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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
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.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.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. -
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.
Similar Experiences
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.
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.
Shearers Quarters
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