Tucked away in Victoria’s high country (approx. 100 km directly northeast of Melbourne) between Jamieson and Woods Point, this scenic campsite is an ideal weekend getaway from the city or a great spot for a few days if you are travelling through the area.
The trail leading through this alpine region in fact, has a series of quite delightful camping spots, mostly quite small and secluded, beside running streams and are all ideal to set up camp for a pleasant bush camping break.
Knockwood Reserve, around halfway between Jamieson and Woods Point, is a little larger than most of these other campsites. It is a mostly flat area with nice grassy sites and a choice of clear open space for those needing sunshine for solar panels or a wide selection of lovely shady sites, particularly handy on those hot summer days in this region.
The campsite has long-drop toilets set up at opposite ends of the reserve, and whilst there are no formal fire places, campfires are allowed (except in total fire ban periods) as long as an area of three (3) metres is cleared around it. It is necessary to byo wood, however if you are here at busy times (long weekends, etc) there is often a local firewood delivery truck calling through with supplies.
Another real bonus in this spot is the delightful stream which flows alongside the reserve. Whilst the water in the small creek (which empties into the nearby Goulburn River) is always quite cool, the campground kids however, don’t seem to mind and are seen having fun in the water during the warmer parts of the day. We are also told that in the quieter sections of both the creek and Goulburn River fly fishing is quite popular with regular catches of trout experienced by most who give it a go.
The area here also has a long history of gold mining dating back to the 1860s with a variety of relics from the past (shafts, huts, furnaces and rusty old machinery) found along the many walking, bike and horse riding trails that extend right through this valley region. Along the access road there are also plenty of historic sites¸markers and settlement history, including quaint villages, lovely old pubs, cafes and other buildings, many of which are also well over 100 years old.
This is high country camping and exploring at its best and if you time your visit in autumn, as well as usually enjoying good weather conditions, those beautiful autumn colours through the trees and shrubs right through the area are a real delight.
FACT FILE
GETTING THERE: The easiest access is to follow the Mansfield Woods Point Road (road C511) to Jamieson and southwards through Kevington. From here the quite windy road turns to gravel (usually in good condition) but is suitable to all vehicles if driven with care. The road can however, be slippery and dangerous after rain and snow. The reserve is approximately 30 kms south of Jamieson or approximately 24 km to Woods Point further south and from there approximately 90 km to Marysville. This southern access is extremely windy and quite narrow in places and has extensive section of gravel.
FACILITIES: Long-drop toilets (byo loo paper), a choice of open grassy unmarked sites or set up camp under the shady trees. Campfires are allowed at each site. Byo wood. Nearest services and supplies Jamieson or Woods Point. Mobile phone or internet service is not available.
DISABLED: Mostly flat campground and separate disabled toilet facilities with hand rails are provided.
FEES: Free. No bookings or permits required.
DOGS: Allowed if kept under control.
FURTHER INFORMATION
- Knockwood Reserve is part of the Upper Goulburn State Forest.
- Enquiries – High Country Reservations – phone 1800.039.049
- Web: www.mansfieldmtbuller.com.au
- Area maps, walk trails, etc are available from the Mansfield and Marysville Visitor Information Centres.