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Upper Howqua Camping Area
Upper Howqua 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 that creates a great base for hiking throughout the surrounding Alpine National Park. This camping area is free and no bookings are required. The Alpine National Park provides the opportunity for a range of recreational activities, including hikinh, 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 hike to the summit of Mt Howitt, admiring breathtaking views of the Victorian High Country.
Please note access to this campsite is accessible by 2WD depending on river levels. The trailhead carpark does not require river to be crossed. Weather in the Victorian High Country can be unpredictable and may change at any time. Ensure you check the weather prior to undertaking your trip as the Howqua 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.
Things To Do
Howqua Feeder Trail
Mansfield and Whitfield
Bluff Hut
How to get there
Upper Howqua Camping Area
Upper Howqua Camping Area is located just over 2 hours’ drive from Mansfield. Take the Mt Buller Road east and enter via Howqua Hills (4WD only). Or continue to Mirrimbah and head in via Circuit Road (2WD accessible). Please note these 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 on 13 19 63 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.
If bushwalking always carry a map and compass, extra food and water and wear sturdy footwear with a good grip. There is no mobile reception in this area. Always ensure someone is aware of your plan and when you intend to return. The weather in the Alps can be very unpredictable and can change very quickly so come prepared.
Be aware, visitors are unable to access Upper Howqua Camping Area 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
Upper Howqua 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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Davies Plain Hut & Camping Area (Alpine National Park)
Davies Plain Track - damaged track section temporarily closed to all vehicles
A 2.3km section of Davies Plain Track, near Davies Plain Hut Camping Area within the Alpine National Park, is currently closed to all vehicles because of significant water damage and severe erosion, following recent flood and storm events in the area. As a result of the temporary closure, Davies Plain Track is not currently a thoroughfare for vehicles between Tom Groggin and Charlie Creek Camping Area. There is currently no vehicle access to Davies Plain Hut or the adjoining camping area, pending completion of site assessments and subsequent repairs. Nearest camping areas accessible to suitable 4WD vehicles on Davies Plain Track are Charlie Creek Camping Area to the south; and Buckwong Creek Camping Area to the north (near Tom Groggin).Attachments: Flood damaged track section currently closed to all vehicles Davies Plain south (189KB)
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Track Closure - Long Spur Track - Alpine National Park
Long Spur Track in the Alpine National Park is currently CLOSED from the intersection of King Spur Track for public safety. The area has been subject to widespread Storm Damage.TEMPORARY ASSET CLOSURE: Ritchies Hut Toilet
Please be advised that the toilet at the Ritchies Hut Camping Area is currently closed.The Ranger team are currently working on getting the toilet back up and operational as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience whilst we work through this issue. -
Mt Pinnibar Summit (Alpine National Park)
Mt Pinnibar Track Partials Closure
Due to the poor condition of Mount Pinnibar Track two sections of the track are closed. The closure is necessary due condition of the track, with sections of deep ruts and exposed bedrock making both approaches unsafe. The condition of the northern approach (which is badly rutted) is further exacerbated in wet weather and in these times it poses a real risk of significant incident due to the steep gradients. The two closures are between Walkers Road and Mount Pinnibar summit, and between Mount Gibbo Track and Tom Groggin Station. Alternative access to the Mt Pinnibar summit is via Tom Groggin Track, Shady Creek Upper Track and Mount Gibbo Track. -
Alpine National Park
Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer – Howitt/Wellington Plains and Avon Wilderness Area
Parts of the Alpine National Park (Howitt/Wellington Plains) and the Avon Wilderness area will be closed while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken (see attached map for details).The closures will apply during the following dates:3-7 March 2025The following tracks and visitor areas will be closed during the operation:• Caledonia River Track• East Caledonia Track• Dingo Hill Track• Scrubby Hill Track• Kellys Lane between Tamboritha Rd and Howitt Road• Guys Hut loop to Dry River Walking Track• The Sentinels, Wellington Plains, McFarlane Saddle, Moroka Gap, Millers Hut and Spion Kopje Walking Tracks• Riggall Spur and Gillios Track north of Lake Tali KarngAll other tracks remain open.Visitors are advised to check the Change of conditions listing prior to arrival for up to date information and maps.For more information about the program please visit this link.
Attachments: Alpine NP Howitt and Avon wilderness aerial ops information (1,655KB)
Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer – Bogong High Plains, Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains and Feathertop
Parts of the Alpine National Park will be closed during the following dates while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.3-7 March 202524-28 March 2025The following tracks and visitor areas will be closed during the operation:CLOSED—Mt Feathertop· MUMC Hut· Bon Accord Spur· Northwest Spur· East Ovens Track· All other tracks remain openCLOSED—Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains· Mt Tabletop Walking Track· Mayford· Kings Spur· Long Spur· All other tracks remain openCLOSED—Bogong High Plains· Moncrieffs Gap Track· East Kiewa Fire Track· Cranky Charlie Track· Roper Spur Track· Big River Fire Track (off BHP Road)· Spring Saddle Track· Arthur Track· Red Fox Track· Black Possum Spur Track· Junction Spur Track· All other tracks remain openVisitors are advised to check the Change of conditions listing prior to arrival for up to date information and maps.Attachments: Alpine NP aerial ops information sign (2,006KB)
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.Mcmillans Walking Track - Partial closure
Mcmillans Walking Track closed between Moroka Junction Track and Moroka River Track due to fire in adjacent Mt Darling Snowy Bluff Wilderness Zone.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.Alpine National Park - Howitt Road
Parks Victoria wish to advise that the Howitt Road is currently only suitable for high clearance 2WD / AWD or 4WD vehicles. Caution should be taken as the road surface may be rough. -
Federation Hut (Alpine National Park)
Federation Hut water availabilty
The water tank at Federation Hut is currently empty and until there is significant rain, there will be no water in the tank.Non-potable water is still available at the spring off Bungalow Spur Walking Track near the Old Feathertop Hut site and at the spring on the Northwest Spur/Tom Kneen Walking Track between the Razorback Walking Track and MUMC Hut. -
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.