Free Camp Sites in the Buckland Valley
The Buckland Valley has a remarkable collection of free riverside camp sites extending south from Porepunkah along Buckland Valley Road. The campgrounds are scattered beside the Buckland River among forested mountains, grassy flats and reminders of the valley's gold-mining history.
Camping is free and bookings are not required. Dogs are permitted at the camping areas listed below. Most sites are accessible by two-wheel-drive vehicles during dry conditions, although the road and campground entrances can become rough, muddy or slippery after rain.
The campgrounds are listed below in order when travelling south along Buckland Valley Road from Porepunkah.
Ah Youngs Campground
Ah Youngs is a large and well-maintained camping area in an open grassy clearing surrounded by native forest and mountain slopes. It is a short walk from the Buckland River, where there are opportunities for fishing and swimming.The spacious campground is suitable for tents, camper trailers and high-clearance caravans. Its relatively open layout makes it one of the better Buckland Valley options for larger camping setups.
Facilities: Toilet, firepits and unpowered bush camping.
Camp Flat
Camp Flat has several camping sections extending along the Buckland River. The camping areas include smaller riverside clearings and a larger open area reached beyond a shallow river crossing.Conditions at the crossing vary with rainfall and river levels, so drivers should inspect it before proceeding. The campground is better suited to tents, camper trailers and vehicles capable of handling uneven unsealed access.
Facilities: Basic bush camping facilities, toilet and firepits.
Shippens Flat
Shippens Flat is about 30 kilometres south of Porepunkah and provides a mixture of large open camping areas and smaller shaded sites beside the Buckland River. It can accommodate groups while still offering more secluded places for individual campers.The campground is suitable for camper trailers and small high-clearance caravans. The river lies below parts of the camping area and is reached using steep foot tracks, so care is required when approaching the water. Cattle from nearby farmland may occasionally wander through the campground.
Facilities: Toilet, firepits and unpowered bush camping.
New Chum Flat
New Chum Flat is approximately 19 kilometres south of Buckland Bridge. It is a relatively small, flat campground where trees and vegetation provide natural screening between camping areas.The site is particularly suitable for tents, camper trailers, individuals and small groups seeking greater privacy. It is not recommended for large caravans or motorhomes. Several tracks provide access to shallow, fast-flowing sections of the Buckland River.
New Chum Flat occupies part of an old gold-mining settlement, and historic building remains, mine workings and introduced trees can be found nearby. Uncovered mine shafts occur throughout the Buckland Valley, so visitors should remain on formed tracks.
Facilities: No toilet. The nearest toilet is about 500 metres south at Leinster Flat.
Leinster Flat Campground
Leinster Flat is a shaded riverside campground with views across the Buckland River. The ground is level in some sections but sloping in others, so campers may need to inspect the area to find a suitable position.It is a convenient alternative when nearby New Chum Flat is occupied and provides the nearest toilet facilities for campers staying there.
Facilities: Toilet, firepits and unpowered bush camping.
Good Hope Flat
Good Hope Flat is a long, spacious campground extending beside a bend in the Buckland River. Large grassy areas provide room for groups, camper trailers and smaller caravans, while mature eucalyptus trees offer shade during summer.The campground has convenient access to the river and is reached from Porepunkah in approximately 40 minutes. Buckland Valley Road is narrow and winding, and although the site is generally accessible by two-wheel-drive vehicles in dry weather, four-wheel drive may be preferable after rain. Cattle may wander through the campground.
Facilities: Toilet, firepits, wood-fired barbecue and unpowered bush camping.
Headrace Flat Campground
Headrace Flat is a generally level riverside campground with a choice of open and shaded camping positions. Its flatter ground makes it suitable for tents, camper trailers and modest caravan setups.The campground is close to Yurluk and provides the nearest toilet facilities for campers staying at the northern end of that campground.
Facilities: Toilet, firepits and unpowered bush camping.
Yurluk Campground
Yurluk occupies a lightly timbered flat on a bend of the Buckland River, approximately 22 kilometres south of Buckland Bridge. Several small camping areas are connected by a narrow track beside the river, with access to swimming holes and shallow wading pools.The site is best suited to four-wheel-drive vehicles and smaller camping setups. Although the main road is generally accessible to two-wheel-drive vehicles during dry conditions, the campground entrance can become rough and slippery when wet.
Yurluk means broad-leaved peppermint in the Taungurung language, referring to the eucalyptus species found throughout the campground.
Facilities: No toilet. Toilets are available within approximately one kilometre at Headrace Flat to the north and The Bend to the south.
The Bend Campground
The Bend is one of the southernmost designated campgrounds along Buckland Valley Road. It has attractive grassy camping positions beside a bend in the Buckland River, with good views and convenient access to the water.The individual clearings are generally smaller than those at Good Hope Flat or Shippens Flat, making the campground more suitable for tents, camper trailers and compact camping setups.
Facilities: Toilet, firepits and unpowered bush camping.
Road Access
From Porepunkah, follow the Great Alpine Road towards Harrietville and turn onto Buckland Valley Road. The road is sealed as far as the Buckland Cemetery area, approximately 16–17 kilometres from Porepunkah, and is unsealed beyond this point.The unsealed road is generally suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles in dry conditions, but it becomes narrower, rougher and more isolated farther into the valley. Wet weather can make campground entrances slippery, and logging trucks sometimes use Buckland Valley Road.
There is little or no mobile telephone reception in the upper valley. Carry sufficient food, drinking water, fuel and emergency supplies, and let someone know where you are travelling.
Camping Facilities and Conditions
These are unpowered forest campgrounds without showers, rubbish collection or treated drinking water. Bring drinking water and take all rubbish home.Water collected from the Buckland River must be treated or boiled before drinking. Camp at least 20 metres from the river and wash dishes well away from the water. Campfires may only be lit in accordance with current fire restrictions and must never be lit on a Total Fire Ban day.
Access for Dogs
Dogs are permitted at the free camping areas along Buckland Valley Road. Keep dogs under effective control and prevent them from disturbing wildlife, cattle, other campers or neighbouring properties. Dogs should not be taken beyond the state forest into nearby national park areas where pets are prohibited.Important Safety Information
The Buckland River can rise rapidly following heavy rain in the mountains. Never camp on the riverbank or within areas that could be affected by flooding.Historic mine shafts, excavations and unstable mining remains occur throughout the Buckland Valley. Remain on formed roads and walking tracks, supervise children closely and do not enter mine workings.
Road and campground closures can occur because of bushfire, flooding, storm damage, logging or hazardous conditions. Check current forest and emergency information before travelling.
Location
Buckland Valley Road, Buckland 3740 View Map
Web Links
→ www.exploreoutdoors.vic.gov.au/activities/camping/buckland-valley-camping
