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Dispersed camping in Alpine National Park
The Alpine National Park offers some of the most authentic and scenic bush camping opportunities in Victoria. Camping in the park is suited to experienced hikers and campers that are self sufficient.
Dispersed camping is permitted throughout much of the park. There are some camping areas that include facilities such as pit toilets, picnic tables and fireplaces.
Within the Alpine National Park bookings and fees apply only to the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing.
Further information and the location of camping areas can be found in the related publications below.
When camping you should be fully self sufficient with food, water and camping equipment. Always carry a tent. Huts are for emergency use only. Firewood supplies are limited especially in the alpine and sub alpine areas, so the use of camping stoves is preferred.
Weather can deteriorate suddenly and without warning, and snow can fall at any time of year, including mid-summer. Don't hesitate to turn back if the trip becomes too difficult or the weather deteriorates. Some roads are subject to seasonal closures in winter and early spring, check closures before you go.
Things to do in the area
Camping with your horse in Alpine National Park and Howqua Hills
The Alpine National Park and Howqua Hills Historic Area provide a unique and stunning backdrop for multi-day horse rides.
Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing
One of Victoria's icon walks, the 37km Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing (FHAC) is a 3 day/2 night walk through the Alpine National Park, linking the resort villages of Falls Creek and Mt Hotham.
Tali Karng
Tali Karng is a hidden jewel nestled deep in the mountains of Gippsland, fed by snowmelt waters of the Wellington Plains. Accessible only by foot, it is known as the ‘hidden lake’.
6 Mile Flat Camping Area
6 Mile Flat Camping Area is a walk-in only campsite nestled in the Alpine National Park on one of the flats of the Howqua River.
7 Mile Flat Camping Area
7 Mile Flat Camping Area is located on Taungurung Country, nestled in the Alpine National Park on one of the flats of the Howqua River, it is an idyllic campsite for the whole family to enjoy.
8 Mile Flat Camping Area
8 Mile Flat Camping Area is located on Taungurung Country, nestled in the Alpine National Park on one of the Flats of the Howqua River, it is an idyllic campsite for the whole family to enjoy.
Bindaree Flat Camping Area
Bindaree 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.
King Hut Camping Area
King Hut Camping Area is located on Taungurung Country, nestled in the Alpine National Park on one of the Flats of the King River, it is an idyllic campsite for the whole family to enjoy. King Hut Camping Area is free and no bookings are required (unless camping with a horse).
Pikes Flat Camping Area
Nestled in the Alpine National Park on one of the flats of the upper reaches of the Howqua River, Pikes Flat Camping Area is an idyllic campsite for the whole family to enjoy.
Upper Howqua Camping Area
Nestled in the Alpine National Park on one of the flats of the upper reaches of the Howqua River, Upper Howqua Camping Area is an idyllic campsite that creates a great base for hiking throughout the surrounding Alpine National Park.
How to get there
Dispersed camping in Alpine National Park
The Alpine National Park stretches from central Gippsland all the way to the New South Wales border. The horse yards available for booking on this page are mostly around the Mansfield and Whitfield area or the Mount Beauty and Bogong High Plains area of the Alpine National Park. Some of the horse yards are in neighbouring Howqua Hills Historic Area, which is located 30 minutes from Mansfield via Merrijig by taking the Howqua Track, a gravel road 3km past Merrijig on the Mount Buller Road.
Sites
When you're there
Download the Alpine National Park visitor guide for more information about the park, camping and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders.
Need to know
Dispersed camping in Alpine National Park
Where to Camp
Around Bright, Mount Beauty, Omeo and Dargo
Dispersed bush camping is permitted throughout the area except within 200 metres of the Bogong High Plains or Pretty Valley Roads.
Toilets, picnic tables and fireplaces are provided at the following camping areas:
- JB Plain between Hotham Village and Dinner Plain on the Great Alpine Road (walk in only)
- Buckety Plain, Rasberry Hill and Langfords West (horse yards) on the Bogong High Plains east of Falls Creek
- Mountain Creek at the foot of Mt Bogong near Tawonga
Around Heyfield, Licola and Dargo in the Wonnangatta - Moroka area
Toilets, picnic tables and fireplaces are provided at the following camping areas:
- Wellington River - 13 unnumbered camping areas beneath shady peppermints and manna gums, toilets located at some sites. Horse yards at site 12. Tamboritha Road approximately 10 km from Licola.
- Horseyard Flat - set amongst Black Sallees on the banks of the Moroka River.
- Eaglevale - on the Wonnangatta River below the towering ramparts of Mt Kent and Snowy Bluff.
- Wonnangatta Valley (4WD access only) - near the historic site of the Wonnangatta Homestead.
