Tucked away in the beautiful Avon-Mount Hedrick Scenic Reserve, Huggett’s Crossing offers a classic Australian bush camping experience for the self-sufficient traveller. This spacious and serene free campground is set on the banks of the majestic Avon River, providing a picturesque backdrop of flowing water and towering river gums. It is a popular spot for those looking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature, with the sounds of the bush and the river providing a peaceful soundtrack to your stay. The campground’s large, open, and relatively flat grassy areas make it suitable for a range of setups, from tents and swags to camper trailers and off-road caravans.
As a true bush camp, facilities are basic but well-maintained, including non-flush toilets, picnic tables, and established fire pits. Visitors must be fully self-reliant, bringing their own drinking water and taking all rubbish home with them. The Avon River itself is a major attraction, offering fantastic opportunities for swimming in the deep pools, fishing for local species, or launching a kayak to explore the winding gorges. The access road via Kentucky Road can be rough and is best suited to 4WD or high-clearance 2WD vehicles, especially after rain, which adds to the sense of adventure and seclusion. Being pet-friendly, it’s a wonderful destination to bring your dog for a weekend of exploring. For those seeking an authentic, remote, and beautiful riverside camp away from the crowds, Huggett’s Crossing is a genuine Gippsland gem.
Huggett’s Crossing Free Campground – VIC Location Map
Huggett’s Crossing Campground
- Address: Kentucky Road, Monomak, VIC 3860, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.81027369424445, 146.85427745984472
- Website: Managed by Parks Victoria (no dedicated site).
Features & Facilities
- Location: Remote bush setting on the Avon River in the Avon-Mount Hedrick Scenic Reserve.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, and high-clearance caravans/RVs.
- Road Access: Unsealed road (Kentucky Rd), which can be rough and corrugated. 4WD is recommended, especially in wet conditions.
- Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but standard state forest limits apply.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood fire pits.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to none. Expect to be offline.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush toilets are available.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a carry-in, carry-out site.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to local fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Numerous unmarked sites in a large open area.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, and all camping supplies.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash.
- Fishing: Yes, in the Avon River.
- Short Walks: Informal walking tracks along the river and through the surrounding bushland.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Briagolong Hotel – approx. 28 km
- Tinamba Hotel – approx. 40 km
- Maffra Hotel – approx. 45 km
- Places to Eat:
- Briagolong General Store & Cafe – approx. 28 km
- Various cafes and takeaways in Maffra – approx. 45 km
- Local Attractions:
- Avon Wilderness Park
- Briagolong State Forest
- Blue Pool & The Quarries – approx. 20-25 km
Nearby Parks & Services
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Maffra Caravan Park – approx. 45 km
- Stratford on the River Tourist Park – approx. 50 km
- Sale Motor Village – approx. 60 km
- Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
- The Quarries Reserve (low-cost) – approx. 20 km
- Blue Pool Campground – approx. 25 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Maffra Showgrounds Public Dump Point – approx. 45 km
- Sale Showgrounds Public Dump Point – approx. 60 km
- Nearest Petrol Station: Briagolong – approx. 28 km.
- Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Briagolong (check availability at the General Store or local parks).
- Nearest Public Toilets: On-site. Next closest in Briagolong township – approx. 28 km.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days, perfect for swimming. Nights can still be cool. Average maximums are around 27°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, pleasant days and cool nights. Ideal for bushwalking. Average maximums range from 18°C to 25°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold days and very cold nights, with frequent frost. The access road may be affected by weather. Average maximums are around 13°C to 15°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days, with the landscape turning green and wildflowers emerging. Average maximums range from 17°C to 22°C.
