Mother and child overlooking the river at Balley Hooley aka the Junction near Buchan

Balley Hooley (The Junction)

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Known locally as ‘The Junction’, Balley Hooley marks the meeting place of the Buchan River with the mighty Snowy River.

It’s a place of utter relaxation: with a clearing around the river’s edge and relatively shallow embankments, it’s easy to access the river for swimming, fishing, rafting and kayaking.

It’s a delightful place to while away an afternoon, brimming with picnic tables, fire pits and wood barbecues. There are short walking tracks down to different points on the river, and during summer wildflowers line the river’s edge.

River fishing at Balley Hooley aka the Junction near Buchan
Balley Hooley The Junction between Buchan River and Snowy River
Couple walking at Balley Hooley aka the Junction near Buchan

Campground

Balley Hooley Camping Area is a free campsite, quiet and scenic, set by sounds of the flowing river. The camping area is generally quiet. Each campsite has a picnic table and swing plate BBQ. There is a yarning circle which provides space for large groups to gather. The day visitor area has toilets and a shelter with an information board.

Woman setting up picnic at Balley Hooley aka the Junction near Buchan

Kayaking & Rafting

Balley Hooley is the end-point of a popular canoeing/ kayaking/ rafting trip down the Snowy River, which starts at McKillops Bridge and takes 3-4 days. There is a canoe launch by the river, accessible via a track.

How to get there

From the town centre, head north on the Buchan-Gelantipy Rd for 1km, crossing the bridge, then turn right onto the Buchan-Orbost Rd. Travel for 4.7km, then turn left onto Basin Rd for 3.4km. Turn right onto the Old Basin Rd for 2.8km. You will come to a five-ways, where you need to turn hard right onto the Balley Hooley Rd. Travel for 4.6km, keeping left on the Balley Hooley Rd. You will see the sign for the campground on your left.

Overlooking the river at Balley Hooley aka the Junction near Buchan

Explore Balley Hooley's surrounds

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Buchan

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