Discover one of Victoria’s hidden gems for rugged, off-grid camping at Dairy Flat Camping Ground. Nestled within the expansive bushland near Eildon and the Upper Big River State Forest, this campsite is a prime destination for self-sufficient campers, 4WD enthusiasts, and keen anglers. It offers an authentic “leave no trace” bush camping experience, allowing you to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Victorian High Country.
Access to Dairy Flat is part of the adventure. The site is typically reached via unsealed state forest tracks, making a high-clearance 4WD vehicle essential. These tracks can be challenging, especially after rain, so visitors must be well-prepared with recovery gear and emergency supplies. This challenging access ensures the campground remains a quiet, secluded haven, far removed from the crowds of more accessible locations. It is not recommended for 2WD vehicles, large caravans, or big-rig motorhomes.
The camping ground itself consists of informal, unallocated sites scattered through a grassy, wooded flat area. There are no facilities here—no toilets, no picnic tables, no rubbish bins, and no potable water. You must bring everything you need to be completely self-reliant, including your own drinking water, a portable toilet system, and robust rubbish bags to pack out everything you bring in. This commitment to self-sufficiency is what preserves the pristine character of the area.
The main drawcard for many is the excellent fishing. The nearby Big River is renowned for its trout population, offering a rewarding challenge for freshwater anglers. The tranquil environment also makes it a perfect spot for bushwalking, birdwatching, or simply relaxing by a campfire (when fire restrictions permit). Remember to bring your own firewood, as collecting it from the surrounding forest is not permitted and damages the local habitat. Pets are generally welcome but must be kept on a leash and under control, as this is a state forest area teeming with native wildlife.
Dairy Flat Camping Ground is the ideal choice for those who value solitude, adventure, and a close connection to nature over convenience and amenities. It’s a place to test your 4WD, cast a line, and enjoy the peace of the Victorian bush, all within a reasonable distance of the services and attractions of Eildon and Lake Eildon National Park.
Dairy Flat Camping Ground – VIC Location Map
Dairy Flat Camping Ground
- Address: Eildon VIC 3713, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.51831, 146.0117
Site Features
- Location: Bush setting in state forest land near the Big River.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, off-road camper trailers, and 4WDs. Not suitable for 2WD vehicles or large caravans.
- Road Access: Unsealed forest tracks, 4WD required.
- Site Surface: Grass / dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free bush camping.
- Picnic Tables: No.
- Potable Water: No.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Unreliable to non-existent.
- TV Reception: Unreliable to non-existent.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted, subject to local fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Information not available. Be mindful of other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Unallocated bush sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, all food, portable toilet, rubbish bags, firewood, 4WD recovery gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets must be on-leash and under control.
- Fishing: Yes, excellent trout fishing nearby.
- Short Walks: Yes, informal bushwalking tracks.
Local Amenities
The nearest major service town is Eildon (approx. 20-30 min drive, distance varies by track). Mansfield and Alexandra are also regional hubs.
- Local Pubs:
- Lake Eildon Hotel (in Eildon)
- Rubicon Hotel Motel (in Thornton)
- Bonnie Doon Hotel (in Bonnie Doon)
- Places to Eat:
- Eildon Bakery & Cafe (in Eildon)
- Lake Eildon Hotel (in Eildon)
- Various cafes and takeaways in Eildon township.
- Local Attractions:
- Lake Eildon (boating, fishing, watersports)
- Lake Eildon National Park
- Big River (fishing, 4WD tracks)
- Nearest Caravan Parks (for amenities):
- BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Eildon
- Lakeside Campground (in Lake Eildon NP, has basic facilities)
- Next Free Camps:
- Parkers Flat (Delatite Arm Reserve, Lake Eildon)
- Taylors Creek (Lake Eildon NP)
- Other designated sites in Upper Big River State Forest.
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Mansfield Public Dump Point (at Mansfield Visitor Information Centre)
- Alexandra (at Alexandra Showgrounds)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Simpsons Fuel Eildon (in Eildon)
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available in Eildon township (check for public taps) or at service stations.
- Nearest Public Toilets:
- Located in Eildon township.
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Eildon Region
- Summer (December – February): Warm to hot, with average maximum temperatures between 26°C and 29°C. Hot spells can push temperatures over 35°C. Nights are generally mild.
- Autumn (March – May): Milder weather. Days cool from an average of 25°C in March down to 16°C by May. Nights become cool, and rainfall begins to increase.
- Winter (June – August): Cold and wet, with the most rainfall. Average maximums hover around 12°C to 13°C. Nights are cold, averaging 3°C to 4°C, with frequent frosts. Expect heavy cloud cover.
- Spring (September – November): A variable season of warming. Average maximums rise from 16°C to 23°C. Rainfall is still common, and nights remain cool.