Mitchell River National Park

• Introduction
• Fact file


Mitchell River National Park, Michel Ginther / Auscape International

Introduction

Stunning river scenery, thickets of temperate rainforest, idyllic fern gullies and tracts of rugged countryside are the background to a wide range of leisure pursuits in Gippsland’s Mitchell River National Park. The Mitchell, a heritage-listed river, is flanked by tall cliffs and gorges, with placid pools and rapids as the river flows south to the Gippsland Lakes. It is one of the best ways to explore the park and provides excellent whitewater rafting for experienced enthusiasts (guided rafting tours available). Below a small waterfall on Woolshed Creek is a cave known as the Den of Nargun, associated with Aboriginal legend, and reached via a steep walking track (2 km, 1 hour return) from the carpark at the park’s southern end. The shallow, dank cave is not safe to enter.Along the ridges, a dry forest of wattle trees and eucalypts survives, while the contorted trunks of giant old kanooka trees (also called river gums, though they are not actually a eucalypt species) grow out of the water. The gullies are a mass of ferns and moss-clad rainforest species. There is good birdwatching, and around 25 mammal species have been identified. Walks include Mitchell River Walking Track (17 km, 2 days return) from Angusvale through the gorge to the Den of Nargun. For an impressive view of Mitchell Gorge and its most challenging set of rapids, head to the viewing platform at Billy Goat Bend. Bluff Lookout also provides great views. Other activities include four-wheel driving, fishing, and deer stalking (restricted season). Campsites all have toilets; Angusvale and Billy Goat Bend have fireplaces; at Woolshed Creek and Rock Creek gas stoves are required. Campers must be self-sufficient and bring supplies and water.

Fact file

Camping

Angusvale, Billy Goat Bend, Woolshed Creek, Rock Creek; bush camping

Location and access

300 km east of Melbourne via Princes Hwy to Stratford then 25 km east turn off to Fernbank and Glenaladale and onto Dargo Rd then Waller Rd

Park Information

• PV 13 1963
• PV Bairnsdale (03) 5152 0400

Size

12 200 ha

Where to Stay

Bairnsdale (03) 5152 3444
Dunbar Rd (private caravan park
adjacent to park)


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• Campsites

Campsites

Angusvale camping area

Angusvale is scenically sited at the northern edge of the national park, beside the Mitchell River some 16 km east along the Mitchell Dam Rd from the junction with the Bairnsdale–Dargo Rd. From here you can follow... Find out more

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Billy Goat Bend camping area

Billy Goat Bend has a spectacular curving cliff as a backdrop, and the small rapids here are a great place to test the durability of your air mattress. If you’re planning on canoeing to this spot, note that the... Find out more

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Rock Creek Track camping area

There are only 2 campsites at Rock Creek Track, so have a back-up plan in case they’re taken when you arrive. From Mitchell Dam Rd, head east on Mitchell Rd and then north-east on Angusvale Track to get here. You... Find out more

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Woolshed Creek camping area (walk-in camping)

Woolshed Creek is a walk-in campsite close to the southern end of the Mitchell River Walking Track. It’s only a short hike from here to the deep gully that hides the Den of Nargun, a cave where a fierce ancient... Find out more

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