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Camping with your horse in the Bogong High Plains
Alpine National Park
Howqua Hills Historic Area
Horse yards can be reserved in advance during the season. No fees apply.
The Bogong High Plains in the Alpine National Park protect pristine mountains, offering a unique horse riding experience during the summer season between 1st December and 30th of April, making it a very popular choice for horseriding.
The most popular horse camps are Pretty Valley, Langfords West and Diamantina horse yards. These are ideal locations where riders can yard their horses close to camping areas and explore the High Plains from. These camping areas offer campsites, fire places and basic toilet facilities. Diamantina Yards in the West Kiewa offer low elevation riding and access to the Bogong High Plains via Westons Spur.
Horse camps are also available at Fitzgerald Hut, Kelly Hut, Mc Namara Hut Dinner Plain on Youngs Hut Track, Tawonga Huts, Bogong Jack Saddle Hut, and Camp Valley/Cleve Cole Hut (access only via Long Spur and, NO access to Mt. Bogong summit, no riding past Cleve Cole Hut). These sites don’t include yards (temporary yards permitted).
Parks Victoria has constructed yards at Pretty Valley, Langfords West and in the West Kiewa which can be booked using this page. We recommend bookings even if you have less than 5 horses due to high demand. No portable yards are permitted at this site.
The maximum number of horses which can be booked depend on the size of the yards available and are 20 horses for Pretty Valley yards, 10 horses for Langford West yards and 15 horses for Diamantina Yards in the West Kiewa.
For day rides and at remote sites, where no yards are provided (dispersed camping), the maximum number of horses is 20 (including riders and packhorses).
Permits are required for any horseriding parties larger than 5 horses (day and overnight riding), please call the office to arrange your permit.
Things to do in the area
Paradise Falls
Mount Cobbler Walk
Horse riding
How to get there
Camping with your horse in the Bogong High Plains
When you're there
Horse camps are also available at Fitzgerald Hut, Kelly Hut, Mc Namara Hut Dinner Plain on Youngs Hut Track, Tawonga Huts, Bogong Jack Saddle Hut, and Camp Valley/Cleve Cole Hut (access only via Long Spur and, NO access to Mt. Bogong summit, no riding past Cleve Cole Hut). These sites don’t include yards (temporary yards permitted).
Need to know
Camping with your horse in the Bogong High Plains
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 - 2.3 km track section currently closed due to flood damage
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 a thoroughfare for vehicles between Tom Groggin and Charlies Creek Camping Area. There is currently no vehicle access to Davies Plain Hut or the adjoining camping area, pending further assessments and subsequent repairs. Nearest camping areas accessible to suitable 4WD vehicles on Davies Plain Track are Charlies 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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Alpine National Park
Eastern Alps track closures due to storm and flood damage
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:- Cobberas Track
- Macfarlane Flat Track
- Ingeegoodbee Track
Before visiting, Visitors should always check the Parks Victoria website for the latest information about their destination.Moroka River Pedestrian Bridge Closed (Moroka Hut Walking Track)
The Moroka River Pedestrian Bridge, located on the Moroka Hut Walking Track, is closed.Mt Murray Track North closure
Due to track damage and poor track condition resulting in a risk to visitors, environmental damage and further track damage, Mt Murray Track North remains closed.Alternate route is Selwyn Creek Rd-Mt Murray Logging Road.In the interest of visitor safety, this road is closed until further notice until track repairs can be undertaken.Wobonga Track Closure
Wobonga Track is CLOSED due to upgrade works being completed. This closure will be in effect until the 30th of April.- Alternative access to King Basin Track is via Basin Track and Long Spur Track.Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer
Parts of the Alpine National Park will be closed while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken (See attached map for details).The closures will apply during the following dates:29 April – 2 May 2024 (Bogong High Plains)29 April – 3 May 2024 (Feathertop and Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains)18 – 22 November 2024 (all areas)The following tracks and visitor areas will be closed during the operation:FEATHERTOP:· MUMC Hut· Bon Accord Spur· Northwest Spur· East Ovens TrackBOGONG 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· Mt Arthur Fire Trail· Red Fox Track· Black Possum Spur Track· Junction Spur Fire Track· Trapyard Gap TrackDINNER PLAIN/MT HOTHAM· Mt Tabletop Walking Track· Mayford· Kings Spur· Longs SpurAttachments: Alpine National Park-park closure areas for aerial operations April-Nov24 (9,883KB)
Bogong High Plains Road
Following the landslide at Bogong Village the Bogong High Plains Road is now open however remediation work will continue into the foreseeable future to rectify the damage created by the landslide. Parks Victoria advises that all visitors check the Regional Roads Victoria and Victoria's big build website for the latest traffic updates on closures or delays before visiting.https://regionalroads.vic.gov.au/map/north-eastern-improvements/bogong-high-plains-road-landsliphttps://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/mrpv/bogong-high-plains-road-landslipAmbyne Settlement Road - Very Poor Condition, Limited Access to Alpine National Park east of the Snowy River
Ambyne Settlement Road passes through private property and links Ambyne Road with Ambyne Track, Amboyne Boundary Track and Blackguard Gully Track. This road provides one of the few access routes into and out of the Alpine National Park on the eastern side of the Snowy River.Recent severe storms caused local flash flooding in the Ambyne Valley and have resulted in parts of Ambyne Settlement Road becoming severely damaged with washed out creek crossings in several areas.Visitors need to be advised that access into and out of the Alpine National Park via Ambyne Settlement Road is currently very difficult and should only be attempted by experienced drivers with high clearance 4WDs and recovery equipment.There are no alternate, publicly accessible routes nearby which provide access through the private property in the Ambyne Valley.Attachments: Map - Ambyne Settlement Rd - Very Poor Condition (1,400KB)
Restricted Access at Eastern end of Spring Saddle Track
The eastern end of Spring Saddle Track has restricted access due to machinery continuing to clear soil as part of the Bogong Village landslip remediation works. The track is open to pedestrian traffic but not vehicles and no Park visitors will be able to enter the works site at the Eastern end of Spring Saddle Track. There is signage explaining the restrictions at the Spring Saddle Track Fainter Fire Trail intersections.Storm Damage to Dry River Walking Track
Dry River Walking Track has been impacted by storm events and is in poor condition and difficult to navigate with horses. Alternative tracks should be considered.Mt Pinnibar Track - poor track conditions
Mt Pinnibar Track, between Walkers Road and Tom Groggin Track, has developed sections of significant and deep track erosion following flood and storm events.While the track remains open it is recommended that only experienced drivers in well equipped 4WD vehicles attempt this track in dry conditions.All visitors are advised to consider alternate routes to the summit of Mt Pinnibar until repairs can be carried out.Ground shooting operations targeting Feral Pigs Eastern Alps from 15 April 2024.
