Briagolong State Forest

Deep in the heart of Gippsland, Briagolong State Forest is a wild, untamed stretch of bushland that feels a world away from the coastal crowds. Towering mountain ash and messmate stringybark forests cloak the hills, while the Mitchell River and its tributaries carve through rocky gorges and fern-lined gullies. This is a place for self-reliant travellers who want to hike, camp, fish, or simply soak in the quiet hum of the Australian bush. The forest is also a cultural landscape, with Aboriginal heritage sites and remnants of early timber-getting history woven into the trails.

Highlights & What to See

• Mitchell River Walking Track – A multi-day bushwalk along the river's dramatic gorge, passing through rainforest pockets and offering views of the rugged Den of Nargun. Even a short day walk from the Den of Nargun carpark reveals stunning rock pools and cascades.
• Den of Nargun – A sacred Aboriginal site and limestone cave system where, according to Gunai/Kurnai lore, a mythical creature (the Nargun) dwells. The short walk to the cave is atmospheric, with mossy rocks and trickling water.
• Briagolong Picnic Area & Swimming Holes – On a hot day, the deep, clear pools of the Mitchell River are irresistible. There are several spots along Briagolong-Maffra Road with basic facilities and easy river access.
• 4WD Trails & Dispersed Camping – The forest is crisscrossed with unsealed roads and fire trails perfect for high-clearance vehicles. Several designated campsites (no bookings, first-come) let you pitch a tent under the stars, with only the sound of lyrebirds and flowing water.
• Birdwatching & Wildlife – Keep an eye out for wedge-tailed eagles, powerful owls, wallabies, and echidnas. The forest is a stronghold for the superb lyrebird, whose mimicking calls echo through the gullies.

Suggested Time to Spend

Briagolong State Forest rewards those who slow down. A half-day is enough for a quick visit to the Den of Nargun and a picnic by the river, but to really experience the forest—a hike along the Mitchell River track or a night of camping—plan for at least a full day. Self-sufficient travellers can easily spend two or three days exploring the network of trails and swimming holes. The forest is best visited from late spring to early autumn; winter rains can make some roads impassable.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Briagolong Township – A tiny, friendly village with a general store and pub, ideal for stocking up on supplies or a post-walk meal.
• Maffra – A historic farming town 20 minutes west, known for its grand Victorian architecture, the Maffra Cheese Company, and the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail.
• Avon Wilderness Area – A rugged, roadless wilderness adjacent to the forest, offering challenging multi-day hikes for experienced bushwalkers.
• Lakes Entrance – About an hour's drive south, this coastal town is the gateway to the Gippsland Lakes, with boat cruises, swimming beaches, and seafood.
• Bairnsdale – The regional hub, with supermarkets, accommodation, and the beautiful St Mary's Catholic Church. It's also the start of the Great Alpine Road.

Please check official sources for current details.