Thurra River Campground is a remote coastal woodland camp between the tannin-coloured Thurra River and the Southern Ocean in Croajingolong National Park. After years of fire, flood and bridge-reconstruction disruption, it reopened for the 2026 Easter holidays. More than 30 sites are currently listed for booking, making the official current page—not an older review or map—the right source for trip status.
Reopening and current conditions#
The 2019–20 bushfires and later floods damaged this part of the park, including the Thurra River bridge. A replacement bridge opened in September 2025, and Parks Victoria now confirms that the campground is welcoming campers again.
Some search results and traveller pages still say Thurra River is closed. Those reports may have been accurate during staged works, including a brief early-2026 closure, but they are stale for September 2026. Always check the live campground page and Croajingolong conditions shortly before departure: other tracks and places in the park remain closed.
Getting there and preparing for remoteness#
From Cann River, leave the Princes Highway for Tamboon Road, then turn left onto Point Hicks Road. The campground lies just beyond the river crossing. Parks Victoria estimates the drive from Melbourne at about seven hours, before rest and fuel stops.
This is not a place to discover that a map, booking receipt or essential supply is missing. Download directions and alerts in advance, fuel up in Cann River and bring enough drinking water for the full stay. Carry food, medication, first aid, insect repellent and a fuel stove. Remote-road conditions can change after weather, so allow daylight for the final approach.
Sites and facilities#
More than 30 campsites are currently open. Parks Victoria also lists a separate Thurra North Camping Area with four unpowered sites and no toilets; take care not to confuse the two products when booking.
The main campground has new toilet facilities. An accessible toilet is opposite site 39, and Parks Victoria invites campers with access questions to call 13 19 63. The official page says barbecues, picnic tables and firepits are “soon to be completed.” That wording means you should verify the finished facility set rather than treating every planned item as available.
Fires are permitted only in designated fireplaces and never during a Total Fire Ban. Croajingolong sits in the East Gippsland fire district and closes on Catastrophic fire-danger days. Bring a fuel stove and your own drinking water.
River, coast and walks#
The river and ocean create two very different edges to camp: calmer shallow water inland and an exposed surf coast outside. Families have traditionally valued the river on warm days, but water conditions and supervision still matter. The coast is wild and unpatrolled.
Nearby experiences include the Thurra River Dunes, long beach walks and routes toward Point Hicks. Parks Victoria currently lists Point Hicks Lightstation among areas still closed, so do not build an itinerary around access without checking the latest alert. Whale migration along this coast is most commonly observed from August to October, but sightings are never guaranteed.
What campers say#
Because the campground was closed for long periods, most public reviews predate the rebuilt bridge and new facilities. They describe the landscape well but cannot confirm today's operations. Anycamp reviews, a Wanderlog review summary and a public Facebook discussion suggest:
- Campers consistently remember the combination of river, ocean and giant dunes as the main reason to make the long drive.
- Older visitors valued separated sites and a sense of privacy rather than a dense holiday-park layout.
- The remote approach and occasional rough conditions make a daylight arrival worthwhile.
- Drinking water and insect repellent belong on the essential list.
- Closure information in public discussions is often out of date; check Parks Victoria directly.
Treat these as historical traveller patterns. The 2026 reopening, available site count, facilities and access are governed by current official information.
Booking Thurra River Campground#
Book through Parks Victoria and confirm that you selected the main Thurra River Campground rather than toilet-free Thurra North. Review live alerts again before committing to the long drive. This campground suits self-sufficient families, walkers and paddlers who value remoteness; it is not a low-preparation beach stop.
Location
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Thurra River Campground open in 2026?
Yes. Parks Victoria says it reopened for the 2026 Easter holidays and more than 30 sites are open for bookings. Check current Croajingolong alerts because nearby tracks and places remain closed.
How do I get to Thurra River Campground?
From Cann River, turn south onto Tamboon Road and then left onto Point Hicks Road. A replacement Thurra River bridge opened in September 2025, restoring vehicle access to the campground.
Does Thurra River Campground have toilets?
Yes. Parks Victoria lists new toilet facilities, including an accessible toilet opposite site 39. The page says barbecues, picnic tables and firepits are still being completed, so verify those before relying on them.
Is drinking water available at Thurra River?
Parks Victoria recommends bringing your own drinking water. Treat this as a remote, self-sufficient stay and carry enough for drinking, cooking and emergencies.
Are fires allowed at Thurra River Campground?
Fires are allowed only in designated fireplaces and are prohibited on Total Fire Ban days. Confirm a fireplace is available and check the East Gippsland fire forecast before travelling.