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’.

    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.
    Bogong High Plains

    Sites

    Camper Trailer
    Tent
    Campervan
    Mobile Home
    Caravan

    When you're there

    Download the Alpine National Park visitor guide for more information about the park, camping and the plethora of experiences to be had within its borders. 

    Need to know

    Dispersed camping in Alpine National Park

    Where to Camp

    Around Bright, Mount Beauty, Omeo and Dargo

    Dispersed bush camping is permitted throughout the area except within 200 metres of the Bogong High Plains or Pretty Valley Roads.

    Toilets, picnic tables and fireplaces are provided at the following camping areas:

    • JB Plain between Hotham Village and Dinner Plain on the Great Alpine Road (walk in only)
    • Buckety Plain, Rasberry Hill and Langfords West (horse yards) on the Bogong High Plains east of Falls Creek
    • Mountain Creek at the foot of Mt Bogong near Tawonga

     

    Around Heyfield, Licola and Dargo in the Wonnangatta - Moroka area

    Toilets, picnic tables and fireplaces are provided at the following camping areas:

    • Wellington River - 13 unnumbered camping areas beneath shady peppermints and manna gums, toilets located at some sites. Horse yards at site 12. Tamboritha Road approximately 10 km from Licola.
    • Horseyard Flat - set amongst Black Sallees on the banks of the Moroka River.
    • Eaglevale - on the Wonnangatta River below the towering ramparts of Mt Kent and Snowy Bluff.
    • Wonnangatta Valley (4WD access only) - near the historic site of the Wonnangatta Homestead.
    • Talbotville (4WD access only) - on the grassy flats of the Crooked River.
    • Grant - a grassy clearing in the forest and all that remains of a once thriving gold mining town.

     

    Around Mansfield and Whitfield

    Sites with facilities are:

    • Sheepyard and Frys Flats, and several other flats upstream along the Howqua River
    • Bluff Hut (4WD access)
    • Bennies camping area beside the Rose River (2WD access)
    • Lake Cobbler (4WD access recommended - very rough 2WD past Bennies)
    • Pineapple Flat (4WD access)
    • King Hut (4WD access)

     

    Around Mitta Mitta, Omeo, Tallangatta, Corryong and Cobberas

    Camper trailers are not recommended for Cobberas Trail, MacFarlane Flat Track and Ingeegoodbee Track due to very steep, loose and rocky terrain.
    Camper trailers are not recommended on Davies Plain Track, Limestone Creek Track and McCarthys Track due to steep, loose and rocky terrain.

    Sites with basic facilities such as pit toilets and fireplaces are:

    • Taylor’s Crossing beside the Mitta Mitta River
    • Dogman Hut near Tom Groggin Station
    • Limestone Creek (4WD only) - Limestone - Black Mountain Road (Camper trailers can access Limestone Creek Camping Area from the Black Mountain-Limestone Road)
    • The Poplars (4WD dry weather only) - Limestone Creek - McCarthy’s Tracks
    • Charlies Creek (4WD only) on the southern end of Davies Plain Track
    • Davies Plain Hut (4WD only) on the northern end of Davies Plain Track.
    • Bunroy Creek on the banks of the Murray River, access via the Bunroy Road

      Trailers are not recommended on Davies Plain Track, Limestone Creek Track and McCarthys Track due to steep, loose and rocky terrain. Camper trailers are okay to Limestone Creek camping area from the Black Mountain Limestone Road. No trailers on Cobberas Trail, MacFarlane Flat Track and Ingeegoodbee Track due to very steep, loose and rocky terrain. 

    Along the Omeo Highway - travelling from Omeo to Mitta Mitta there is:

    • CRB Camp near Anglers Rest
    • Anglers Rest near the historic ‘Blue Duck’ hotel
    • Jokers Flat beside the Big River
    • Big River Bridge near Glen Valley 

     

    Around Wabonga Plateau, Mt Cobbler and Powers Lookout

    Sites with facilities are:

    • Bennies Camping Area (2WD access)
    • Lake Cobbler (4WD access recommended - very rough 2WD past Bennies)
    • Pineapple Flat (4WD access)
    • King Hut (4WD access)

     

    Around Howitt, Snowy Range and Tali Karng

    Sites for bushwalkers with basic facilities are:

    • Macalister Springs - fuel stove only area.
    • Tali Karng - fuel stove only area. Large groups are asked to register at the Heyfield Office. Preferred campsites are situated at Riggals Hut site and along Wellington River.

      Sites for car based campers with basic facilities are:
    • Wellington River - 9 km along the river, beginning 10 km north of Licola. Toilets at some sites.
    • Horseyard Flat - Beside the Moroka River.
    • Wonangatta Valley (4WD only) - near the historic site of the Homestead.

    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

      Areas of Alpine National Park closed due to fires

      Alpine National Park remains closed due to fire activity in the area, with the exception of certain areas. Please check the Fire Affected Parks  page for a full list. For a list of State Forest closures, visit the DELWP website.  For the latest information on fires, visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au. For the latest information on road closures, visit traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au. 

      Australian Alps Walking Track - section closed due to bushfire impact

      During the summer the Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT) was impacted by fire. Parks Victoria has been working to assess and reinstate the sections of the AAWT impacted by fire. Currently the section from Mount Speculation to the Great Alpine Road, Mount Hotham is closed.


      Parks Victoria asks all visitors to respect this decision and not enter areas listed as closed. For details visit fire affected parks.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Campground closure

      As directed by the Chief Health Officer all campsites, camping grounds and caravan parks closed from midnight 25 March 2020.
      People can continue to live on a closed caravan park or camping ground if it is registered as their primary place of residence or if they are staying in caravan parks as interim accommodation where their primary residence is not available. For further information go to parks.vic.gov.au/COVID19

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    Two friends explore JB Plain after spending the night camping out.

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    The view from inside a tent, looking out to the grassy landscape and cloudy sky.

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    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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