Upper Big River State Forest
Peter Cobb - Marysville
Getting there
From Marysville take the Woods Point Road. After 18 km,
veer left at the Cumberland Junction then turn left down
the Eildon-Warburton Road for 6 km, then right onto the
Big River Road, into the heart of the Upper Big River
State forest and its numerous riverside camping areas. Big
River Road is an all weather gravel road.
FS0052
ISSN 1440-2262
Upper Big River State Forest
Situated about 130 km north east of Melbourne (30km east
of Marysville), the Upper Big River State Forest (managed
by the Department of Sustainability and Environment) is a
popular area with many kilometres of forest roads and
tracks. The heritage classified Big River is the scenic heart
of the forested valley.
March 2004
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than create your own. Ensure fires are safe and that
they are completely extinguished when you leave.
Protect water quality - wash up at least 50 metres
away from streams and avoid using soap.
Pets are permitted but must be kept under control.
There are no fees for camping. Camp sites available on a
first-come first-served basis and no bookings are required,
but early arrival may be advisable during peak periods.
Things to See and Do
With many kilometres of forest road and tracks, the area is
extremely popular for recreation use.
There are
opportunities for camping, fishing, deer hunting, canoeing,
gold fossicking, bush walking and vehicle touring.
Vehicles and motor bikes
History
Gold prospectors first visited the area in the 1850’s and
there is abundant evidence of widespread alluvial mining.
Deep lead mining was carried out near Stockman’s Reward
and in the 1920’s a large steam-driven dredge also
operated in this area.
The Yarra track, which provided access to the Woods
Point goldfields, originally crossed the Big River at
Stockman’s Crossing, now known as Stockman’s Reward.
Cattle were grazed in the forest until the 1960’s and in
more recent years the forest supplied sawlogs for local
industry. Today the forest is managed primarily for
recreation, timber production and water supply.
Camping (See map overleaf)
Three of the larger camping areas in the Upper Big River
State Forest - Stockmans Reward, Frenchmans Creek and
Big River Camp are suitable for small caravans and large
group activities. Other sites are less extensive, catering
only for single or small groups. When camping, please
observe the following:
 Camp in existing campsites at least 20m from the river.
 Use toilets where they are provided. In areas without
toilets, bury toilet waste in a 15 cm deep hole at least
100 metres away from campsites and watercourses.
 Take your rubbish home. Don’t burn or bury rubbish. If
you come across other people’s rubbish, do the bush a
favour and take it out with you too.
 Gather only dead fallen firewood. Standing trees, even
dead ones are a home for wildlife. Do not cut down or
damage standing trees or vegetation.
 Take care with fire – observe all fire regulations and
Total Fire Ban days. Use existing fireplaces rather
 Must be fully registered and roadworthy.
 May only be driven on formed public roads and tracks
(not walking tracks) open to public vehicles.
 All drivers and riders must be licensed.
Firearms
 All native birds and animals are protected by law.
 Normal firearm laws apply, including the requirement
for a licence, the prohibition of shooting on, from or
across roads.
 Big River is a popular recreation area. Take special
care with firearms.
For more information
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE)
is responsible for managing Victoria's State Forests. For
further information contact the DSE office at Marysville
( 5957 7111) or DSE's Customer Centre on  136 186.
Visit DSE’s website
The Big River State Forest is managed for a wide range of
uses including catchment protection, timber production,
recreation and conservation. If you are interested in how
State forests are managed, the Central Highlands Forest
Management Plan can be viewed on the Department's
website on the Internet at http://www.dse.vic.gov.au
then select “Forestry”, then select “Publications”.
This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria
and its officers do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw
of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes
and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other
consequence which may arise from you relying on any information
in this publication.
© State of Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment
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Upper Big River State Forest
FS0052
© State of Victoria, 2003
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