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Pikes Flat Camping Area
Pikes Flat Camping Area is located on Taungurung Country, nestled in the Alpine National Park on one of the flats of the upper reaches of the Howqua River, it is an idyllic campsite for the whole family to enjoy. This campsite is free and no bookings are required (unless camping with a horse).
The Alpine National Park provides the opportunity for a range of recreational activities, including hunting, bushwalking, four wheel driving, fishing, horseriding and basic camping. Enjoy a picnic on the banks of the scenic Howqua River or embark on a challenging 4WD to Lovicks and Bluff Hut, admiring breathtaking views of the Victorian High Country.
Camping with a horse is permitted at King Hut within the season (refer below for dates) however please note both horseyards and portable yards must be booked prior to your arrival. Horseyards can be reserved in advance during the season. No fees apply.
Horse numbers are limited at designated horse camping areas and horses are only permitted on certain tracks throughout the Alpine National Park. Please refer to the Greater Alpine National Parks Management Plan for area specific regulations.
Please note access to this site is by 4WD only and river crossings are required. Weather in the Victorian High Country can be unpredictable and my change at any time. Ensure you check the weather prior to undertaking your trip as the King River can rise quickly after heavy rain and may be unsafe to cross. Call the local Parks Victoria office on 13 19 63 or check the website to gain an understanding of current track conditions.
Horse riding season:
- 1 November - 31 May inclusive (for all areas except Lovicks Hut)
- 1 December - 30 April inclusive (Lovicks Hut)
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Things To Do
Howqua Feeder Trail
Mansfield and Whitfield
Bluff Hut
How to get there
Pikes Flat Camping Area
Pikes Flat is located just over 2 hours’ drive from Mansfield. Take the Mt Buller Road east and enter via Howqua Hills. Or continue to Mirrimbah and head in via Circuit Road. Please note this camping area is accessible by 4WD only and roads are seasonally closed.
Be prepared as it can be rocky and slippery with river crossings in places so drive to the conditions and ensure your vehicle is adequately equipped. Call the local Parks Victoria office or check the website to gain an understanding of track conditions prior to undertaking your trip.
Sites
When you're there
Bringing your own firewood is recommended at all popular campsites throughout the Alpine National Park. If you need to collect firewood, please remember to collect off the ground only and avoid taking logs with hollows or moss as they provide valuable habitat to local fauna. Ensure you use an existing fireplace wherever possible.
Be aware, visitors are unable to access Pikes Flat and other areas of the Alpine National park by vehicle from the Thursday after Kings birthday weekend to the Thursday before Melbourne Cup Day due to seasonal road closures.
Dogs are strictly prohibited throughout the Alpine National Park.
Please ensure you take all your rubbish home as there are no bins located within the Alpine National Park.
Need to know
Pikes Flat Camping Area
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Safety
- Stay on formed roads and tracks at all times.
- Take care tree limbs may fall, avoid camping under trees especially in high winds.
- Be aware of snakes.
- The weather in the Alps is highly unpredictable be prepared for all weather conditions – always carry snowchains.
- Be mindful of fire danger on hot windy days – check conditions prior to undertaking your trip.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Alpine National Park
Road Closures - Cobberas Track, Macfarlane Flat Track, Ingeegoodbee Track
The 4x4 tracks in the Eastern Region are an iconic part of Victoria and an important focal point for many people. With a large number of visits per year, they are very popular for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, mountain biking and four-wheel driving.
Unfortunately, sometimes we must close infrastructure in the interests of public safety and environmental protection.The following tracks have been significantly damaged by storms and floods and are currently closed to motor vehicles to ensure public safety and environmental protection. A timeframe for reopening is currently unavailable.- Cobberas Track
- Macfarlane Flat Track
- Ingeegoodbee Track
The tracks are likely to remain closed to motor vehicles until detailed site assessments have been completed, repairs undertaken and the road conditions are deemed safe for motor vehicle access.Before visiting, Visitors should always check the Parks Victoria website for the latest information about their destination.Southern Alps track closures due to storm and flood damage
Areas of the Southern Alps have been significantly damaged by subsequent storms and floods since 2021, in the interests of public safety and environmental protection this means sometimes we must close tracks.The following tracks are currently closed to motor vehicles to ensure public safety and environmental protection:- Mt Kent Track
- Scrubby Hill Track will remain closed beyond seasonal closure date of Oct 31st 2024
These tracks are likely to remain closed to motor vehicles until repair works can be undertaken.
Before visiting, visitors should always check the Parks Victoria website for the latest information about their destination. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Ground shooting operations targeting deer
Control operations (ground shooting) targeting deer are undertaken in this area. The Park will remain open to visitors during operations.