Buster in Big River Victoria

Day 1 Monday 18th November 2024

Rego 23,792 127km to Big river state forest - Mc Celland camp.

Enjoying a short trip in  Buster before the Christmas season is upon us.

We started with an exploration of the Big River State forest located between Woods Point and  Jamieson/Eildon. We haven’t been here for over 35 years! We stopped at a cafe just after Yarra Junction enjoying our first pie and creamy lamington since before our trip to Europe.

Then we drove through Warburton, past the Reefton Pub and up towards Cambarville then turned right at intersection towards Jamieson, then a left to Big River state forest. Haven’t been here since 1987…So far have not recognised the place.

We got some firewood along the road. 

The road was in pretty good condition with a few expected pot holes. 1st camp (Big River) didn’t to much for us too close to road and intersection of Eildon road. Continued on to Reid’s camp which wasn’t much either. Stockman was better.. next to road tho but flat spots and new bridges. Drove down a narrow track but good stone surface to McClelland camp. The End camp was already taken with a group. Turned around and decided to stay at the next campsite with fire pit  and a lovely river view. Put dishy (Starlink) on. New plan Roam 50Gb $80 pm - pro rata $34 for the rest of this month. 

Mark had to change tyre pressures as we hadn’t done it when we had rotated the tyres. Used the dual tyre deflator on the front and then the new air compressor to inflate the back ones. All worked well. 

Relaxed in front of the fire with a few drinks. Had smoked salmon pasta for dinner.

Buster Big River D2

52km to Burnt Bridge camp on Big River

Had a quiet night. Coffee and shake before leaving and continuing along The Big River Road. Had a look at Frenchman’s Creek camp and realised it was here I remember camping as a child. Access to the river is not as nice as McClelland but a lot bigger campsite. From here the road was not as good and narrower but still ok. After 25mile creek road got a bit rougher. We were startled to met some cyclists, a Dad and Son from Canberra riding from Melb 1000km in 12 days.. amazing. There were a few very rocky and steep sections but took our time and Buster did it well. Came across only 1 car- Forest rangers. 

Turned off at Enoch’s Point. Old gold mining town with a dozen shacks now but in its hey day there were over 3,000 living here. We went down a short distance on a steep and rocky track to day area and walked 700m to Falls. The track was a bit overgrown in parts but worth the stroll. Luckily we saw No snakes. Phew. 

The road was a bit better from here as we made our way towards Jamieson. We stopped to have a look at Chaffe Creek camp. (Saw the cyclists again). It was another big camp and access to river but decided to keep going. Then came to the Eildon Jamieson intersection- road is now bitumen. Turned left to have a look at Horseshoe bend - seemed ok but a group of young guys were there. So had a look and Jimmy Bullocks also ok but close to road and bridge .. big school group here canoeing and camping. But had some nice spots and good river access. Nicest so far. Noise made us look further on at Bulldog Flat which was no good. Went to Burnt Bridge which you drive down to it from main road. No one here except canoe bus that left later.  A couple of big campsites that have good river access. One of them had a fallen tree and a cross marking the death of some poor fellow. Decided to have roast tonight. Started cooking after a dip in the river. Enjoyed a few drinks. Weather is beautiful.