Little River Junction Campground: Remote 4WD Camping in Snowy River National Park
For the dedicated 4WD adventurer seeking a truly remote and rewarding escape, Little River Junction Campground is one of East Gippsland’s most spectacular destinations. Located deep within the rugged and majestic Snowy River National Park, this free campground is set at the scenic confluence of the Little River and the iconic Snowy River. Reaching this spot is an adventure in itself, requiring a capable 4WD vehicle to navigate the steep and challenging tracks. The reward for your efforts is a pristine and secluded campsite in a stunning river valley, surrounded by towering forested slopes. The campground offers a number of dispersed, grassy sites perfect for tents and off-road camper trailers, where you can set up camp and soak in the profound tranquility of the wilderness.
This is a primitive bush camp designed for the fully self-sufficient explorer. A single non-flushing toilet is the only facility provided, so campers must bring everything they need for their stay, including drinking water, and strictly adhere to the ‘leave no trace’ principle by carrying out all rubbish. The rivers provide a stunning backdrop and are perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot day or for trying your luck fishing for trout. It is essential for all visitors to know that as this campground is within a National Park, **pets are strictly not permitted**. The journey and the destination are not for the faint-hearted, but for those equipped for a true 4WD adventure, Little River Junction offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the raw, untamed beauty of the Snowy River wilderness.
Campground Information
- Name: Little River Junction Campground
- Address: Little River Track, Wulgulmerang, Victoria 3885, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -37.121839366322604, 148.3721659375786
- Website: Managed by Parks Victoria (no direct website for the campground).
Features & Rules
- Location: Remote river junction deep within the Snowy River National Park.
- Site Suitable For: Tents and off-road camper trailers. Not suitable for caravans.
- Road Access: 4WD access only via steep and difficult tracks. Not passable in wet weather.
- Site Surface: Natural grass and earth.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free dispersed camping is permitted.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit.
- Facilities: A single non-flushing toilet.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water or have a reliable filtration system.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Non-existent.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, one basic non-flushing toilet.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in existing fire pits, subject to seasonal fire bans.
- Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Several undesignated, unpowered sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, portable toilet (recommended), firewood, rubbish bags, and all supplies.
- Pet Friendly: No, pets are not permitted in the Snowy River National Park.
- Fishing: Possible in the Snowy and Little Rivers.
- Short Walks: Informal walks along the rivers. The Little River Gorge lookout is a drive away.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Buchan Caves Hotel (Buchan) – approx. 60 km
- Places to Eat:
- The nearest cafes and takeaways are in Buchan (approx. 60 km) or Orbost (approx. 90 km).
- Local Attractions:
- Little River Gorge & Falls
- McKillops Bridge
- Snowy River National Park
Nearby Parks & Services
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Wulgulmerang Recreation Reserve (low-cost) – approx. 20 km
- Buchan Caves Reserve Campground (paid) – approx. 60 km
- Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
- McKillops Bridge Campground – approx. 5 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Wulgulmerang Recreation Reserve – approx. 20 km
- Orbost Public Dump Point – approx. 90 km
- Nearest Petrol Station: Buchan – approx. 60 km or Orbost – approx. 90 km.
- Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Wulgulmerang Recreation Reserve or public taps in Buchan/Orbost.
- Nearest Public Toilets: On-site (basic). Flushing toilets at Little River Gorge lookout.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days with cool nights. Average maximum temperatures are around 25°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild days and cool to cold nights. A beautiful time with autumn colours. Average maximums range from 15°C to 22°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frosty nights and potential for snow. Access roads are often impassable. Average maximums are around 10°C to 12°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and becoming milder. Rivers can be high. Check road conditions. Average maximums range from 15°C to 21°C.