- Talbotville (4WD access only) - on the grassy flats of the Crooked River.
- Grant - a grassy clearing in the forest and all that remains of a once thriving gold mining town.
Around Mansfield and Whitfield
Sites with facilities are:
- Sheepyard and Frys Flats, and several other flats upstream along the Howqua River
- Bluff Hut (4WD access)
- Bennies camping area beside the Rose River (2WD access)
- Lake Cobbler (4WD access recommended - very rough 2WD past Bennies)
- Pineapple Flat (4WD access)
- King Hut (4WD access)
Around Mitta Mitta, Omeo, Tallangatta, Corryong and Cobberas
Camper trailers are not recommended for Cobberas Trail, MacFarlane Flat Track and Ingeegoodbee Track due to very steep, loose and rocky terrain.
Camper trailers are not recommended on Davies Plain Track, Limestone Creek Track and McCarthys Track due to steep, loose and rocky terrain.
Sites with basic facilities such as pit toilets and fireplaces are:
- Taylor’s Crossing beside the Mitta Mitta River
- Dogman Hut near Tom Groggin Station
- Limestone Creek (4WD only) - Limestone - Black Mountain Road (Camper trailers can access Limestone Creek Camping Area from the Black Mountain-Limestone Road)
- The Poplars (4WD dry weather only) - Limestone Creek - McCarthy’s Tracks
- Charlies Creek (4WD only) on the southern end of Davies Plain Track
- Davies Plain Hut (4WD only) on the northern end of Davies Plain Track.
- Bunroy Creek on the banks of the Murray River, access via the Bunroy Road
Trailers are not recommended on Davies Plain Track, Limestone Creek Track and McCarthys Track due to steep, loose and rocky terrain. Camper trailers are okay to Limestone Creek camping area from the Black Mountain Limestone Road. No trailers on Cobberas Trail, MacFarlane Flat Track and Ingeegoodbee Track due to very steep, loose and rocky terrain.
Along the Omeo Highway - travelling from Omeo to Mitta Mitta there is:
- CRB Camp near Anglers Rest
- Anglers Rest near the historic ‘Blue Duck’ hotel
- Jokers Flat beside the Big River
- Big River Bridge near Glen Valley
Around Wabonga Plateau, Mt Cobbler and Powers Lookout
Sites with facilities are:
- Bennies Camping Area (2WD access)
- Lake Cobbler (4WD access recommended - very rough 2WD past Bennies)
- Pineapple Flat (4WD access)
- King Hut (4WD access)
Around Howitt, Snowy Range and Tali Karng
Sites for bushwalkers with basic facilities are:
- Macalister Springs - fuel stove only area.
- Tali Karng - fuel stove only area. Large groups are asked to register at the Heyfield Office. Preferred campsites are situated at Riggals Hut site and along Wellington River.
Sites for car based campers with basic facilities are: - Wellington River - 9 km along the river, beginning 10 km north of Licola. Toilets at some sites.
- Horseyard Flat - Beside the Moroka River.
- Wonangatta Valley (4WD only) - near the historic site of the Homestead.
Alpine back country winter safety
Safe backcountry travel in Victorian Alpine areas during winter requires training and experience. You control your risk by choosing how, when and where you travel, and the activities you participate in.
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
TRACK CLOSURE: Little Cobbler Track, Alpine National Park
Due to the poor condition of the Little Cobbler Track, it is closed. The track has suffered significant impacts from multiple flood and storm events that has left deep ruts that are not trafficable, making use of the track unsafe.There are multiple 4WD options for alternate routes between Lake Cobbler Road and Speculation Road areas. Options include;- via Cobbler Lake Track. Turn off Lake Cobbler Rd onto Cobbler Lake Track thru to Speculation Road.
- via Wild Horse Gap Track. Turn off Lake Cobbler Rd onto Wild Horse Gap Track, turn onto Burnt Top Track and follow thru to Pineapple Flat. From Pineapple Flat take King Basin Road thru to Speculation Road.
- via Basin Track. Turn off Upper Rose River Rd onto Basin Track, turn onto Burnt Top Track and follow thru to Pineapple Flat. From Pineapple Flat take King Basin Road thru to Speculation Road.
Please contact Parks Victoria on 13 19 63 if you need further assistance with journey planning in this area to assist with navigating around this closure.Cobberas, Ingeegoodbee and Macfarlane Flat Track closures.
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
The tracks are likely to remain closed to motor vehicles until detailed site assessments have been completed. It is difficult to predict when planning approvals will be obtained to allow for repairs to commence.
