Discover the rugged charm of Fishbone Flat Camping Ground, a free bush camping area nestled within the beautiful Upper Big River State Forest near Eildon, Victoria. This secluded spot is the perfect getaway for self-sufficient campers looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature. Situated on the banks of a small, ferny creek, this flat, shaded area is surrounded by tall native gum trees, offering a tranquil atmosphere for a proper off-grid experience.
Access to Fishbone Flat is strictly for 4WD vehicles and high-clearance off-road camper trailers, ensuring a sense of adventure from the moment you turn off the main road. The site is a popular base for a wide range of outdoor activities, including freshwater fishing in the Upper Big River, exploring the extensive network of 4WD tracks, trail bike riding, bushwalking, and mountain biking. Kayaking and canoeing are also great ways to explore the local waterways.
As a basic bush camp, Fishbone Flat has no facilities. Campers must be fully self-contained and prepared to bring everything they need, including drinking water, firewood, and a portable toilet. All rubbish must be taken out with you to preserve the pristine environment. This is a pet-friendly campground, so you are welcome to bring your dog, provided it is kept under control. If you’re looking for an authentic, free camping adventure in Victoria’s High Country, Fishbone Flat is an outstanding choice.
Fishbone Flat Camping Ground – VIC Location Map
Fishbone Flat Camping Ground
- Address: Big River Road, Upper Big River State Forest, Eildon VIC 3713
- GPS Coordinates: -37.52687, 145.99664
Location Map
Site Features and Rules
- Location: Located in Upper Big River State Forest, signposted off Big River Road.
- Site Suitable For: Tent-based camping, 4WD off-road camper trailers.
- Road Access: Accessible by 4WD vehicles only via unsealed forest roads.
- Site Surface: Natural, flat grass and dirt area.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Not specified.
- Picnic Tables: No
- Potable Water: No, you must bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Unlikely. Expect no mobile coverage.
- TV Reception: Unlikely.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. Campers must be fully self-contained (BYO portable toilet).
- Ullage: Not available.
- Drive Through: Not available.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted, subject to seasonal restrictions and Total Fire Ban days. Fires must be in a fireplace or 30cm deep trench, no larger than 1 square metre, with 3-metre clearance. Must be attended at all times and fully extinguished with water.
- Generator Use: Not specified. Be mindful of other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Small, informal area suitable for several individual campers or small groups.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, portable toilet, food, and all camping gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted but must be kept under control at all times.
- Fishing: Yes, popular in the nearby Big River.
- Short Walks: Yes, bushwalking tracks and forest roads are accessible from the site.
Local Amenities
- Nearest Pubs:
- Lake Eildon Hotel (approx. 25-30 km in Eildon)
- Nearest Places to Eat:
- Simpsons Fuel Eildon (Takeaway Food) (approx. 25-30 km in Eildon)
- Various cafes and bakeries in Eildon Township (approx. 25-30 km)
- Local Attractions:
- Lake Eildon (for boating and fishing) (approx. 25-30 km to main access)
- Snobs Creek Falls (approx. 20-25 km)
- Eildon Dam Wall (approx. 25-30 km)
- Foggs Lookout (Mt Pinninger) (approx. 25-30 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks (for alternative facilities):
- Snobs Creek Holiday Park (approx. 20-25 km)
- Bluegums Riverside Holiday Park (approx. 20-25 km)
- Eildon Pondage Holiday Park (approx. 25-30 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- Stockmans Reward Camping Area (nearby in Big River State Forest)
- Petroffs Camping Area (nearby in Big River State Forest)
- Picnic Point Campground (on Lake Eildon)
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Bluegums Riverside Holiday Park (Free public dump point) (approx. 20-25 km)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Simpsons Fuel Eildon (approx. 25-30 km in Eildon)
- Nearest Drinking Water Resupply:
- Eildon Township (Public taps / hydration stations) (approx. 25-30 km)
- Nearest Public Toilets:
- Eildon Township (approx. 25-30 km)
Seasonal Weather Forecast (Eildon Region)
- Summer (December – February): Expect warm to hot days with mean maximums between 26°C and 29°C. Nights are mild, with mean minimums around 11°C to 13°C. This is the driest season, but be extremely vigilant of fire restrictions.
- Autumn (March – May): Days become cooler, with mean maximums dropping from 26°C to 16°C. Nights get colder, with mean minimums from 11°C down to 6°C. Rainfall begins to increase.
- Winter (June – August): This is the coldest and wettest season. Mean maximums are typically between 12°C and 14°C, with cold nights averaging 3°C to 4°C. Frosts are common, and sub-zero temperatures can occur. Be prepared for wet and potentially slippery road conditions.
- Spring (September – November): Weather is variable, warming up through the season. Mean maximums range from 17°C to 24°C, with mean minimums from 6°C to 9°C. A good time for bushwalking as the forest comes to life, but still be prepared for cool changes.
