Discover one of Victoria’s hidden gems at Miners Flat Camping Ground, a rugged and remote free bush campsite nestled deep within the Big River State Forest near Eildon. This is a genuine off-grid experience, perfect for self-sufficient campers looking to truly escape into nature. Set on the banks of the beautiful Big River, this historic gold mining area offers a tranquil setting surrounded by steep, forested ridges and the calming sound of the river.
Access to Miners Flat is part of the adventure; it is strictly 4WD ONLY. The site is reached via Big River Road, with the final track down to the flat being steep and often rutted, making it unsuitable for 2WD vehicles, campervans, or standard caravans. Off-road camper trailers and tents are the perfect setup for this location. The reward for your effort is a stunning, flat grassy area where you can set up camp right by the water.
This is a completely self-sufficient, “leave no trace” campground with no facilities. That means no toilets, no picnic tables, no bins, and no drinking water. You must bring everything you need with you, including a portable toilet and bags to take all your rubbish home. This commitment to self-sufficiency is what preserves the pristine beauty of the area.
The area is a favourite for 4WD enthusiasts, trail bike riders, and anglers trying their luck for trout in the Big River. The surrounding forest is webbed with tracks and trails, offering plenty of opportunities for bushwalking and exploring the remnants of the region’s rich gold-mining past. Camping is free, and while there are no specified stay limits, campers are encouraged to be mindful of others and the environment. Open fires are generally permitted outside of total fire ban periods (North Central district), but you must bring your own firewood. With extremely limited mobile reception, Miners Flat is the ideal destination to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature.
Miners Flat Camping Ground – VIC Location Map
Miners Flat Camping Ground
- Address: Big River State Forest, Eildon VIC 3713
- GPS Coordinates: -37.52224, 146.01026
Site Facilities & Details
- Location: Miners Flat Camping Ground, Big River State Forest
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Off-road camper trailers, Swags.
- Road Access: 4WD ONLY. Access via Big River Road is via a steep, rutted track. Not suitable for 2WD vehicles or standard caravans.
- Site Surface: Flat, grassy areas by the river.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free bush camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit. Check local signage for any updates.
- Picnic Tables: No.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water for drinking and washing.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Extremely limited to non-existent.
- TV Reception: Unlikely.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. This is a “leave no trace” site with no facilities.
- Rubbish Bins: No. You must take all rubbish with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted, subject to seasonal fire bans (North Central TFB district). Use existing fire pits and bring your own firewood. Do not cut down trees.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but must have a spark arrestor and be kept clear of flammable materials. Please be considerate of other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Small, informal, unmarked area.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, portable toilet, rubbish bags, firewood, mosquito repellent, first-aid kit, and vehicle recovery gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted but must be kept under control.
- Fishing: Yes, popular for trout fishing in the Big River.
- Short Walks: Yes, explore the surrounding historic gold mining areas and forest tracks.
Local Amenities
Note: This is a remote bush camp. The nearest towns for supplies (Alexandra, Mansfield, Eildon) are a significant drive (over 1 hour) on forest and main roads.
- Nearest Pubs:
- The Corner Hotel (approx. 75 km in Alexandra)
- Alexandra Hotel (approx. 75 km in Alexandra)
- The Delatite Hotel (approx. 80-90 km in Mansfield)
- Nearest Places to Eat:
- Alexandra Bakery & Cafe (approx. 75 km in Alexandra)
- Mansfield Coffee Merchant (approx. 80-90 km in Mansfield)
- Local Attractions:
- Big River State Forest (4WDing, trail bike riding)
- Historic Gold Mining Relics
- Lake Eildon (for boating, via Eildon township)
- Snobs Creek Falls (near Eildon)
- Nearest Caravan Parks (for showers/paid sites):
- Eildon Pondage Holiday Park (approx. 55-80 km drive, in Eildon)
- Alexandra Showgrounds Caravan Park (approx. 75 km in Alexandra)
- Next Free Camps (with facilities):
- Big River Camp (located nearby in the Big River State Forest, has basic toilets)
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Leckie Park (23 Station Street, Alexandra – Free Public Dump Point)
- Blue Gums Caravan Park (746 Back Eildon Rd, Eildon – check if available for non-guests)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Multiple stations in Alexandra (approx. 75 km)
- Simpsons Fuel Eildon (approx. 55-80 km drive, in Eildon)
- Nearest Drinking Water Resupply:
- Public taps in Alexandra (e.g., Leckie Park)
- Public hydration stations in Eildon township.
- Nearest Public Toilets:
- Big River Camp (nearby in Big River State Forest)
- Public toilets in Alexandra township (e.g., Leckie Park)
Seasonal Weather
Miners Flat experiences a distinct four-season climate. Summers (Dec-Feb) are warm to hot, with mean maximums around 26-29°C. Autumn (Mar-May) brings mild days and cool nights. Winters (Jun-Aug) are cold, with mean maximums of 12-14°C and minimums dropping to 3-4°C, with frequent frosts. Spring (Sep-Nov) is cool to mild and sees the landscape return to green. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, peaking slightly in winter. Always be prepared for cold nights, even in summer.