Blue Pool Campground – Briagolong, Victoria

Blue Pool is a walk-in bush camping area on Freestone Creek, about 10km north of Briagolong in Gippsland, built around a striking natural swimming hole set in a basalt gorge. There are 12 walk-in sites, each with a fire pit and picnic table, a short stroll from the car park along a well-formed path. Dogs are welcome and camping is free with no bookings, but the site is popular on weekends and holidays and can fill quickly. Big rigs and caravans should use the nearby Quarries Reserve instead, as Blue Pool is tent-only walk-in camping. Free bush camping beside one of Gippsland’s most popular natural swimming holes. Blue Pool Campground is located within the Freestone Creek Camping Precinct near Briagolong in Gippsland, Victoria. The campground sits among native forest close to the spectacular Blue Pool, a large natural waterhole surrounded by rocky outcrops and a narrow basalt gorge. Blue Pool is particularly popular during the warmer months, combining free camping, swimming, bushwalking and dog-friendly camping in a peaceful state forest setting. However, campers should be aware that Blue Pool is a walk-in tent campground rather than a vehicle-based camping area.

Blue Pool Campground at a Glance

Where is Blue Pool Campground?

Blue Pool Campground is located on Freestone Creek Road near Briagolong in Gippsland. The campground is part of the Freestone Creek Camping Precinct and is one of nine camping areas located along Freestone Creek. The campground is approximately 10 kilometres north of Briagolong and around 40 minutes north of Sale. From Melbourne, allow approximately three to three-and-a-half hours depending on traffic and your starting point.

How Much Does it Cost?

Camping at Blue Pool Campground is completely free.

There are no camping fees and no booking system. Campsites operate on a first come, first served basis. Because Blue Pool is very popular during summer, weekends, public holidays and school holidays, it is worth arriving early if you want to secure a campsite.

Do You Need to Book?

No. Bookings are not possible. There are currently 12 walk-in campsites, and the campground can fill quickly during busy periods. If Blue Pool is full, there are several other camping areas farther along Freestone Creek Road that may provide an alternative.

Are Dogs Allowed?

Yes. Blue Pool Campground is dog-friendly. Unlike campgrounds located inside Victorian national parks, Blue Pool is within a state forest camping precinct where dogs are permitted. Owners should keep dogs under effective control, clean up after them and be considerate of other campers and wildlife.

Facilities at Blue Pool Campground

Blue Pool provides basic bush camping facilities but has benefited from campground upgrades, including picnic infrastructure, shelters and barbecue facilities.

• 12 walk-in campsites
• Fire pit at each campsite
• Picnic table at each campsite
• Basic toilet facilities
• Picnic shelters
• BBQ facilities
• Nearby day-use parking
• Overflow parking
• Walking tracks
• Easy access to Blue Pool swimming hole

Campers should still arrive reasonably self-sufficient. Bring plenty of drinking water, food, rubbish bags, toilet paper and firewood, as facilities are limited compared with a caravan park.

Walk-In Camping Only

One of the most important things to know before visiting Blue Pool is that it is a walk-in camping area. Vehicles must be left in the designated parking area and campers carry their tents and camping equipment a short distance to the campsites. There are no dedicated vehicle-based campsites for caravans, camper trailers or motorhomes. If you are towing a caravan, the Victorian Government recommends considering The Quarries Reserve, located south of Blue Pool. Large caravans should still take care because parking and turning space can be restricted.

Blue Pool Swimming Hole

The main attraction is the beautiful Blue Pool, a large natural waterhole on Freestone Creek surrounded by forest and rocky basalt cliffs. A rocky beach beside the pool provides space to relax, while the waterhole is particularly popular for swimming during warmer weather. The pool is only a short walk from the campground along a defined walking track. As this is a natural swimming hole, there are no lifeguards. Water depths, submerged rocks and conditions can change, so swimmers should take normal precautions around natural waterways.

Bushwalking

Blue Pool is also a good base for exploring several local walking tracks.

• Fern Gully Loop: approximately 2.5 km
• Freestone Creek Walking Track: approximately 6.5 km

Both walks start from the Blue Pool day visitor area and provide opportunities to explore the forest, rocky creek valleys and surrounding bushland.

Directions to Blue Pool Campground

From Melbourne

From Melbourne, travel east towards Gippsland along the Princes Freeway and Princes Highway. Continue towards Stratford, then turn north towards Briagolong. From Briagolong, follow Freestone Creek Road north towards the Freestone Creek camping areas and Blue Pool.

From Sale

Blue Pool is approximately 40 minutes north of Sale. Travel towards Stratford and Briagolong before continuing north along Freestone Creek Road.

From Briagolong

From the centre of Briagolong, follow Freestone Creek Road north for approximately 10 kilometres. Look for the signs directing visitors to Blue Pool and the campground. The campground is officially listed as being suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles under normal road and weather conditions.

Campfires

Each of the 12 campsites has its own fire pit. Campfires must comply with current Victorian fire restrictions and must never be lit on Total Fire Ban days. Gippsland can experience extreme fire conditions during summer, so always check current fire warnings, road closures and forest conditions before travelling.

What Should You Bring?

Blue Pool is a basic bush campground, so campers should arrive prepared. Recommended items include:

• Drinking water
• Tent and camping equipment
• Food and cooking equipment
• Firewood
• Rubbish bags
• Toilet paper
• Insect repellent
• Sun protection
• Swimming gear
• Suitable footwear for rocky areas
• Offline maps or downloaded directions

Is Blue Pool Campground Worth Visiting?

Blue Pool is one of the more attractive free camping areas in Gippsland, particularly for tent campers who enjoy swimming, walking and simple bush camping. The combination of free camping, dog-friendly sites, fire pits, picnic facilities and a spectacular natural swimming hole makes it a great option for a summer camping trip or relaxed weekend away. Its biggest limitation is that the campground is walk-in and tent-only, making it unsuitable for travellers wanting to camp beside a caravan, motorhome or camper trailer. With only 12 campsites, it can also become busy very quickly. For tent campers who don’t mind carrying their gear a short distance from the car, however, Blue Pool Campground is a beautiful and inexpensive place to explore the forests and waterways around Briagolong. Important: Road conditions, fire restrictions, forest closures and campground access can change. Check current Victorian Government forest and emergency information before travelling.