Stony Creek Campground

🏕️ Stony Creek Campground (Tom Groggin area, VIC)

🌄 Description & Location

Stony Creek Campground lies just over the border in Victoria, close to the Tom Groggin region. It’s nestled in a grassy riverside setting, offering open, spacious sites with lovely mountain views. A relaxing spot for riverside camping, immersed in the quieter fringes of the Murray Gorge region. The surrounding alpine landscapes and peaceful riverbanks make it ideal for self-sufficient bush campers.

📜 History

This region has deep Indigenous significance and was once a travel route along the Murray River. The tracks nearby, including Tom Groggin and Stony Creek, are remnants from early settler stock routes and mountain cattle drives. The area’s natural environment—especially its red gums and river flats—has supported Aboriginal communities for millennia. Local heritage also ties to 19th-century droving routes and early alpine tourism.

🛠️ Facilities and Amenities

• Drop toilets (clean and regularly maintained)

• BBQ/firepits available—campers must bring fuel or firewood

• Picnic tables scattered across the riverbank

• No potable water—bring your own

• No rubbish bins—carry in, carry out

• No power or shower facilities—bush camp experience

🚗 Vehicle Access

• Access via sealed Alpine Way; short unsealed approach suitable for 2WD, but can become rough after rain

• Winter conditions may require snow chains—Alpine Way is in a snowy, colder high-country valley

• First-come, first-served—no designated plots; large rigs and camper trailers fit comfortably

🛏️ Stay Information

• Site type: Bush camp / informal riverside camping

• Fees: Fees apply

• Booking: Recommended—first-come, first-served booking essential to secure riverside spots

• Managing authority: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

• Maximum stay: Typically 14 nights in NSW high-country parks (check latest rules)

• Pets: Prohibited in NSW parkland areas

• Pre-arrival notes: Bring drinking water, wood/fuel, and pack out all waste

🍻 Nearby Pubs & Clubs

• Khancoban Hotel (Country-style pub ~45 km E): Known for hearty meals and community atmosphere

• Thredbo Alpine Hotel (~80 km E): Alpine-style lodge, good food, and après options

• Tom Groggin Station (private, small café ~10 km away): Seasonal service—check availability

⛺ Nearby Campgrounds

• Tom Groggin Campground (NSW) (~1 km downstream): Formal camp with drop toilets, firepits, river access, booking required

• Dogman’s Hut Camping Area (VIC) (~5 km away): Smaller riverside site; basic bush camping

🌲 Nearby Attractions

• Bicentennial National Trail: Walk or ride along the Murray Gorge tracks

• Stony Creek Track: Backcountry trails ideal for horseriding, walking, or mountain biking

• Geehi Historic Huts: Explore heritage-listed huts from early cattlemen

• Scammells and Olsen’s Lookouts: Scenic viewpoints east toward Thredbo

🛍️ Nearest Supplies

• Khancoban (54 km): Fuel, general store, bakery, café, basic mechanics

• Thredbo Village (80 km): Supermarket, outdoor stores, equipment hire, medical clinic

• Jindabyne (≈95 km): Larger shops, fuel, national park visitor centre, full services

🌟 Reviews Summary

Positives:

• Spacious riverside sites with privacy

• Clean drop toilets, decent picnic & fire facilities

• Wildlife sightings: kangaroos, possums, birds, possibly brumbies

• Great for fishing, swimming, cycling, and reconnecting with nature

Cautionary:

• No water or rubbish services—strictly BYO/BYOWaste

• Unsealed track may be impassable after rain

• Winter access may require snow chains

• No phone service—prepare for isolation

🚑 Breakdown & Emergency Info

• Emergency contacts:

  • NSW Police/Ambulance/Fire: 000

  • NPWS Khancoban Visitor Centre: +61 2 6076 5600

• UHF channels: Road 40; Emergency only 5

• Fuel: Nearest at Khancoban and Thredbo

• Mobile signal: Very limited; Telstra may have occasional coverage

• Mechanic/repairs: Khancoban township

• Safety tips:

  • Seasonal river flooding possible—check NPWS alerts before travel

  • Red gums can drop limbs unpredictably—avoid camping under large trees

  • Large wildlife (kangaroos, brumbies) around—secure food and gear

✍️ Final Note

Stony Creek offers an authentic, spacious bush-camping experience beside the Murray River, perfect for travelers seeking peace, wildlife, and outdoor adventure. Ideal between spring and autumn, it rewards self-sufficient campers willing to plan ahead. Make sure to bring essentials—water, fuel, waste bags—and head in prepared. With its wild beauty and quiet charm, it’s a true high-country gem.