Cooling off on a hot summer’s day has never looked so good surrounded by the serene natural waterholes, rivers and lakes in Victoria’s state forests.

Grab your lilo, pool noodle, friends and family and explore these beautiful waterside camping spots.

First up is the iconic natural waterhole, Blue Pool along Freestone Creek just 35 minutes’ drive from Sale. Sitting within the Briagolong State Forest on Gunaikurnai Country, this popular camping spot is surrounded by native forest.

From the campsite, hop onto the Freestone Creek Walking Track, a 6.5km round-trip offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Blue Pool waterhole surrounded by rocks and tree covered hills.
The iconic Blue Pool swimming hole is a popular summer retreat

Head north-east

Ah Youngs Campground on the Buckland River in the Buckland State Forest is another stunning waterside option.  Set amidst picturesque native forest and mountains on Taungurung Country, this site is 25 minutes from Bright,18 minutes from Porepunkah and a gateway to Mount Buffalo National Park.

Or what about scenic Jack Swasbrick campground on the banks of the Mitta Mitta River — the perfect spot to relax by the water. Located 15 minutes from the township of Mitta Mitta and under an hour from Wodonga.

It’s a great base for adventure lovers to enjoy fishing, kayaking and bushwalking around the Mitta Mitta and Dartmouth Dam areas, including the challenging Mt Welcome Hike.

Grassy campground with tree covered mountains in the background.

Ah Youngs Campground
Grassy campground with wooden bollards overlooking a flowing river and tree covered mountains in the background.

Jack Swasbrick Campground

Jamieson-bound

Located a stone’s throw from the laid-back High Country town of Jamieson are two picturesque campsites in the Upper Goulburn State Forest on Taungurung Country.

Skipworth Reserve, located just 8 minutes from town provides a spacious, open grassy area located beside the Goulburn River, offering the perfect setting to unwind and cool down in the nearby river.

The river is a great fishing spot, with abundant rainbow trout, brown trout, and perch.

A river flowing through a green valley.
Goulburn River at Skipworth Reserve

Alternatively, just east of town is Grannys Flat nestled beside the Jamieson River—one of the Goulburn River’s scenic tributaries, just 13 minutes east of the Jamieson township.

If you’re looking for adventure, base yourself at Grannys before embarking on the Mitchell’s Bridle Trail, an advanced overnight hike that runs alongside the Jamieson River.

Driving 40 minutes south of Jamieson into the Lower Big River State Forest is Horseshoe Bend Campground, another refreshing riverside campground awaits.

This spot is popular with freshwater anglers for trout fishing and more adventurous activities like trail biking or tackling the extensive network of forest roads on the Upper Goulburn 4WD tour.

River with grasses and trees on both sides.

The Jamieson River flows lazily by Grannys Flat campground
Flowing river

Big River at Horseshoe Bend is ideal for trout fishing and swimming

Cooling campgrounds west-side

If you’re headed towards the Surf Coast and the Great Ocean Road, consider Tanners Road Campground on Wadawurrung Country , in the Otway Forest Park. Waterside relief is only a 20-minute drive away at the beautiful beaches of Anglesea.

Or another option is Dandos Campground in Eastern Maar Country,  a more remote campground on the Gellibrand River, 50 minutes inland from Apollo Bay.

Take a dip in the river or check out the secluded water hole to the north-west of the site. It’s a great base for exploring the lush rainforests of the Otways and highlights including Stevensons Falls, Beauchamp Falls and the Forrest Mountain Bike Trails.

For visitors to the far-west, you’ll find several basic bush campgrounds along the edge of the thriving Rocklands Reservoir in the Grampians, including Glendinning and Mountain Dam. The second largest reservoir in the state, here you’ll find ample opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming and more.

Bushy campsite with toilet facility in background.

Tanners Road is the perfect base for exploring the Great Ocean Road and Otway hinterland.
Grassy camping area with a wooden camping table, fire pit and gum trees overlooking a lake.

Glendinning bush campground has easy access to Rocklands Reservoir

Further to the west is Sawpit Campground on Gunditjmara Country, just a 4-minute drive from Narrawong Beach about 20 minutes from Portland.

Located in the Mount Clay State Forest, this family-friendly campground is close to Whalers Lookout Walk and popular Mt Clay Mountain Bike track circuit.

A campground surrounded by tall trees, wooden bollards, picnic tables and a shelter.
Sawpit Campground is a spacious area set among towering messmate

Stay safe around water

When spending time near waterways, it's important to plan ahead, check the weather forecast and be aware of the latest flood information.

To improve your safety around beaches, rivers and lakes, remember to:

  • be aware of the local water environment and weather conditions before entering the water
  • obey all water safety signs
  • don’t drink alcohol while recreating around water, or when supervising children
  • and make sure there’s someone looking out for you.

Visit water and flood safety for more information.

Page last updated: 17/12/24