4wding in Howqua Hills Historic Area

4wding in Howqua Hills Historic Area

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    4wding in Howqua Hills

    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 the nearby Alpine National Park and State Forest.

    Use Howqua Hills Historic Area as your base and take a drive through the high country. Visit Bluff and Lovick's Huts or head down to Pikes Flat, which can be accessed via 16 Mile Jeep Track. This is a difficult and relatively steep four-wheel drive track and is not recommended in wet weather. 

    Bindaree Flat is located next to the Howqua River. It's a great camping spot with an old foresters hut. To get there, you can drive via Pikes Flat on 16 Mile Jeep Track or via Bluff Link Road, which is an easier four-wheel drive track. Complete the circuit by driving into the Mansfield State Forest along Bindaree Road, a two-wheel-drive road, to Bindaree Falls. It's just a short 10-minute walk to view the amazing falls. From Bindaree Falls, continue on to Craig's Hut, then return to Howqua Hills Historic Area via the circuit road and Howqua Track.

    Drive to Cobbler Lake via King Hut and take in the amazing views across the Alps. A couple of kilometres before the lake, stop at the stunning Dandongadale Falls. Return on the Whitfield Road to Mansfield, ensuring you drop in at Powers Lookout on the way. Take the Bluff Track or Brocks Road and descend into the secluded Wonnangatta Valley. Uncover the history and heritage of the High Country while admiring the dramatic landscape. Along the way you'll find old mining town ruins, cattleman's huts and panoramic views.

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

    Camping in Howqua Hills Historic Area

    These are several camping options along the banks of the Howqua River. The sites are free and no bookings are required. All sites are a great base for bushwalking, four-wheel driving, fishing and relaxing.
    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

    4wding in Howqua Hills

    4wding in Howqua Hills

    Facilities

    Toilets

    Need to know

    4wding in Howqua Hills

    4wding Safety

    • Please remember dogs are not permitted in the Alpine National Park.
    • Roads may become impassable in wet weather, even to 4WD vehicles. Please remember to stay on the roads and tracks as driving off-road is prohibited.  

    Seasonal road closures

    Much of the Alpine National Park is closed to vehicles during the winter months.  This is to prevent vehicle damage to our tracks and to protect the environment, as many of these tracks are under snow. 

    Typically, seasonal closures are re-opened the Thursday before Cup weekend and close the Thursday after Queens Birthday weekend.  Please note, these dates may change for various tracks. Check the seasonal road closures page before you travel. 

    Vehicles must be fully registered and drivers must have a licence. This includes motorbikes.  

    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.

    • 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.

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

      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. 

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