Jokers Flat Campground: Free Riverside Camping in the Alpine National Park

Experience the magnificent scenery of the Victorian High Country with a stay at Jokers Flat, a large and popular free campground located within the Alpine National Park. Situated on the beautiful, grassy banks of the Big River just off the Omeo Highway, this spot is a favourite for families, anglers, and anyone looking for an accessible yet authentic bush camping adventure. The open, shady flats provide plenty of room for all types of setups, from tents and swags to camper trailers and caravans. The river itself is the main attraction, with its clear, flowing water offering the perfect place to cool off with a swim, launch a canoe, or cast a line for trout. Surrounded by the dense forest and rolling hills of the high country, it’s a truly serene location to relax and disconnect.

As a free campground within a national park, Jokers Flat provides basic but essential facilities for a comfortable stay. There are non-flushing toilets, picnic tables, and established fire pits available for use. However, campers must be self-sufficient, bringing their own drinking water and firewood. A strict ‘leave no trace’ policy applies, meaning all rubbish must be taken with you when you leave. Access is straightforward via the winding but sealed Omeo Highway, making it suitable for 2WD vehicles in good weather. It is crucial for visitors to remember that because it is located within the Alpine National Park, **pets are strictly not permitted**. For those seeking a fantastic, free, and scenic base to explore the Omeo region and the Bogong High Plains, Jokers Flat is an outstanding choice.

Campground Information

• Name: Jokers Flat Campground
• Address: Omeo Highway, Shannonvale, Victoria 3898, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: Latitude: -36.9415, Longitude: 147.4740
• Website: Managed by Parks Victoria (no direct website for the campground).

Features & Rules

• Location: Large, open, and shady flats on the banks of the Big River.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and RVs.
• Road Access: Excellent 2WD access directly from the sealed Omeo Highway.
• Site Surface: Mostly level grass and earth.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, in undesignated areas.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit.
• Facilities: Non-flushing toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent. Some Telstra signal may be found further down the highway.
• 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. Bring your own firewood.
• 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.
• Pet Friendly: No, pets are not permitted in the Alpine National Park.
• Fishing: Excellent trout fishing in the Big River.
• Short Walks: Informal walks along the river.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Blue Duck Inn (Anglers Rest) – approx. 12 km
  • Golden Age Hotel (Omeo) – approx. 30 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Blue Duck Inn (Anglers Rest) – approx. 12 km
  • Various pubs and cafes in Omeo – approx. 30 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Anglers Rest historic area – approx. 12 km
  • Bogong High Plains Road turnoff – nearby
  • Omeo Historic Town – approx. 30 km

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Omeo Caravan Park – approx. 30 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Anglers Rest Campground – approx. 12 km
  • Big River Bridge Campground – approx. 14 km
  • Victoria Falls Campground – approx. 10 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Omeo Public Dump Point – approx. 30 km
  • Dinner Plain Public Dump Point – approx. 60 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Omeo – approx. 30 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Omeo – approx. 30 km.
• Nearest Public Toilets: On-site (basic). Flushing toilets at Anglers Rest or Omeo.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm days with cool nights. Perfect for river activities. Average maximums are around 22°C to 25°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Cool, crisp days and cold nights with stunning autumn colours. Average maximums range from 12°C to 20°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frosty nights and potential for snowfalls. The main road usually remains open. Average maximums are around 8°C to 11°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and becoming milder. The landscape is lush and green. Average maximums range from 13°C to 19°C.