Camping in Howqua Hills

Camping in Howqua Hills

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    Camping in Howqua Hills

    Howqua Hills Historic Area

    There are nine flats on the banks of the Howqua River available for camping. These include Blackbird, Fry's, Sheepyard North and South, Davon's, Pickerings, Noonan's and Tunnel Bend Flat. These camping areas are a great base for bush walking, four-wheel driving, fishing or relaxing.

    Camping on the nine flats is free, with basic facilities provided, including pit toilets. No bookings are required, except for those camping with a horse. There are basic facilities, including pit toilets.  All areas can be accessed by 2WD vehicles including camper vans and caravans. Please exercise caution on the Howqua Track in wet weather and be vigilant for other road users.

    Bringing your own firewood is recommended at these popular campsites. If you need to collect firewood, please remember to collect off the ground only. Please use an existing fireplace wherever possible – these are provided on most flats. Camping with dogs is permitted in Howqua Hills Historic Area, however dogs must be controlled with a leash at all times. 

    Campers at Fry's Flat can explore Fry's Hut, an iconic historic hut site on the banks of the Howqua River. Fred Fry featured in Nevil Shute's book 'A Far Country' and built many huts in the area including Noonan's and Pickering's Huts, Upper Jamieson Hut and Ritchie's Hut.

    From Tunnel Bend campsite, explore the Tunnel, a 100-metre tunnel built in 1884. It served as a link between the Howqua River and the 4 km water race to the 'Hanney' water wheel, located at the processing works along the Heritage Trail. Camping with horses is permitted at both Fry's Flat and Tunnel Bend Flat. These sites provide the opportunity to camp with your horse and explore the surrounding area on horseback.

    7 Mile and 8 Mile campgrounds in the nearby Alpine National Park provide more great options for campers. Please remember dogs are not allowed in Alpine National Park.

    Things to do

     
    Fry's Hut, Howqua Hills Historic Area

    Bushwalking in Howqua Hills Historic Area

    Take in all the Howqua Hills has to offer with one of the many walks available. From short family walks to challenging hikes, Howqua Hills Historic Area has a variety of walks to choose from.
    A 4WD in Bunyip State Park.

    Four-wheel driving in Howqua Hills Historic Area

    There are many four-wheel drive tracks to explore taking you further into the High Country. Howqua Hills Historic Area is a great base to explore further into the Alpine National Park and surrounding State Forest.
    A man on a horse leads another horse across the Bogong High Plains.

    Camping with your horse in the Howqua Hills

    Fry’s Flat and Tunnel Bend are the designated horse camping sites located on the scenic river flats at each end of Howqua Hills Historic Area. They provide the opportunity for people to camp with their horses and explore the surrounding area on horseback.

    How to get there

    Camping in Howqua Hills

    Camping in Howqua Hills

    Facilities

    Toilets

    Need to know

    Camping in Howqua Hills

    Camping Safety

    • All rubbish and litter is to be taken home. Please do not put cans, bottles or similar materials into campfires.
    • Use the toilets provided
    • Wash your dishes 50 metres from the river and if you have a shower set it up at least 50 metres from any water source.    
    • We recommend people bring their own firewood. If you do need to collect firewood please remember you can only collect wood that is lying on the ground. Falling trees is strictly prohibited.

    Campfires

    • All campfires must fit the campfire regulations for Parks, Forests and Reserves.
    • Fires are for cooking and warmth only and need to be:
      • In a constructed fireplace where provided, or in a 30-centimetre deep trench
      • No larger than one square meter with clear ground around and above the campfire and clear of flammable material for 3 metres in all directions
    • Never leave your campfire unattended. An adult must supervise at all times
    • Put your fire out with water, not soil. It must be cold to touch. 
    • Please do not put any rubbish in your campfire.
    • Please check fire danger forecasts. 
    • No fires are to be lit on a day of Total Fire Ban. 

    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.

    • Frys Flat Camping Area (Howqua Hills Historic Area, Howqua River Heritage River)

      Vehicle access to Frys Flat Horse Yards

      The Howqua Hills Track between Sheepyard Flat South and Frys Flat currently requires 4WD capability and may not be suitable for the use of floats and trailers to transport horses into this area.  It is recommended that visitors inspect the track prior to crossing to ensure that they are comfortable with the condition of the track and have the ability to cross safely. 

      Parks Victoria are currently negotiating various approvals and permits required to undertake the necessary repair and maintenance to restore this section of track. 

      If you still wish to book and camp at Fry’s Flat with your horse, there are alternate methods of accessing the area.  You can:

      • Walk/ride horses in from Howqua Hills track (100-200m)
      • Walk/ride horse in from Martin/Fern or Spring street (across the river)

      Alternative camping areas with vehicle-accessible horse yards available for booking nearby are also found at: 

      • Tunnel Bend, Howqua Hills Historic Area (up to 10 horses, dogs permitted).
      • 7-mile Flat, Alpine National Park (up to 20 horses, no dogs permitted)
      • King River Hut, Alpine National Park (up to 20 horses, no dogs permitted)
      • Lovicks Hut (up to 20 horses, no dogs permitted) 

      For further information, please contact the Mansfield office on 03 5733 1200 and ask to speak to one of the PV Rangers. 

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Seasonal road closures 2022

      Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate from after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. Visit the seasonal road closures page for maps and more information.

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