National Hunting Camp #1 – Big River Youth Bush Camp (Eildon)
Friday 10 April – Monday 20 April 2026
Location: Big River Youth Bush Camp
Eildon–Jamieson Road, Big River, Victoria
Cost: $45 per person, per night
Payment: Cash only, payable at camp
Camp. Hunt. Connect.
Join fellow hunters from across the country for the first National Hunting Camp at the Big River Youth Bush Camp near Eildon. This camp provides a central base for hunters looking to explore the surrounding Victorian High Country during the Sambar deer season.
Located in the heart of North East Victoria, the camp offers easy access to nearby public land hunting areas while providing comfortable accommodation and shared facilities for hunters.
Camp Facilities
Big River Youth Bush Camp offers simple, comfortable accommodation with shared facilities.
Facilities include:
Bunked bedding in cabins
Communal kitchen
Shower and toilet facilities
Wood fire heating
Vehicle access to camp
Participants must bring their own bedding and personal supplies.
Camp Rules & Expectations
To ensure the camp remains available for future use, all participants must respect the facilities and environment.
Participants are expected to:
Take all rubbish with them when leaving the camp
Leave cabins, kitchen and facilities clean and tidy
Ensure the entire camp is left clean at the closure of the event
Respect other campers and shared spaces
Power & Lighting
Power availability at the camp is limited.
240 volt power generation is only permitted for up to 2 hours per 24-hour period
12 volt lighting is provided for the remainder of the day
Hunters should bring headlamps, torches and power banks to charge personal devices where required.
Licensing & Legal Requirements
All participants are responsible for ensuring they comply with Victorian hunting and firearms regulations.
This includes:
Holding a valid Victorian Game Licence
Complying with Victorian firearms laws and storage requirements
In certain sections of the south-east of Lake Eildon National Park, Sambar deer may be hunted from the first Saturday after Easter until 30 November.
Important conditions:
The use of dogs to hunt deer is not permitted in this park
Pest animals and other species must not be hunted in this par
Further information:
https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/things-to-do/hunting
Hunters can also use the More to Explore App which provides detailed information and mapping on where hunting is permitted.
What to Bring
Hunters attending the National Hunting Camp should be fully self-reliant and prepared for remote Victorian High Country conditions.
While the camp provides accommodation and basic facilities, participants are responsible for their own food, equipment, safety gear and hunting preparation.
Personal Essential
Sleeping bag and pillow (bunk beds provided)
Food and personal cooking supplies
Drinking water and hydration supplies
Headlamp or torch with spare batteries
Personal medications and toiletries
Power banks or charging equipment
Hunting Equipment
Firearms and ammunition compliant with Victorian regulations
Valid Victorian Game Licence
Blaze orange hat or high-visibility clothing
Field dressing equipment
Game bags and knives
GPS device or mapping app
Blaze (High Visibility) Clothing
Hunters are strongly encouraged to wear blaze orange or high-visibility clothing while hunting.
Blaze clothing improves visibility between hunters and significantly reduces the risk of accidents in shared hunting areas.
Recommended blaze items include:
Blaze orange hat or beanie
Blaze vest or jacket
High-visibility backpack cover
Hunters should ensure blaze clothing is visible from multiple directions, particularly when moving through thicker bush.
Equipment & Preparation
Due to the rugged terrain of North East Victoria, hunters must be properly equipped for navigation and emergency situations.
Navigation Essentials
GPS device or GPS-enabled phone app
Laminated maps and compass as backup
Mobile apps such as MoreToExplore and WillyWeather
Recommended Equipment
Communication: 5-watt UHF radio recommended
Survival kit: bivvy bag, first aid kit, thermal clothing, extra water
Clothing: thermal layers, fleece, synthetic outerwear and waterproof boots
Avoid cotton garments that retain moisture and reduce body warmth
Daypack: approximately 30-litre pack carrying food, water, extra layers and survival gear
Emergency Preparedness
Being isolated in mountainous terrain requires careful planning and attention to safety.
Buddy System
Hunters should operate under a buddy system, even if hunting separately. Buddies should always be aware of each other’s plans and intended hunting locations.
Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
Hunters travelling more than 2 km from their vehicle are strongly encouraged to carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
Weather Awareness
Weather conditions in the Victorian High Country can change rapidly. Hunters should carry sufficient supplies and equipment in case unexpected conditions require an overnight stay in the field.
Vehicle Access & Travel
The camp is accessible via 2WD in normal conditions, however roads in the Victorian High Country are gravel and conditions can change quickly.
Hunters should be aware that:
Snow, heavy rain or fallen timber can affect road access
Mobile phone reception is very limited or unavailable in most areas
Travel times may increase significantly in poor weather
Recommended vehicle preparation:
Arrive with a full fuel tank
Carry a spare tyre and basic recovery equipment
A 5-watt UHF radio is strongly recommended
Nearest Towns
Fuel, groceries and other supplies are available at:
Eildon
Jamieson (limited)
The closest town will depend on the direction you are travelling from. Hunters are encouraged to purchase fuel, food and supplies before arriving at camp.
