Howqua Hills Historic Area is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Taungurung Peoples. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Taungurung Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.

Howqua Hills Historic Area is a site of natural beauty. Set in a secluded valley on the Howqua River it was once busy with gold miners. River flats are surrounded by hills with Manna Gums and Narrow‐Leaved Peppermints. Howqua Hills Historic Area is approximately one-hour drive from Mansfield and is a popular spot for picnics, horse riding, bushwalking, fishing and four-wheel driving. Start your visit to the park at the information shelter at Sheepyard Flat North, which gives fascinating information about the area. 

Camping along the Howqua River is one of the best ways to enjoy this historic area. There are several flats available beside the river including Blackbird, Fry’s, Sheepyard North and South, Davon's, Noonan's, Pickerings and Tunnel Bend Flat. From your base, enjoy bushwalking, fishing and other activities. If you are very lucky, you may spot a kangaroo on a quiet, early morning or a platypus in the Howqua River. Please remember to bring your own firewood to this popular camping area. No bookings or fees apply. 

Visit one of the historic hut sites in Howqua Hills Historic Area. Fry's Hut, where Master Bushman Fred Fry built his home in the early 1940s, is a short 2 km drive from Sheepyard Flat. Using split timber and with his own personal style of workmanship, he erected many huts in the region. There are also many historic hut sites in the nearby Alpine National Park and Mansfield State Forest. 

Explore Tunnel Bend, named after the 100-metre tunnel built in 1884 as a link between the Howqua River and a 4 km long hand-cut water race. The tunnel entrance can be seen near the base of the steps at Tunnel Bend. The remains of the water race can be seen above the road between Tunnel Bend and Sheepyard Flat. 

Walkers will enjoy the Howqua Hills Historic Walk. This easy 4km return walk follows the Howqua River from Sheepyard Flat to Fry’s Flat. Rediscover the days of gold mining and settlement as you walk past historic relics from times gone by. See the brick chimney and smelting furnace, built in 1884 and still standing today. Other walks in the area include the High and Low Tracks along the Howqua, Lickhole Creek, Eagles Peaks and the Bluff walk.

Horse riding (seasonally from November to May) is another great way to explore the Howqua Hills Historic Area. Horse‐yards are available at Fry's Flat and Tunnel Bend Flat with further yards located nearby in the Alpine National Park. Bookings required.