Thomson Bridge Campground

Thomson Bridge Campground is a small, basic riverside camping area on the Thomson River near Rawson in Gippsland, a short drive from the historic township of Walhalla. Dogs are welcome in the camping and caravan areas, which makes this one of the easiest ways to bring your dog into the Thomson valley bush country.

Dogs on site

Dogs are permitted at this campground on public land, with standard Victorian rules applying: keep your dog under effective control, typically on a leash, and clean up after them. Explore Outdoors Victoria and Visit Victoria both list the site as pet friendly.

Because the site is compact and shared, keeping your dog close is the practical rule rather than an optional courtesy. There is no published fee or size limit for pets, so confirm anything unusual directly when booking.

The place

Amenities are deliberately basic: a toilet, undercover picnic tables and a communal fire pit, with no drinking water on site. Space is limited and the ground suits tents and small camper setups rather than big rigs.

The draw is the setting itself. You camp beside the river with native forest around you, and the walking starts at your tent flap rather than at a trailhead car park.

Location and nearby walks

The campground sits close to Thomson railway station, where the Walhalla Goldfields Railway stops, and is roughly four kilometres from Walhalla itself. Rawson is a few minutes away for supplies, with the Erica Cafe & Bar another easy stop up the road.

For structured outings, the St Phillack Reserve off leash area and the Rawson Recreation Reserve off leash area give your dog proper off leash time close to town.

Who it suits

This is rustic, low cost bush camping, and it works best for dogs that are settled on a leash around other campers and wildlife. If your dog needs a fenced yard or you want powered sites and cabins, the Mountain Rivers Tourist Park in Rawson or Coopers Creek Campgrounds are the neighbouring options.

Max: there is no water supply here for people or dogs, so carry more than you think you need, especially over a warm weekend.

Before you book

Pack your own drinking water, firewood expectations and a long lead, since the riverside sites are open rather than fenced. Check current conditions with Parks Victoria before a winter trip, as the Thomson valley can close in after heavy rain.

More dog friendly options across the state are on the Victoria stay guide and the Rawson destination page.