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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
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.Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer – Bogong High Plains, Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains and Feathertop
Parts of the Alpine National Park will be closed during the following dates while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.3-7 February 20253-7 March 202524-28 March 2025The following tracks and visitor areas will be closed during the operation:CLOSED—Mt Feathertop· MUMC Hut· Bon Accord Spur· Northwest Spur· East Ovens Track· All other tracks remain openCLOSED—Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains· Mt Tabletop Walking Track· Mayford· Kings Spur· Long Spur· All other tracks remain openCLOSED—Bogong 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 Track· All other tracks remain openVisitors are advised to check the Change of conditions listing prior to arrival for up to date information and maps.Attachments: Alpine NP aerial ops information sign v2 (2,046KB)
Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer – Eastern Alps, Ingeegoodbee, Tingaringy, Tom Groggin
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:11-15 November 202410-14 February 2025Visitors are advised to check the Change of conditions listing prior to arrival for up to date information and maps.For more information about the program please visit this link.Attachments: Alpine NP East Alps_Tom Groggin aerial shooting info (1,387KB)
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. - Cobberas Track
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Davies Plain Hut & Camping Area (Alpine National Park)
Davies Plain Track - damaged track section temporarily closed to all vehicles
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 currently a thoroughfare for vehicles between Tom Groggin and Charlie Creek Camping Area. There is currently no vehicle access to Davies Plain Hut or the adjoining camping area, pending completion of site assessments and subsequent repairs. Nearest camping areas accessible to suitable 4WD vehicles on Davies Plain Track are Charlie 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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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Track Closure - Long Spur Track - Alpine National Park
Long Spur Track in the Alpine National Park is currently CLOSED from the intersection of King Spur Track for public safety. The area has been subject to widespread Storm Damage.Alpine National Park - Howitt Road
Parks Victoria wish to advise that due to recent works and rainfall, that the Howitt Road is currently only suitable for high clearance 2WD / AWD or 4WD vehicles. Caution should be taken as the road surface may be slippery.Works have occurred north of Bryce's Gorge Carpark.Mt Howitt Walking Track maintenance works
Bushwalking Tracks and Conservation (BTAC) volunteers will be undertaking walking track maintenance on Mt Howitt Walking Track from Friday 24th January until Monday 27th January.Volunteers will be using chainsaws, brushcutters, hedgetrimmers, hand tools etc so please make yourself known to volunteers so that they can turn off equipment prior to passing.During this time the group will be camped at Vallejo Gantner Hut at Macalister Springs. There may be less available campsites than usual. -
Mt Pinnibar Summit (Alpine National Park)
Mt Pinnibar Track Partials Closure
Due to the poor condition of Mount Pinnibar Track two sections of the track are closed. The closure is necessary due condition of the track, with sections of deep ruts and exposed bedrock making both approaches unsafe. The condition of the northern approach (which is badly rutted) is further exacerbated in wet weather and in these times it poses a real risk of significant incident due to the steep gradients. The two closures are between Walkers Road and Mount Pinnibar summit, and between Mount Gibbo Track and Tom Groggin Station. Alternative access to the Mt Pinnibar summit is via Tom Groggin Track, Shady Creek Upper Track and Mount Gibbo Track. -
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. -
Ritchies Hut (Alpine National Park, Howqua River Heritage River)
TEMPORARY ASSET CLOSURE: Ritchies Hut Toilet
Please be advised that the toilet at the Ritchies Hut Camping Area is currently closed.The Ranger team are currently working on getting the toilet back up and operational as soon as possible -
Federation Hut (Alpine National Park)
Federation Hut water availabilty
The water tank at Federation Hut is currently empty and until there is significant rain, there will be no water in the tank.Non-potable water is still available at the spring off Bungalow Spur Walking Track near the Old Feathertop Hut site and at the spring on the Northwest Spur/Tom Kneen Walking Track between the Razorback Walking Track and MUMC Hut. -
Sandy Flat (Alpine National Park)
Sandy Flat track - Long Spur track mulching works - Alpine National Park
Sandy Flat Track and Long Spur Track located in the Alpine National Park are receiving mulching works from 18th of January through to the 3rd of February. Works include mulching track verges with heavy machinery and minor track upgrades in readiness for a future fuel reduction burn. Contractors will be onsite and contactable in UHF channel 20. The tracks will remain trafficable and flow managed by onsite contractors.
Similar Experiences
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Wonga Camping Area
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Shearers Quarters
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