Dispersed camping in Alpine National Park

Two hikers relax at their campsite that is high up on the mountain and enjoy surrounding views

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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

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.

 

Alpine back country winter safety

Safe backcountry travel in Victorian Alpine areas during winter requires training and experience.  You control your risk by choosing how, when and where you travel, and the activities you participate in.

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

    Track closures due to flood impact

    The following tracks are closed due to impact by storms and flood. Crews will assess and reopen when safe:The following tracks are closed due to impact by storms and flood. Crews will assess and reopen when safe:
    • Cobberas Track
    • Ingeegoodbee Track
    • Little Cobbler Track
    • McFarlines Flat Track

    Mt Pinnibar Track - deteriorated condition

    Mt Pinnibar Track – deteriorated condition

    Mt Pinnibar Track between Walkers Road and Tom Groggin Track has deteriorated significantly following recent flood and storm events.

    Visitors are advised to consider alternate routes to the summit of Mt Pinnibar until repairs can be carried out.

    Bogong High Plains Road

    Following the landslide at Bogong Village the Bogong High Plains Road is now open however remediation work will continue into the foreseeable future to rectify the damage created by the landslide. Parks Victoria advises that all visitors check the Regional Roads Victoria and  Victoria's big build website for the latest traffic updates on closures or delays before visiting.
     https://regionalroads.vic.gov.au/map/north-eastern-improvements/bogong-high-plains-road-landslip 
    https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/mrpv/bogong-high-plains-road-landslip 

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Mt Selwyn Road closure

    Mount Selwyn Road is closed between the intersections of Five Ways and Canyo Road between May 2023 till approximately December 2023 due to significant road works being undertaken on this section of road.

    Alternate routes are Dingo Creek Tk - Great Diving Range Tk - Mt Selwyn Rd, Selwyn Creek Rd - Great Driving Range Tk - Mt Selwyn Rd or Selwyn Creek Rd - Tea Tree Range Rd - Mt Selwyn Rd or Walshs Tk - East Buffalo Rd - West Humffray Rd - Selwyn Tk. - Please check seasonal road closures prior to departure as these might affect your vogue.

    In the interest of visitor safety this road is closed between May 2023 till approximately December 2023.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

    Seasonal road closures 2023

    Seasonal road closures apply to areas within and tracks bordering this park from 15 June 2023. See MapshareVic for locations of the closures. Visit the seasonal road closures page for more information.

    Ground shooting operations targeting deer

    Ground control operations targeting deer will be undertaken in these Parks and Reserves from December 2022 to December 2023. These areas will remain open to visitors during operations.
     
    Alpine National Park (Bogong High Plains, Mount Bogong, Dinner Plain, Dargo High Plains, Foothills and Southern Alps)
    Buchan Caves Reserve
    Burrowa-Pine Mountain
    Cape Conran Coastal Park
    Cape Liptrap Coastal Park
    Cabbage Tree Creek Flora Reserve
    Errinundra National Park
    Lake Tyers State Park
    Lakes National Park
    Baw Baw National Park
    Mount Buffalo National Park
    Mount Mittamatite Regional Park
    Mount Mitta Mitta Flora Reserve
    Mount Lawson State Park
    Mount Granya State Park
    Mountain Creek Education Area
    Pheasant Creek Flora Reserve
    Wabba Wilderness Park
    Wilsons Promontory National Park

    For more information about deer control to protect biodiversity, please visit this link.

  • Davies Plain Hut & Camping Area (Alpine National Park)

    Early seasonal closure for Davies Plain Track and Kings Plain Track, Alpine National Park

    Kings Plain Track and Davies Plain Track between Buckwong Creek Camping Area (at Tom Groggin) and Charlies Creek Camping Area are seasonally closed to all vehicles from 1 May to 30 November inclusive. Sections of Davies Plain Track north of Buckwong Creek Camping Area (at Tom Groggin) and south of Charlies Creek Camping Area are seasonally closed to vehicles between the 2nd Thursday in June and the Thursday before Melbourne Cup day.

    Attachments: Davies Plain Track seasonal closure section_1 May - 30 Nov (258KB)

Similar Experiences

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

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Dispersed bush camping is permitted on the Baw Baw Plateau. The Plateau is a fuel stove only area – no solid fuel fires are permitted and collecting firewood prohibited in the Park. The area falls within domestic water supply catchments, so care must be taken with the disposal of human waste.
A tent, fireplace and picnic table at Wonga Camground at Wyperfeld National Park

Wonga Camping Area

Pitch a tent or park your caravan or campervan at your own private bush oasis. There are 60 unpowered campsites spread across the spacious campground.
The front of the old Shearers Quarters at Murray Sunset National Park

Shearers Quarters

The Shearers Quarters is an historic self-contained cottage nestled in the remote heart of Murray-Sunset National Park. It is a great place to get away from it all and enjoy the serenity of the bush
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