Italian Flat: Free, Pet-Friendly Riverside Camping in Dargo

Discover the quintessential Victorian High Country camping experience at Italian Flat, a superb free campground located on the banks of the iconic Dargo River. This spacious, well-shaded, and grassy reserve is a favourite destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the region. Surrounded by steep, forested hills, Italian Flat offers a stunning backdrop for a true bush getaway. Its large, open areas make it perfectly suited for groups, families, and individuals alike, with ample room for tents, camper trailers, and off-road caravans. The direct access to the Dargo River is a highlight, providing fantastic opportunities for swimming in the crystal-clear water on warm days, trying your luck at fishing for trout, or simply relaxing on the riverbank and soaking up the serene atmosphere.

As a free bush camp, Italian Flat is geared towards the self-sufficient camper. While it offers the convenience of basic non-flushing toilets and established fire pits, visitors must bring all their own supplies, including drinking water and firewood. A strict ‘leave no trace’ policy is in place, meaning all rubbish must be taken home. The journey to the campground along the unsealed Upper Dargo Road is an adventure in itself and is best suited to 4WD or high-clearance vehicles, particularly after wet weather. This remoteness ensures a peaceful escape from the everyday. Being pet-friendly, it’s an excellent choice for those who don’t want to leave their four-legged companions behind. For an authentic, free-range camping adventure in one of Victoria’s most legendary landscapes, Italian Flat is an unbeatable destination.

Campground Information

• Name: Italian Flat Campground
• Address: Upper Dargo Road, Dargo, Victoria, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.408830969538634, 147.26522022555093
• Website: Managed by Forest Fire Management Victoria (no direct website).

Features & Rules

• Location: Remote, riverside setting in the Dargo High Plains.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, and off-road caravans.
• Road Access: Unsealed road. 4WD or high-clearance vehicle recommended, especially in wet conditions.
• Site Surface: Large, flat grassy areas.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, in undesignated areas.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit.
• Facilities: Non-flushing toilets, fire pits.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water or have a reliable filtration system for river water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent. Expect to be offline.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic non-flushing toilets are available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in provided fire pits, subject to seasonal fire bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Numerous undesignated, unpowered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, and insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted but must be kept under control.
• Fishing: Yes, in the Dargo River.
• Short Walks: Informal walks along the river and surrounding bushland.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Dargo Hotel – approx. 10 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Dargo Hotel – approx. 10 km
  • Dargo General Store (offers takeaway) – approx. 10 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Dargo High Plains Road scenic drive
  • Numerous 4WD tracks (Blue Rag Range, Billy Goat Bluff etc.)
  • Grant Historic Area

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Dargo River Inn & Caravan Park – approx. 10 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Ollies Jumpup Campground – approx. 5 km
  • Jimmy Iversons Campground – approx. 7 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Bairnsdale Visitor Information Centre – approx. 95 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Dargo General Store – approx. 10 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Dargo General Store (check availability) or Bairnsdale.
• Nearest Public Toilets: On-site (basic). Flushing toilets in Dargo township – approx. 10 km.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days, perfect for swimming in the river, with cooler nights. Average maximums are around 25°C to 28°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and crisp, cool nights. The autumn colours in the high country are spectacular. Average maximums range from 15°C to 24°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frosty nights and potential for snow on higher peaks. Roads can be closed. Average maximums are around 10°C to 13°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and becoming warmer. The river can be high from snowmelt. Average maximums range from 16°C to 22°C.