Camping in Howqua Hills and surrounds

A couple sit and look at a map next to their tent and car.

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Camping in Howqua Hills and surrounds

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 and the Alpine National Park

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

Four-wheel driving in Howqua Hills Historic Area and Alpine National Park

There are many four-wheel drive tracks to explore taking you further into the High Country. Take your pick from several great bases to explore Alpine National Park and 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 and surrounds

Camping in Howqua Hills

Need to know

Camping in Howqua Hills and surrounds

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. 

Similar Camping

 
Two women camp in the Alpine National Park at twilight.

Dispersed camping in Alpine National Park

The Alpine National Park offers some of the most authentic and scenic bush camping opportunities in Victoria.
Looking over Lake Cobbler, Alpine National Park

Cobbler Lake Camping Area

This camping spot is a great base for experienced walkers to tackle Mt Cobbler or visit the nearby Dandongale Falls.
A fall waterfall in Mount Samaria State Park

Mt Samaria State Park

Choose from four camping areas in Mt Samaria State Park, approximately 30 minutes from Mansfield. Discover waterfalls and a variety of walks perfect for the family. Dogs are not allowed in this park.
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