One of East Gippsland’s most popular coastal retreats, the Thurra River campground, was successfully reopened to the public in time for the recent Easter school holiday period.
More than 30 campsites were made available for the break, following a long and complex restoration process.
The site had been heavily impacted by the devastating 2019–20 bushfires, which destroyed essential amenities and forced the long-term closure of the area.
The reopening marked a significant milestone for Parks Victoria, which had temporarily closed the grounds again in February to complete critical works.
During that window, new toilet facilities were constructed to ensure the site was ready for the holiday influx.
The road to recovery for Thurra River was further complicated in 2022 when significant flooding damaged the Thurra River Bridge, cutting off vehicle access.
A replacement bridge was opened in September last year, allowing rehabilitation crews to move in and clear fire debris and overgrown vegetation.
Campers had slowly begun returning to the area as early as last Christmas, with some of the first visitors including families who had been personally affected by the original bushfires.
However, the Easter period saw a significant surge in demand as the community reclaimed the beloved destination.
In addition to the improved facilities, holidaymakers benefitted from the Victorian Government’s half-price camping initiative.
This brought the cost of a site down to approximately $16.40 per night, making the getaway more accessible for families during the peak period.
