Camping

An open green grassland surrounded by hills and rugged bushland with kangaroos feeding on the grass

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Camping

Mitchell River National Park

Mitchell River National Park is one of the jointly managed parks within Gippsland. The Joint Management agreement recognises the fact that the Gunaikurnai people hold Aboriginal Title and maintain a strong connection to Country. As custodians of the land, they are the rightful people who speak for their Country. These parks and reserves are cultural landscapes that continue to be part of Gunaikurnai living culture. For more information on Joint Management, please visit the Gunaikurnai Traditional Owner Land Management Board and the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation.

Billy Goat Bend is a popular camping and picnic spot with basic facilities and panoramic views of the Mitchell River Gorge and rapids. Vehicle access is available and there are  toilets, fireplaces and picnic tables.

Angusvale camping area has easy car and river access, with toilets, fireplaces and picnic tables.

Rock Creek and Adam Track camping areas are 4WD access only. There are toilets at Rock Creek and fireplaces at Adam Track.

There is basic camping along the Mitchell River Walking Track at Rock Creek, Mitchell Road, Cobbannah Creek, Billy Goat Bend and Woolshed Creek. Please camp at least 20m away from the water and take all rubbish with you when you leave.

Things To Do

Walking in Mitchell River National Park

Mitchell River Walking Track is a perfect way to discover the Impressive river scenery, serene rainforest gullies and rugged landscapes of the park, and some shorter walks connect you to the parks Aboriginal culture and heritage.
The Mitchell River flows through the country side.

Cultural Heritage

Mitchell River National Park, on Brabralung Country, has a rich cultural history that tells of tribal conflict, ceremonies, food gathering, community life and local spirits.
Billy Goat Bend on the Mitchell River National Park.

Canoeing and rafting at Mitchell River

The Mitchell River offers short day trips or extended touring through the tranquil pools and turbulent rapids down to the Gippsland Lakes, with challenging Whitewater Grades III and IV rapids. July to December usually have the best flow, but please check river levels before you visit.

Horse riding in Mitchell River National Park

Horse riding is a great way to see the park and is permitted on roads and vehicle tracks open to the public. Horses are not permitted to remain overnight in the park unless prior approval has been obtained. Horse riders are asked to apply the horse rider’s code to ensure minimal impact, and to feed clean weed free food prior to arrival.
Three hunters silhouetted at sunset.

Hunting in Mitchell River National Park

Deer stalking is permitted in accordance with hunting regulations in the eastern section of the park from 15 February to 15 December. Hunting is also permitted south of Hortons Track on the eastern side of the National Park. Firearms are not permitted on the Western side of the Mitchell River.

How to get there

Camping

Heading west out of Bairnsdale on Main Street/Princes Highway/A1, turn right onto Bairnsdale-Dargo Road/C601 and follow for about 42 kilometres. You can turn right at Wallers Road and follow that to the end to reach the Den of Nargun picnic area. Forr access to Billy Goat Bend camping area, either turn left off Wallers Road and head north along Park Road, or turn right off the Bairnsdale-Dargo Road/C601 onto Billy Goat Bend Road, and follow the signs to the camping area.
Angusvale campground is located at the end of Mitchell River Road, further north along the Bairnsdale-Dargo Road/C601. Turn right off the C601 and follow the track for 16 kilometres.
To access the eastern side of the park, turn right off the C601 onto Lindenow-Glenaladale Road. Cross the bridge over the Mitchell River and turn left to stay on Lindenow-Glenaladale Road. Turn right at Weir Road and stay on it until you are continuing along Wattle Creek Road and see entry signs to the park.
To visit the Old Weir day visitor site, turn left off Weir Road onto Milton Park Road. Please be aware that the end of this road down into the day visitor site is rated as a Double-Black Diamond 4WD track, and is suitable for experienced four-wheel-drivers only. Visitors can access the site on foot - park your vehicle at the top of the hill and walk approximately one kilometre to the site. Please take plenty of water.

Camping

When you're there

Guidelines for sustainable camping

Set up campsites at least 20 metres away from waterways.

Digging steps into river banks is illegal and can cause erosion and landslides.

Camping is not permitted in day visitor areas or on licensed water frontages adjacent to private property.

Do not spray paint or attach signs to trees.

Chemical toilets are recommended. Please do not empty chemical toilets or other rubbish into public toilets or waterways.

Dogs and other pets are not permitted in the park.

Fires are permitted only:

  • if it is not a day of Total Fire Ban;
  • a three-metre area around it is cleared of anything flammable;
  • an adult is in attendance at all times;
  • at least 10 litres of water are available for immediate use,
  • and if it is in a pit that must be maintained to 30cm deep.

