This old gold mining area on the Howqua River is set in a beautiful, secluded valley, once busy with gold miners but now popular for picnics, horse riding, bushwalking and four-wheel driving. Camping along the Howqua River is one of the best ways to enjoy this historic area and offers a great base for bushwalking, fishing and other activities. Please remember to bring your own firewood to this popular camping area. Bookings for camping are not required. Horse yard permits Selected areas in the Howqua Hills Historic Area and some sections of the Alpine National Park have horse yards that can be reserved in advance. No fees apply.

Howqua Hills Historic Area is situated along the Howqua River approximately one hour drive from Mansfield. Once the site of a busy gold mining settlement in the late 1800’s the area is now popular for car based camping, walking, fishing, horse riding and those wanting to explore the surrounding Alpine area.

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 and provide the opportunity for people to camp with their horses and explore the surrounding area on horseback.

For the more adventurist there are horse yards at 7 Mile Flat and Pikes Flat on the Howqua River and King Hut on the King River. These sites are situated in the Alpine National Park and provide the opportunity for horse riders looking to explore the mountains and valleys of this rugged area. Dogs are not permitted in Alpine National Park

Horse Riding Season:

1 November - 31 May inclusive (for all areas except Lovicks Hut)

1 December – 30 April inclusive (Lovicks Hut)

Horse numbers are limited at designated horse camping areas as per the Greater Alpine National Park Management Plan, Fry's Flat a total of 20 horses per day/night. Tunnel Bend a total of 10 horses per day/night. Portable yards are permitted and bookings are still required as space is limited.