For the serious and well-equipped 4WD adventurer, Cullitons Campground represents the pinnacle of remote, free camping in the Victorian High Country. This spectacular and secluded bush camp is nestled in a stunningly beautiful and isolated cove on the western shores of the Big River arm of Lake Eildon. It is a destination for true explorers—those who seek solitude, challenging tracks, and world-class fishing and boating, far from any hint of civilisation. The journey to Cullitons is a significant part of the experience, requiring a capable high-clearance four-wheel drive to navigate the steep, rocky, and often challenging tracks. The reward for this effort is a breathtakingly serene campground, a spacious grassy flat surrounded by the towering, rugged forests of the Lake Eildon National Park.
The main attraction of Cullitons is its magnificent isolation combined with its prime waterside location. It offers unparalleled direct access to the lake, making it a dream for boaties and anglers. You can launch a small boat or kayak right from the camp’s edge and spend days exploring the vast, intricate waterways of Lake Eildon or chasing its legendary Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Trout. The surrounding national park is a haven for wildlife and a gateway to an extensive network of iconic High Country 4WD tracks. As a true wilderness camp, there are no facilities, demanding complete self-sufficiency from all visitors. This ensures that the area remains pristine and is only enjoyed by those who respect its remote character. For a top-tier, rugged adventure that combines the thrill of off-roading with the tranquility of a private lakeside paradise, Cullitons Campground is an ultimate Victorian destination.
Cullitons Campground – VIC Location Map
Cullitons Campground
- Address: Walshs Rd, Lake Eildon VIC 3713
- GPS: -37.12680552697888, 145.94089226184175
- Website: This is a free campground in a National Park. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.
Site Details
- Location: Remote lakeside camp in Lake Eildon National Park.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, and rugged Off-road Camper Trailers.
- Road Access: Very difficult 4WD tracks only. Extremely steep, rocky, and slippery sections. Full vehicle recovery gear and extensive experience are essential. Tracks are subject to seasonal closures.
- Site Surface: Natural grass and dirt base.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe Parks Victoria guidelines.
- Facilities: None.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Non-existent. A satellite phone or personal locator beacon (PLB) is essential.
- TV Reception: Not applicable.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. You must have your own toilet and remove all waste.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
- Open Fires: Permitted in a contained fire pit, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of the wilderness values.
- Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with many sites.
- Essentials to Bring: PLB/Sat Phone, extra fuel, all water and food, full vehicle recovery gear, shovel, firewood, rubbish bags, own toilet.
- Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in Lake Eildon National Park.
Activities
- Fishing: A premier destination for Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Trout.
- Short Walks: Explore the numerous remote bush tracks and the lake’s shoreline.
- Boating & Kayaking: Direct access to launch small watercraft from the shore.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Jamieson Hotel (Jamieson) – Approx. 25 km
- The Courthouse Hotel (Jamieson) – Approx. 25 km
- The Kevington Hotel (Kevington) – Approx. 30 km (via 4WD tracks)
- Places to Eat:
- Jamieson Brewery & Grill – Approx. 25 km
- The Jamieson Cafe – Approx. 25 km
- Local Attractions:
- Lake Eildon – You are on it!
- High Country 4WD Tracks
- Historic town of Jamieson – Approx. 25 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Jamieson Caravan Park – Approx. 25 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Numerous other sites in the surrounding State Forest areas (e.g., Big River, Howqua River).
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Mansfield Public Dump Point – Approx. 75 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Jamieson (check hours) – Approx. 25 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available in Jamieson or Mansfield.
- Public Toilets:
- The nearest public toilets are in Jamieson. You must have your own at this site.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days with cool mountain nights, perfect for water sports. Averaging 12-28°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, the peak season for 4WDing. Averaging 7-22°C.
- Winter (Jun-Nov): Cold, with frequent frosts and a high chance of snow. Tracks are seasonally closed.
- Spring (Nov-Dec): Cool to mild as tracks reopen, with the lake levels often at their best. Averaging 5-19°C.