Dispersed camping in Alpine National Park

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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.

Sites

Need to know

Dispersed camping in Alpine National Park

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

    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)

    Access Restrictions for the Bogong High Plains Alpine National Park

    The Great Alpine Rally (https://www.australiantarmacrally.com/greatalpinerally) is a car event that will be occurring over the last weekend in March (27th - 29th) along the Bogong High Plains Road. To ensure this event can run and the participants are kept safe the Bogong High Plains Road will be closed. Detail on the closure are listed below. The Alpine National Park will be open during this time but access to the park from the Bogong High Plains road will be restricted. Please plan your trip accordingly. 

    The Bogong High Palins Road from Mt Beauty to Falls Creek will be closed from 7:00am to 5:30pm on Saturday the 28th March. 
    The Bogong High Plains Road from Watch bed Creek Car Park / Big River Fire Trail intersection to the Omeo Hwy from 7:00am - 5:30pm on Sunday the 29th March.


    Federation Hut toilet replacement

    • Parks Victoria is replacing the toilets at Federation Hut near the summit of Mount Feathertop, Alpine National Park
    • The works will commence Monday 16 March and are expected to finish in April 2026. To ensure visitor safety, access to the work site next to Federation Hut will be restricted.
    • Temporary toilet facilities will be available during this time. The camping area will remain open and visitors will still be able to access walking tracks including Bungalow Spur, North West Spur and the Razorback.
    • Due to the remote location and difficult terrain, a helicopter will be used to fly materials and equipment to and from the site. There will be loud construction noise and frequent helicopter presence while demolition and construction works are underway.
    • This is one of many project Parks Victoria is delivering in to improve the visitor experience in Northeast Victoria.

    Federation Hut toilet replacement

    • Parks Victoria is replacing the toilets at Federation Hut near the summit of Mount Feathertop, Alpine National Park
    • The works will commence Monday 16 March and are expected to finish in April 2026. To ensure visitor safety, access to the work site next to Federation Hut will be restricted.
    • Temporary toilet facilities will be available during this time. The camping area will remain open and visitors will still be able to access walking tracks including Bungalow Spur, North West Spur and the Razorback.
    • Due to the remote location and difficult terrain, a helicopter will be used to fly materials and equipment to and from the site. There will be loud construction noise and frequent helicopter presence while demolition and construction works are underway.
    • This is one of many project Parks Victoria is delivering in to improve the visitor experience in Northeast Victoria.

    HOWITT RD, PINNACLES RD AND MOROKA RD – ROAD WORKS COMMENCING 18TH MARCH

    From the 18th of March, roading works will be commencing on Howitt Rd, then Pinnacles Rd and Moroka Rd to McFarlane Saddle. There will be heavy machinery present on these roads, with traffic management in place, and a traffic management point at Bennison Quarry near Bennison Lookout on Tamboritha Road.
    Please drive to the conditions and comply with road safety signage including traffic management instruction. 

  • Grant Historic Township Camping Area (Grant Historic Area)

    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 will
    strive 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 Sites

    Wonnangatta Complex Fire - Area and Road 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 area
    Closed sites:
    - Grant Historic Area, including Eaglevale (Alpine NP) and Talbotville (Grant HA) campsites
    - Mount Sarah Natural Features and Scenic Reserve
    - Moroka Road at Horseyard Flat (allowing access to Horseyard Flat) east to the Pinnacles.
    Dargo exit to Wonnangatta Valley. Closed at Conglomerate Creek on exit to Dargo
    - 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 Hut 
    - Blue Rag Range Track  

    Please see FFM closure map https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/permits-and-regulations/closures-of-parks-and-forests

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

    Wonnangatta Complex Fire - Area and Road Closures - North East

    Sections of the Alpine National Park remain CLOSED to the south of Mt Sarah due to the Dargo Wonnangatta complex fires in the area.
    Closed sites/tracks include:
    1. Rileys, Humffray River, Whites & Water Spur Tracks.
    2. Areas south of Mt Sarah including Sarah Spur and Tea Tree Spur Track
     
    Open 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 Speculation
    3. King Hut
    4. King Billy Track through to Howitt Road
    5. Cobbler Lake Track, Speculation Rd & Lake Cobbler
    6. The Bogong High Plains
    7. Mt Feathertop and Mt Loch areas
    8. Mt Bogong
    9. Walking tracks between Falls Creek and Mt Hotham
    10. Mt Buffalo
    11. Visitor sites accessed from the Omeo Highway
    12. Howqua Hills
    13. Lake Cobbler
    14. Beveridges Station
    15. Twins Track, Selwyn Creekk Track, Mt Murray South Track 
    Please see FFM closure map for https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/permits-and-regulations/closures-of-parks-and-forests
     

    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.

    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 our Deer page.

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