Nestled in the foothills of the Victorian Alps, The Quarries campground is a beloved local treasure and a perfect destination for a classic family camping holiday. Located in the Briagolong State Forest just a short drive from the charming township of Briagolong, this reserve is famous for its spectacular swimming hole on Freestone Creek. The creek, set within a rocky gorge, features deep, clear pools that provide a refreshing escape during the warmer months. The campground itself is a large, flat area set high above the creek, with ample space for tents, camper trailers, and caravans to spread out amongst a shady open woodland of Red Gums and Stringybarks. It’s a vibrant and popular spot, especially on weekends and holidays, with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Managed by a dedicated local committee, The Quarries offers excellent facilities for a low-cost campground. Visitors have access to toilets, cold showers, a large open hall with fireplaces, and numerous fire pits and picnic tables. While camping is not free, a very reasonable nightly fee (payable in town or to on-site caretakers) goes directly towards maintaining these fantastic amenities. The reserve is pet-friendly, so your four-legged family members can join in the fun. With numerous walking tracks to explore, including the nearby Blue Pool, and the convenience of Briagolong just a few minutes away for supplies and a pub meal, The Quarries offers an unbeatable combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and community spirit for a memorable Gippsland getaway.
The Quarries Campground – VIC Location Map
The Quarries, George Creek Streamside Reserve
- Address: 365 Freestone Creek Road, Briagolong, Victoria 3860, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.813937852693456, 147.0872733177113
Features & Rules
- Location: Large, flat campground in the Briagolong State Forest, set above Freestone Creek.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, and caravans.
- Road Access: Good access via unsealed roads, suitable for 2WD vehicles.
- Site Surface: Natural earth and grass.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, low-cost camping. Fees can be paid at the Briagolong General Store or Hotel.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Up to 3 weeks.
- Facilities: Toilets, cold showers, large shelter/hall with fireplaces, picnic tables, fire pits.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy, best with Telstra.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, toilets and cold showers are available.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fireplaces only, subject to seasonal fire bans.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but a strict 10pm noise curfew applies.
- Number of Sites Available: Numerous undesignated, unpowered sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, and cash for fees.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash.
- Fishing: Possible in Freestone Creek.
- Short Walks: Walking tracks within the reserve and to nearby attractions like Blue Pool.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Briagolong Hotel – approx. 6 km
- Places to Eat:
- Briagolong Hotel – approx. 6 km
- Briagolong General Store (takeaway) – approx. 6 km
- Local Attractions:
- Freestone Creek swimming hole – on-site
- Blue Pool – approx. 2 km
- Briagolong Historic Town – approx. 6 km
Nearby Parks & Services
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Stratford on the River Tourist Park – approx. 25 km
- Maffra Caravan Park – approx. 30 km
- Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
- Blue Pool campground – approx. 2 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Maffra Showgrounds – approx. 30 km
- Sale Showgrounds – approx. 40 km
- Nearest Petrol Station: Briagolong – approx. 6 km.
- Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Briagolong.
- Nearest Public Toilets: On-site at the campground.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot, perfect for swimming in the creek. Average maximum temperatures are around 27°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for hiking. Average maximums range from 17°C to 25°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and often damp, with cold nights. Average maximums are around 14°C to 15°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and becoming warmer, with the forest at its most lush. Average maximums range from 17°C to 23°C.