Fires can also be no larger than 1m x 1m.

Put the fire out with water, not soil. When the campfire is cool to touch, it is safe to leave.

No campfires or solid fuel barbecues may be lit on a day of Total Fire Ban.

Portable gas or electric barbecues or camping stoves may be used, provided that the conditions above are met.

Help look after our parks

Please take all rubbish with you when you leave and do not dump rubbish or other waste items into toilets. Please consider the impacts of generators or loud music on other visitors.

To reduce the risk of your generator starting a bush fire, ensure your generator is: located in an area clear of fuels, dry grass or other combustibles; the generator is only refueled when the engine is cold; extension cords do not cross access tracks and are rated for outdoor use.

Camping Safety

Avoid camping or parking under or near large trees where possible as branches may fall and swing away from the tree at any time. Whole trees may fall without warning.

Please do not use rope swings as they damage trees and are difficult to safely remove.

Avoid camping close to waterways if rain or storms are forecast, as waters may rise quickly and trap you.

Mobile phone reception in the park is unreliable.

Bushfire safety is a personal responsibility. Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at www.emergency.vic.gov.au or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

Need to know

Camping

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

Driving in the park

All roads and tracks within the park are gravel, with the Mitchell River Road and Wallers Road being readily accessible for most vehicles. All other tracks would require a 4WD to navigate, with varying levels of experience required. Find more safety tips on our Safety in nature page.

Mitchell River National Park Joint Management Plan

Mitchell River National Park is on the Country of the Brabralung clan. The park has a rich cultural history that tells of tribal conflict, ceremonies, food gathering, community life and local spirits. The Gunaikurnai and Victorian Government Joint Management Plan provides a description of joint management strategies and actions that are specific to Mitchell River National Park.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Rock Creek (Mitchell River National Park, Mitchell and Wonnangatta Rivers Heritage River)

    Angusvale Track/Horton’s Crossing Closure

    Due to storm events, the Angusvale Track past the Rock Creek Camp area has been subject to landslip. 
     
    This Landslip now prevents vehicles from accessing the ford crossing through the Mitchell River between Angusvale Track and Hortons Track. Please do not attempt to cross the river from Hortons Track as there is no access to the West side of the park from this point.
     
    The Rock Creek Camp area is still currently accessible via Angusvale Track/Mitchell Views Track of the Mitchell River Road.

  • Billy Goat Bend Camping Area (Mitchell River National Park, Mitchell and Wonnangatta Rivers Heritage River)

    Billy Goat Bend Road - partial closure

    Billy Goat Bend Road is currently closed between the Bairnsdale-Dargo Road and Bull Creek Divide Track due to improvement works. 
     
    Billy Goat Bend Campground can be accessed via Park Road. 
     
    Opening date is condition dependent, please refer to website for updates

  • Angusvale camping area (Mitchell and Wonnangatta Rivers Heritage River, Mitchell River National Park)

    No access to canoe launch

    Canoe launch area is closed for public safety. Please use the launching area in the day visitor site for river access

Similar experiences

 
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Camping in Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park

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A women walks her dog into the campsite while another women prepares food as her son looks on.

Banksia Bluff Campground

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Glenelg River Canoe Trail

The Glenelg River offers excellent opportunities for flat water canoeing over the 75kms from Dartmoor to its mouth near Nelson. For much of its distance the river flows through the Lower Glenelg National Park, enabling enthusiasts to observe wildlife in its natural environment.
A mother and daughter kicks a football in front of dad and two younger children in front of tents at Buchan Caves Reserve.

Camping

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A pelican on the water at the Lakes National Park in Gippsland.

The Lakes National Park

The Lakes National Park is a peaceful bushland retreat in the Gippsland Lakes, fringed by the waters of Lake Victoria and Lake Reeve.
Three friends stop for a quick drink late in the afternoon on their walk from Hotham to Falls Creek.

Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing

One of Victoria's icon walks, the 37km Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing (FHAC) is a 3 day/2 night walk through the Alpine National Park, linking the resort villages of Falls Creek and Mt Hotham.
Family kicking a football outside their tent

Buchan Caves Reserve Campground

There are a range of powered campsites that are located on flat ground and generally close to the public amenities block. The sites allow vehicles to be parked within a few metres of each site. Campsites generally have a lawn surface and most sides have shade from trees.
A view of Bunyip State Park

Camping at Bunyip State Park

There are several camping areas within Bunyip State Park. No fees apply for these campgrounds.
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