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’.

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.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    TRACK CLOSURE: Wild Horse Gap Track, Alpine National Park

    Wild Horse Gap Track is currently closed as a result of poor track condition until further notice. 

    Access to the park is not affected - alternate routes are available that will enable transit through this section of the Alpine National Park. If you require assistance with journey planning as a result of the closure, please contact the local Parks Victoria office for assistance via 13 19 63.

  • Moroka Hut and Camping Area (Alpine National Park)

    Moroka River Pedestrian Bridge CLOSED until further notice

    The Moroka River pedestrian bridge is closed until further notice due to being assessed as structurally unsound. 

    Access to Moroka Hut is via the Moroka Range Walking Track (4WD only). 

  • 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
     The tracks are likely to remain closed to motor vehicles until detailed site assessments have been completed. Assessments and repair works are not expected to be completed until late 2024 / early 2025.
     
    Before visiting, Visitors should always check the Parks Victoria website for the latest information about their destination.

    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.

    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. 

  • 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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