Queensborough River Campground: Remote, Free & Pet-Friendly Bush Camping

For the truly adventurous camper seeking solitude and a genuine connection with the wilderness, the Queensborough River Campground is a hidden gem in the remote forests of far East Gippsland. Located near the historic locality of Bendoc, this free campground offers a back-to-basics experience for self-sufficient travellers. The campground consists of several unmarked, grassy sites scattered along the banks of the beautiful Queensborough River, a pristine waterway known for its trout and redfin. It’s a place of profound peace and quiet, where you can escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the sounds of the Australian bush. The surrounding forest is rich with wildlife, and the clear, starry nights are simply breathtaking.

This is a primitive campground with no facilities, meaning visitors must be completely self-contained. You will need to bring your own portable toilet, all your drinking water, and be prepared to take every piece of rubbish with you when you leave. The reward for this preparation is a truly unspoiled natural environment. The access tracks are unsealed and best suited to 4WD or high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain, which ensures the area remains a secluded haven. As it is located in a State Forest, the campground is pet-friendly, allowing you to share this incredible wilderness experience with your dog. For those equipped for a rugged adventure and looking for an authentic, off-grid camping experience, the Queensborough River Campground is an exceptional choice.

Campground Information

• Name: Queensborough River Campground
• Address: Bendoc-Orbost Road, Bendoc, Victoria 3888, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.24750031976278, 148.9537093682733
• Website: Managed by Forest Fire Management Victoria (no direct website).

Features & Rules

• Location: Remote bush setting on the banks of the Queensborough River.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, and off-road camper trailers.
• Road Access: Unsealed forest roads. 4WD or high-clearance 2WD recommended, especially in wet conditions.
• Site Surface: Natural grass and earth.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free dispersed camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit.
• Facilities: None. This is a completely self-sufficient campsite.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Non-existent.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No. A portable toilet is essential.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted, 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, firewood, rubbish bags, and all supplies.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing for trout and redfin in the Queensborough River.
• Short Walks: Informal walks along the river and through the surrounding forest.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Bendoc Hotel – approx. 15 km
  • Delegate Hotel (NSW) – approx. 30 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Bendoc Hotel – approx. 15 km
  • Cafes in Delegate (NSW) – approx. 30 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Errinundra National Park
  • Snowy River National Park
  • Historic Bendoc township

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Delegate Caravan Park (NSW) – approx. 30 km
  • Bombala Caravan Park (NSW) – approx. 50 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Delegate River Camping Area – approx. 10 km
  • Goongerah Campground – approx. 40 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Bombala Showground (NSW) – approx. 50 km
  • Orbost Public Dump Point – approx. 100 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Delegate (NSW) – approx. 30 km or Bombala (NSW) – approx. 50 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Delegate or Bombala.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Bendoc township – approx. 15 km.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm days with cool nights. Average maximum temperatures are around 24°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Cool days and cold nights, with beautiful autumn colours. Average maximums range from 14°C to 21°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold, with frequent frosts and a high chance of snow, which can make access roads impassable. Average maximums are around 10°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and becoming milder. The forest is vibrant and the rivers are flowing well. Average maximums range from 14°C to 20°C.