Good news for camping fans craving a dose of East Gippsland wilderness – the Thurra River Bridge is back in action, with the beloved campground set to reopen again soon after being closed for years due to fire and flood damage.
Hidden in the spectacular Croajingolong National Park, the Thurra River Bridge has been completely rebuilt just in time for the summer camping season, with a small new campsite now open for overnight visitors. The newly finished bridge, constructed from concrete and steel to meet modern safety standards, now spans a river that’s shifted course since the fires, offering sturdier and more resilient access to one of Victoria’s most remote and breathtaking corners.
The works, led by BMD Constructions and managed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) in partnership with Parks Victoria, have involved restoring not only the bridge but also the much-loved Thurra River and Mueller campgrounds. When the original campsite reopens, it will feature new facilities (yes, that includes toilets) and serve as a gateway to walking trails, pristine beaches and the rich biodiversity of Croajingolong National Park – a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve where rich rainforests meet rugged coastlines.
While these final improvements are being made, campers can book a night or two at a new, smaller site nearby that's been named Thurra North.
For locals and long-time visitors, this reopening marks a particularly meaningful milestone. Among the first campers to return are members of a group evacuated from Thurra during the 2020 bushfires, who have been invited back for a symbolic stay at the rebuilt site.
The reopening of Thurra River Bridge also paves the way for the next phase of restoration along Point Hicks Road, where repairs are now underway. More camping areas around Thurra are expected to reopen by early 2026, completing a years-long effort to bring this extraordinary slice of coastal wilderness back to life.
Find out more or book your site via the Parks Vic website.
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