Ground operations (ground shooting) targeting Feral Pigs are undertaken across the Eastern Alps, and include areas to the west and north of Suggan Buggan, west of Wulgulmerang, and east of Cobberas and Brumby. The Park will remain open to visitors during operations.
This work is to be carried out dusk to dawn from:
* 15 to 26 April, and
* 29 May to 15 June 2024.Attachments: Flyer for feral pig control FINAL (165KB)
- Cobberas Track
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McNamara Hut (Buckety Plain) Camping Area (Alpine National Park, Bundara - Cobungra Remote and Natural Area)
McNamara Hut (Buckety Plain) Camping Area (Bundara-Cobungra Remote and Natural Area, Alpine National Park
A sink hole has appeared on Trap Yard Gap Track between the Bogong High Plains Road and the locked gate 500 m away from McNamara Hut camping ground in the Bundara Buckety Plain area. Trap Yard Gap Track has been closed to vehicles for their own safety and to maintain the integrity of the road. There is flagging/caution tape across the track where it exists the Bogong High Plains Road to highlight that the track should not be driven on.Attachments: Buckety_27092023054035504 (150KB)
McNamara Hut (Buckety Plain) Camping Area (Bundara-Cobungra Remote and Natural Area, Alpine National Park
A sink hole has appeared on Trap Yard Gap Track between the Bogong High Plains Road and the locked gate 500 m away from McNamara Hut camping ground in the Bundara Buckety Plain area. Trap Yard Gap Track has been closed to vehicles for their own safety and to maintain the integrity of the road. There is flagging/caution tape across the track where it exists the Bogong High Plains Road to highlight that the track should not be driven on.Attachments: Buckety_27092023054035504 (150KB)
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Alpine National Park - Anglers Rest – Lower Bundara Road Planned Burn Starting 25th March 2024
Alpine National Park - Anglers Rest – Lower Bundara Road Planned BurnPlanning burning activity will take place during the week starting Monday 25th March 2024.There will be roadblocks in place on and near the Lower Bundara Road during the controlled burn.Campers in the vicinity make experience smoke drift from the burn. Kayakers and paddlers on the Upper Mitta Mitta and Bundara Rivers may also encounter smoke drift from the burn.CLOSED: Evans Creek crossing, Upper King River Road - use alternate track for access to Top Crossing Hut and Sandy Flat Camping Areas
The Evans Creek crossing on the Upper King River Road, adjacent to Lake William Hovell in Cheshunt South is currently closed while repair works are undertaken on the crossing. It is forecasted that the crossing will be closed throughout the Easter long weekend.The closure impacts vehicle access to the Top Crossing and Buckland Spur Tracks, as well as Top Crossing Hut and Sandy Flat Camping Areas in the Alpine National Park. Camping Areas can be accessed via following alternate routes;Sandy Flat Camping Area - turn off the Upper King River Road onto Long Spur Track, then onto Sandy Flat Track.Top Crossing Hut and Camping Area - turn off the Upper King River Road onto Long Spur Track, then onto Sandy Flat Track, followed by Top Crossing Track.Campsite/Road closures due to fire
Due to a fire in Alpine National Park, near Anglers Rest, the Omeo Hwy is closed south of Bogong High Plains Road intersection. The Omeo Hwy is open north of that intersection. All campsites and picnic areas within this area are CLOSED.
These include:- Anglers Rest Camping Area (Alpine National Park, Mitta Mitta River Heritage River)- CRB Camping Area (Alpine National Park)- Jokers Flat Camping Area (Alpine National Park, Mitta Mitta River Heritage River- Bundara River Picnic Area (Mitta Mitta River Heritage River, Alpine National Park)- Platypus Camping Area (Alpine National Park)Water availability at Federation Hut / Mt Feathertop
The water tank at Federation Hut is currently extremely low and unlikely to provide water hiker over this long weekend/ school holiday period. Water in the tank will be replenished only after substantial rainfall.
Please NOTE: water is still flowing for access at the usual nearby springs. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
'Closed Public Safety Area' - Scheduled Planned Burn - Alpine National Park & Grant Historic Area
Planned burning operations are scheduled in this park which will result in areas of the Alpine National Park and Grant Historic Area being CLOSED from the time a burn is approved for ignition until the area is declared safe.Ignition of the burn is scheduled from Sunday 24th of March 2024 and is subject to favourable weather. Check the status of current planned burns at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.auAttachments: Set-aside sign National Parks Regulations Talbotville McMillans Track 2024 (401KB)
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.