Dispersed camping in Alpine National Park

Two hikers relax at their campsite that is high up on the mountain and enjoy surrounding views

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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

 
Three horseriders saddle-up a pack horse before the day's riding.

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.
Three friends stop for a quick drink late in the afternoon on their walk from Hotham to Falls Creek.

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.
The majestic Lake Tali Karng.

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’.
Unlit fire pit at a campground with trees in the background.

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.
View of grass and paths between trees at a camping area.

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.
View of an access road running through a camping area.

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.
View of a hut and picnic table and bench in a camping area.

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.
View of a hut with chopped wood piled up outside.

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).
View of road leading to a camping area surrounded by trees.

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.
View of camping area with trees in the background.

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.
Bogong High Plains

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.

  • Alpine National Park

    Early Seasonal Road Closures affecting the Alpine National Park - Mount Hotham

    Due to recent snowfall, road incidents and vehicle recovery, tracks around Mount Hotham will be closed from Wednesday the 11th of June.

    The early seasonal closures apply to:
    • Gunns Track
    • Twins Track
    • Mount Murray Track South
    • Dinner Plain Track
     The closures are necessary to ensure the safety of visitors and the minimise damage to park values and assets following the recent weather event.

    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)

  • 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.
     
    For more information about deer control to protect biodiversity, please visit this link.

Similar Experiences

 
Two friends explore JB Plain after spending the night camping out.

Camping in Baw Baw National Park

Dispersed bush camping is permitted on the Baw Baw Plateau. The Plateau is a fuel stove only area – no solid fuel fires are permitted and collecting firewood prohibited in the Park. The area falls within domestic water supply catchments, so care must be taken with the disposal of human waste.
A tent, fireplace and picnic table at Wonga Camground at Wyperfeld National Park

Wonga Camping Area

Pitch a tent or park your caravan or campervan at your own private bush oasis. There are 60 unpowered campsites spread across the spacious campground.
The front of the old Shearers Quarters at Murray Sunset National Park

Shearers Quarters

The Shearers Quarters is an historic self-contained cottage nestled in the remote heart of Murray-Sunset National Park. It is a great place to get away from it all and enjoy the serenity of the bush
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