Nestled on the banks of the Hopkins River, the Riverside Bergonia Campground offers a serene and picturesque free camping experience just off the Princes Highway in Allansford, Victoria. This charming spot is a hidden gem for travellers exploring the Great Ocean Road or the wider Shipwreck Coast region. Its convenient location provides the perfect balance between tranquil seclusion and easy access to nearby towns and attractions.
The campground is characterised by its spacious, grassy areas, shaded by mature trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere for relaxing, unwinding, and connecting with nature. Whether you are in a self-contained caravan, a motorhome, or just have a tent, the site accommodates a range of camping setups. The gentle flow of the river nearby is a constant, soothing soundtrack to your stay. It’s an ideal base for those keen on recreational activities like fishing, with the Hopkins River known for its bream and estuary perch. The surrounding environment also invites leisurely short walks along the riverbank, where you can often spot local birdlife.
While the facilities are basic, they provide for the essential needs of a camper, promoting a more traditional and self-sufficient style of camping. Its proximity to Warrnambool means that while you enjoy the quiet of the countryside, you are never too far from supplies, local pubs, and regional attractions. For those seeking a genuine Aussie bush camping feel without venturing too far off the beaten track, Riverside Bergonia Campground is a fantastic and budget-friendly choice that captures the simple joys of the great outdoors.
Riverside Bergonia Campground – VIC Location Map
Riverside Bergonia campground
- Address: 10140 Princes Hwy, Allansford VIC 3277
- GPS Coordinates: -38.38248, 142.59572
Site Details
- Location: Alongside the Hopkins River, just off the main highway.
- Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs.
- Road access: Sealed road to entrance, gravel access tracks within the campground.
- Site surface: Grass and dirt.
- Camping permitted: Yes
- Maximum overnight stays: 48 hours (2 nights).
- Number of powered sites: 0
- Number of un-powered sites: Approximately 15-20 informal sites.
- Facilities: Basic, self-sufficiency is key.
- Picnic tables: Yes
- Potable water: No, bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage for major providers (Telstra, Optus).
- TV reception: Fair to good.
- Onsite public toilets: Yes (non-flushing).
- Ullage: Not available
- Drive through: Some sites may accommodate drive-through access.
- Rubbish bins: No, please take all rubbish with you.
- Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to local fire restrictions. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers with timing.
- Number of sites available: Not specified, operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Essentials to bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent.
- Pet friendly: Yes, pets must be on a leash and under control at all times.
- Fishing: Yes, fishing in the Hopkins River is popular. A Victorian fishing licence may be required.
- Short walks: Yes, along the riverbank.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Allansford Hotel – Approx. 2 km
- The Whalers Hotel (Warrnambool) – Approx. 11 km
- Macks Hotel (Warrnambool) – Approx. 11 km
- Places to Eat:
- Allansford Hotel (Pub meals) – Approx. 2 km
- Cheeseworld & Sungold Cafe – Approx. 1.5 km
- Various restaurants and takeaways in Warrnambool – Approx. 10-12 km
- Local Attractions:
- Allansford Cheese World and Museum – Approx. 1.5 km
- Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village (Warrnambool) – Approx. 12 km
- Logan’s Beach Whale Watching Platform (Warrnambool, seasonal) – Approx. 15 km
- Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve – Approx. 20 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Figtree Holiday Park (Warrnambool) – Approx. 10 km
- Discovery Parks Warrnambool – Approx. 11 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Panmure Campground – Approx. 15 km
- Mount Shadwell Quarry (Mortlake) – Approx. 40 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Warrnambool Showgrounds (via booking) – Approx. 10 km
- BP Roadhouse Cudgee – Approx. 12 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- APCO Allansford – Approx. 2 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Service stations in Warrnambool – Approx. 10 km
- Nearest Public Toilets:
- Onsite at the campground
- Allansford Recreation Reserve – Approx. 2 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Warm to hot days, generally dry. Average temperatures range from 12°C to 25°C, with occasional heatwaves pushing temperatures higher. Excellent for all outdoor activities.
- Autumn (Mar – May): Mild and calm weather. Average temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C. A great time for walking and fishing as the weather is stable.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cool and often wet, with brisk winds. Average temperatures range from 6°C to 14°C. Pack warm clothing. It’s the peak season for whale watching in nearby Warrnambool.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): Mild weather with increasing sunshine, but can be unpredictable with some rain. Average temperatures range from 8°C to 18°C. The landscape is green and vibrant.