Picnic Point Campground offers a rugged and remote lakeside camping experience for the truly adventurous and self-sufficient. Located on the shores of the Delatite Arm of Lake Eildon, this primitive campsite is a world away from the well-serviced campgrounds in the Fraser Area. Access is a key part of the adventure; it is primarily reached by boat, or for the determined, via a network of challenging 4WD tracks through the Delatite Plantation. This ensures that those who make the journey are rewarded with a level of peace and seclusion that is hard to find at more accessible locations. The campground is a simple, natural clearing in the bush, offering a handful of spots to pitch a tent or roll out a swag right by the water’s edge.
This is a completely undeveloped site, meaning there are no facilities whatsoever. Campers must embody the ‘leave no trace’ philosophy, bringing in every necessity including a portable toilet system, all drinking water, and the means to carry out all rubbish. As it lies within the Lake Eildon National Park, strict regulations apply: pets and generators are not permitted, preserving the natural tranquility of the area. Fires are also typically prohibited, making a fuel stove an essential piece of kit. The appeal of Picnic Point lies in its isolation and stunning natural beauty. It’s a perfect spot for keen anglers looking for a quiet spot to fish for trout and redfin, for kayakers wanting to explore the hidden coves of the Delatite Arm, or for anyone simply wishing to escape into the wilderness. For those with the right gear and mindset, it’s a slice of lakeside paradise.
Picnic Point Campground – VIC Location Map
Picnic Point Campground
Campground Information & Features
- Location: On the Delatite Arm of Lake Eildon, on the eastern side of the lake.
- Site Suitable For: Tents and swags only.
- Road Access: 4WD only (difficult tracks) or boat access.
- Site Surface: Natural bush clearing.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free dispersed camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Standard national park limits apply.
- Facilities: None.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: None. A satellite communication device is highly recommended.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. A portable toilet is mandatory.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
- Open Fires: Prohibited. Fuel stoves only.
- Generator Use: Prohibited.
- Number of Sites Available: A few small, informal sites.
- Essentials to Bring: All water, portable toilet, fuel stove, boat/kayak, PLB/sat phone, detailed maps.
- Pet Friendly: No. Pets are forbidden in Lake Eildon National Park.
- Fishing: Excellent, a great spot for targeting trout and redfin from the bank or a boat.
- Short Walks: Informal exploring of the immediate shoreline and forest.
Nearby Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Jamieson Brewery and Grill (Jamieson) – Approx. 20 km (by road)
- Courthouse Hotel (Jamieson) – Approx. 20 km (by road)
- The Delatite Hotel (Mansfield) – Approx. 25 km
- Places to Eat:
- Mansfield (Wide range of cafes, bakeries, pubs) – Approx. 25 km
- Jamieson (Cafes, pub, brewery) – Approx. 20 km
- Local Attractions:
- Lake Eildon boating and fishing
- Howqua Inlet
- Great Victorian Rail Trail (at Mansfield)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Mansfield Holiday Park – Approx. 25 km
- Jamieson Caravan Park – Approx. 20 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Other boat-in campsites around Lake Eildon
- Sheepyard Flat (Howqua Hills) – Approx. 40 km (by road)
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Mansfield Public Dump Point – Approx. 25 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Mansfield (Multiple major stations) – Approx. 25 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Mansfield is the nearest reliable town for public taps.
- Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
- Mansfield or Jamieson townships.
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Lake Eildon (Mansfield side)
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and often dry. Prime time for boating and swimming. High fire danger.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Pleasant, mild weather with cool nights. Ideal for fishing and exploring.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and often wet, with frosty mornings. Lake levels are often at their highest.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild but can be windy and unpredictable. A great time for wildflowers in the surrounding hills.
