Tucked away in the dense bushland of Victoria’s High Country, Miners Hut Reserve offers a glimpse into the region’s rich gold-mining past. This small, free campsite near Kevington is more a historical point of interest than a full-featured reserve, providing a rustic and authentic bush camping experience for the self-sufficient traveller. The site is essentially a small clearing in the state forest, marked by the remnants of an old miner’s chimney, a silent stone sentinel standing guard over the stories of the past. It’s a beautifully quiet and secluded spot, set back from the main Mansfield-Woods Point Road, offering a profound sense of peace and a direct connection to the area’s heritage. Due to its compact and somewhat uneven surface, the reserve is best suited for tent-based camping or small, rugged off-road camper trailers.
This is a campsite for those who prefer solitude over services. There are no facilities whatsoever—no toilets, no water, no bins, and no picnic tables. Campers must adhere strictly to ‘leave no trace’ principles, carrying in everything they need and packing out all waste, including human waste. Being a state forest, the site is pet-friendly, allowing dogs to join the adventure. The main appeal of Miners Hut Reserve lies in its atmosphere and its role as a base for exploration. It’s a stone’s throw from the Goulburn River, offering opportunities for trout fishing, and it’s surrounded by a network of 4WD tracks that crisscross the historic goldfields. The nearby Kevington Hotel provides a touch of civilisation with a classic pub meal just a short drive away. For those equipped for a true bush camp and fascinated by the echoes of the gold rush era, this small reserve offers a unique and memorable stay.
Miners Hut Reserve - VIC Location Map
Miners Hut Reserve
- Address: Mansfield-Woods Point Road, Kevington, VIC 3723, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.35772166228707, 146.16466249959052
- Website: This is a State Forest site. Information is found on community camping platforms.
Campground Information & Features
- Location: Near Kevington on the Mansfield-Woods Point Road, set back from the main road.
- Site Suitable For: Tents and small off-road camper trailers. Limited space.
- Road Access: Via a short dirt track off the main road. 2WD accessible in dry conditions, but may require high clearance.
- Site Surface: Natural earth and grass, can be uneven.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free bush camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Standard state forest limits apply.
- Facilities: None. Campers must be fully self-contained.
- Potable Water: No. Bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Unlikely.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. A portable toilet is essential.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
- Open Fires: Permitted, subject to fire regulations. Use existing fire pits where possible. BYO firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but the small, quiet nature of the site makes it less suitable.
- Number of Sites Available: A very small area, suitable for only one or two small setups.
- Essentials to Bring: All water, portable toilet, rubbish bags, food, fuel, first-aid kit.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed in state forests but must be under control.
- Fishing: The Goulburn River is a short distance away.
- Short Walks: Informal exploring around the historic site and nearby forest.
Nearby Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Kevington Hotel – Approx. 2 km
- Jamieson Brewery and Grill (Jamieson) – Approx. 7 km
- Courthouse Hotel (Jamieson) – Approx. 7 km
- Places to Eat:
- Kevington Hotel – Approx. 2 km
- Jamieson (Various cafes, pub, brewery) – Approx. 7 km
- Mansfield (Wide variety) – Approx. 50 km
- Local Attractions:
- Historic Kevington Hotel – Approx. 2 km
- Jamieson township and museum – Approx. 7 km
- Old Star of the West Gold Mine – Nearby
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Jamieson Caravan Park – Approx. 7 km
- Mansfield Holiday Park – Approx. 50 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Flour Bag Reserve – Approx. 1 km
- Tunnel Bend Reserve – Approx. 4 km
- Skipworth Reserve – Approx. 5 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Mansfield Public Dump Point – Approx. 50 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Jamieson General Store – Approx. 7 km
- Mansfield (Multiple options) – Approx. 50 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Mansfield is the nearest reliable town to fill tanks.
- Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
- Flour Bag Reserve – Approx. 1 km
- Jamieson Township – Approx. 7 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Kevington Area
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Days are warm to hot, ideal for exploring the area and nearby rivers. Temperatures range from 15°C to 32°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): A beautiful season with mild, sunny days and cool nights, perfect for camping. Temperatures range from 8°C to 23°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, particularly at night with frequent frosts. Snow is possible on higher surrounding peaks. Temperatures range from 1°C to 13°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and variable weather. A lovely time to see the bush come alive, but be prepared for rain. Temperatures range from 7°C to 21°C.