all your own drinking water and, crucially, packing out every last piece of rubbish to help preserve the pristine environment. Fires are generally permitted in the numerous established fire pits scattered around the site, but it’s vital to be aware of daily fire restrictions and to bring your own firewood. Given its popularity, the reserve can get very busy on long weekends and school holidays, so arriving early is recommended to secure a good spot. Its combination of stunning natural beauty, fantastic water access, and proximity to historic High Country towns makes Blue Hole Reserve a top-tier destination for an unforgettable bush camping adventure.
Blue Hole Reserve – VIC Location Map
Blue Hole Reserve
- Address: Mansfield-Woods Point Road, Kevington, VIC 3723, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.39008, 146.24904
Campground Information & Features
- Location: On the Goulburn River, just south of the historic Kevington Hotel on the Mansfield-Woods Point Road.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, off-road caravans, and RVs.
- Road Access: Good quality unsealed road, easily accessible by 2WD vehicles in most conditions.
- Site Surface: Gravel, dirt, and some grassy areas. Can be uneven.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping. It gets very busy on holidays.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Standard state forest regulations apply.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets.
- Potable Water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good Telstra reception is often available due to proximity to the road.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic long-drop toilets are present.
- Rubbish Bins: No. A strict carry-in, carry-out policy is enforced.
- Open Fires: Permitted in existing fire pits, subject to daily fire restrictions and Total Fire Bans. BYO firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but be mindful of neighbours in this popular spot.
- Number of Sites Available: Many unmarked sites in a large area, but it fills up fast.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, swimmers.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted but must be kept under control.
- Fishing: Excellent trout fishing in the Goulburn River.
- Short Walks: Informal tracks along the river provide lovely walking opportunities.
Nearby Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Kevington Hotel – Approx. 5 km
- Jamieson Brewery and Grill (Jamieson) – Approx. 10 km
- Commercial Hotel (Woods Point) – Approx. 40 km
- Places to Eat:
- Kevington Hotel (Classic pub fare) – Approx. 5 km
- Jamieson (Various cafes and hotel) – Approx. 10 km
- Mansfield (Wide variety of restaurants) – Approx. 55 km
- Local Attractions:
- Historic Kevington Hotel – Approx. 5 km
- Jamieson Township, Museum & Berry Farm – Approx. 10 km
- Gaffney’s Creek historic mining area – Approx. 12 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Jamieson Caravan Park – Approx. 10 km
- Mansfield Holiday Park – Approx. 55 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Snake’s Reserve – Approx. 2 km
- Twelve Mile Reserve – Approx. 3 km
- Skipworth Reserve – Approx. 6 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Mansfield Public Dump Point – Approx. 55 km
- Alexandra Public Dump Point – Approx. 75 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Jamieson – Approx. 10 km
- Mansfield – Approx. 55 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Mansfield is the nearest reliable town to fill water tanks.
- Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
- Jamieson Township – Approx. 10 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Kevington Area
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Prime season for swimming. Days are warm to hot, evenings are pleasant. Temperatures typically range from 15°C to 32°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Beautiful, stable weather with mild, sunny days and cool nights. The river is colder but the scenery is stunning. Temperatures range from 8°C to 23°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, especially overnight with heavy frosts. Snow can fall on the surrounding peaks but rarely settles at the campsite. Temperatures range from 1°C to 13°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and often wet, with variable conditions. The river can be high and fast-flowing. Temperatures range from 7°C to 21°C.
