Katie Peters Reserve

🏕️ Katie Peters Reserve – Eskdale, VIC 🏕️

📍 DESCRIPTION & LOCATION

Katie Peters Reserve is a quiet, shaded public reserve nestled on the edge of Eskdale township, beside Little Snowy Creek. Though primarily a day-use area, it is known to permit short-term free camping for self-contained travellers. With grassy space, picnic areas, and proximity to town amenities, it offers a peaceful base for those exploring the Mitta Valley without needing full facilities.

🕰️ HISTORY

The reserve is named in honour of local contributor Katie Peters and serves both as a community recreation space and nature reserve. Its setting by Little Snowy Creek has long made it a local favourite for picnics, fishing, and cooling off in summer. Though not developed for camping, it’s historically been accepted as an informal stay spot for overnighters and van travellers.

🚿 FACILITIES AND AMENITIES

• Grassy open space and shade trees

• Picnic tables

• Drop toilet

• Creek access (untreated water only)

• No drinking water

• No bins – pack in, pack out

• No showers or power

• Pets allowed on leash 🐾

🚛 VEHICLE ACCESS

• Access via sealed town roads off Omeo Highway

• 2WD accessible for all vehicle types

• Suitable for small caravans, vans, and camper trailers

• Flat and accessible layout

🛌 STAY INFORMATION (as at July 2025)

• Free stay

• No bookings required

• Public recreation reserve under Towong Shire Council oversight

• Short-term camping permitted for fully self-contained vehicles only

• First come, first served

• Day use by locals common – keep clear of picnic zones during busy times

• Overnight stays best limited to 1–2 nights out of courtesy and discretion

🍻 PUBS & CLUBS NEARBY

• Eskdale Hotel (~2 min): Meals and drinks in a relaxed rural setting

• Mitta Mitta Brewing Co. (~20 min): Craft beer and food with river views

⛺ NEARBY CAMPGROUNDS

• Eskdale Caravan and Water Park – full-service stay just down the road

• Mitta North Camping Area – informal riverside bush spot

• The Junction Campsite – free camp near Mitta Mitta River

🌄 NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

• Little Snowy Creek: Shallow swimming and fishing

• Eskdale Lookout: Short drive to high country views

• Mitta Valley drives and tracks: Scenic routes to Dartmouth and Bogong

🛒 NEAREST SUPPLIES

• Eskdale (walking distance):

  • General store, café, fuel

• Mitta Mitta (~20 min):

  • Fuel, food, café

• Tallangatta (~45 min):

  • Full IGA, fuel, pharmacy, hardware

• Water refill: Available at nearby caravan park (ask staff), not on-site

🗣️ REVIEWS SUMMARY

Loved for:

• Quiet spot right in town

• Creekside relaxation

• Easy stopover for vans and self-contained setups

Watch-outs:

• Daytime picnickers—avoid crowding key areas

• No rubbish services

• Not suitable for long-term stays or large rigs

🚨 BREAKDOWN & EMERGENCY INFO

• Emergency: 000

• Fuel and LPG: Eskdale and Tallangatta

• Auto repair: Tallangatta Auto Service

• Medical: Tallangatta Health / Mitta Mitta Bush Nursing Centre

• Mobile reception: Good (Telstra and Optus)

• CB UHF: Channel 40 (road traffic) | Channel 5 (emergency only)

📝 FINAL NOTE

Katie Peters Reserve is a peaceful, well-kept patch of green just a short walk from town—ideal for a picnic or a discreet overnight in a van. With the creek nearby and birdsong in the air, it’s a lovely example of small-town generosity. Just remember to tread lightly and leave no trace.