Before visiting, visitors should check the Parks Victoria website for the latest information about their destination.Attachments: FAQs for Cobberas ingeegoodbee and mcfarlane tks (128KB)
Wonnangatta Complex Fire Closures - North East
Sections of the Alpine National Park remain CLOSED to the South and West of Mt Selwyn – due to the Dargo Wonnangatta complex fires in the area.Closed sites/tracks include:1. West Buffalo, Harry Shephards, & Penny Track2. Australian Alps Walking Track east of the Viking through to Mt Selwyn3. Rileys, West Humffray, Humffray River, Whites & Water Spur Tracks.4. Areas south of Mt Sarah including Sarah Spur and Tea Tree Spur TrackOpen areas:1. Access to the Wonnangatta Valley via East Buffalo Road, East Riley and Wonnangatta Tracks.2. Australian Alps Walking Track north to Camp Creek including the Crosscut Saw and Mt Speculation3. King Hut4. King Billy Track through to Howitt Road5. Cobbler Lake Track, Speculation Rd & Lake Cobbler6. The Bogong High Plains7. Mt Feathertop and Mt Loch areas8. Mt Bogong9. Walking tracks between Falls Creek and Mt Hotham10. Mt Buffalo11. Visitor sites accessed from the Omeo Highway12. Howqua Hills13. Lake Cobbler14. Beveridges Station15. Twins Tk, Selwyn Ck Tk, Mt Murray South TrackWonnangatta Complex Fire Closures - Gippsland Alps
The Alpine National Park is CLOSED at Moroka Road beyond Horseyard Flat (to Pinnacles) and west of the Dargo High Plains Road including the Grant Historic Area – due to the Dargo Wonnangatta complex fires in the areaClosed sites:- Grant Historic Area, including Eaglevale (Alpine NP) and Talbotville (Grant HA) campsites- Mount Sarah Natural Features and Scenic Reserve- Blue Rag Range Track- Moroka Road at Horseyard Flat (allowing access to Horseyard Flat) east to the Pinnacles.- Dargo exit to Wonnangatta Valley. Closed @ Conglomerate Creek on exit to Dargo- Australian Alps Walking Track within the closure area- McMillans walking track within the closure area- National Horse Trail from Wonnangatta Valley to Dargo within the closure area- Pinnacles Day visitor area and viewing platform- Billy Goat Bluff Track- All other roads and tracks in the closed fire area of the Alpine National Park.Open areas Open areas include:-Tali Karng – All access including the Wellington River Walking Track and Wellington Plains Walking Track (MacFarlane Saddle + Mt Wellington)- Wonnangatta Valley from Zeka Spur and Wonnangatta Track (Myrtleford approach)- Wellington Campsites on Tamboritha Road- Thomastown Camping area, Kelly Hut, McMichaels Hut- King Spur Track into Mayford- Alpine National Park beyond Hotham Heights to the north and to Omeo- Avon Wilderness Park- Mt Wellington and Millers Hut- Howitt Road- Howitt Hut- Bryces Gorge- Dimmick’s Lookout- Tamboritha Road- King Billy Track- Mt Howitt Carpark- Vallejo Gantner Hut- Macalister Springs- Mount Howitt Walking Track- Horseyard Flat- Moroka HutWonnangatta Complex Fire Closures – Billy Goat Bluff Track
Due to the recent Wonnangatta Complex Fire – Billy Goat Bluff Track will remain closed for a further period of time.Billy Goat Bluff Track was heavily impacted by bushfire and will require significant ongoing stabilisation works.Parks Victoria understand the community interest in reopening this track as soon as possible and willstrive to have it open when it is safe to do so.Wonnangatta Complex Fire Closures – Billy Goat Bluff Track
Due to the recent Wonnangatta Complex Fire – Billy Goat Bluff Track will remain closed for a further period of time.Billy Goat Bluff Track was heavily impacted by bushfire and will require significant ongoing stabilisation works.Parks Victoria understand the community interest in reopening this track as soon as possible and willstrive to have it open when it is safe to do so.Wonnangatta Complex Fire Closures - Debris
Due to the recent Wonnangatta Complex Fire – Park Visitors may experience increased amount of debris along the track and road network.Whilst every effort will be made to keep tracks open and safe, post bushfire conditions may mean that tracks and roads may change in condition quickly.Please be aware and suitably prepared if visiting opened areas within the fire effected areas. -
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.Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer
Control operations (aerial shooting) targeting deer are planned for this area. During operations parts of the Park will be closed to visitors. More information on closures will be posted a minimum of 4 weeks prior to commencement.Visitors are advised to check the Change of conditions listing prior to arrival for up to date information and maps.For more information about deer control to protect biodiversity, please visit this link.
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