Victoria High Country Camping

When travelling through the Victorian High Country, being self-sufficient is essential. Stock up on fuel, food and water before heading out — services can be few and far between once you're in the ranges.

Respect the areas you pass through and the other travellers you meet along the way. Many roads are narrow, steep and can become treacherous when wet, so take your time and know your vehicle's limits. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking — dramatic mountain landscapes and sweeping views that will stop you in your tracks — but those same roads can drop away hundreds of metres on the other side, so keep your focus and your speed in check.

CBs or UHF radio are handy safety feature, especially when you're going around a narrow bend not knowing what's around the corner have your wits about you when towing as there are rules and limits. Beware of falling rocks, boulders animals and self centred idiots. Definitely had some white knuckle moments.

It's wild, remote and stunning country. Treat it with the respect it deserves and it will reward you with some of the most memorable travelling you'll ever do..

Anderson Mill Camp

The Anderson Mill Camp Area is located amongst thick bush, and offers the camper a very peaceful and relaxing experience with open grass area, and is close to Wilks Creek and the historic mill site.

Location: Anderson Mill Road, Marysville State Forest — about 5km from Marysville town on an unsealed gravel road. Easy enough to navigate, though take it steady and allow extra care in wet weather.

Cost: Completely free, no booking required — first come, first served

Facilities

• The campsite features an information board with maps and history,
• multiple picnic tables,
• toilet facilities,
• horse yards,
• campsite cooking areas, big open grass area, and is close to Wilks Creek and the historic mill site.

Please respect the rights of others, and please take your rubbish home with you. Always be aware of snakes, and do not feed the native animals.

Nocturnal visitor

❮

❯

Few Hiking trails in the Marysville State Forest Nearby waterfalls include Steavenson Falls which is absolutely stunning, Keppel Falls and Phantom Falls.

Native Dog Flats

Native Dog Campsite Limestone road

The Campsite Native Dog Flat is a nice campsite along Alpine Way near Benambra, with the Buchan River nearby. There is plenty of green grass, with large campsites and one drop toilet. It has been reported that Brumbies sometimes walk through the campground, but unfortunately none while we were there. According to one of the campers we spoke to while we we there, they said that they were actually culling the Brumbries because of the damage they cause. which is so sad.

There's an eerie feeling because you are so high above sea level the mist comes in around 5 o'clock. Feels like you're in the clouds which I suppose you are.

Bush camps have basic facilities — fire pits and pit toilets, located beside the peaceful Mitta Mitta River.

Evening Sky

Mist

Sunset

Changing

Moscow Villa

Moscow Villa is accessible from Omeo via the Nunniong Road and then onto the Bentley's Plain Road. The Free Campground* The Moscow Villa Hut Camp Area is a picturesque campground located up in the mountains but easily accessible by all vehicles. Facilities are basic (long drop toilet only), but shade and space are plentiful. There are around 5 sites to choose from, located north and south of the creek.

Sadly the interior has fallen victim to graffiti. The villa itself is a beautifully constructed old building, featuring stairs leading up to a second level.

The day we visited the famous Villa the people occuping it was very protective over their space, but we inspected it anyway. I jokingly said just here for a visit all I got was a disgusting look. At the end of the day it cost nothing to be nice.

Bentley Plains

Free camping at Bentley plains

Facilities:

Drop toilet only — BYO water and supplies

Remote location, so come well prepared

Check Parks Victoria for any road closures before heading out, as some tracks in the area have been impacted by fire damage

A great spot for those who want true High Country wilderness! The mist itself is a unique experience. 5.40pm

❮

❯

A couple of free huts available.

The campground is a base for exploring the Bentley Plain Scenic Reserve, including a picturesque bush walk and historic sites. The historical Moscow Villa Hut, Washington Winch, and various walks are located nearby.

Beautiful Changing scenery

Luscious Ferns cover the landscape

The Washington Winch

The Washington Winch sits in the forests of eastern Victoria near Swifts Creek and is also known as the Washington Iron Works Skidder. It is the only steam-powered engine of its kind in Australia, left intact with engine, spars, and cabling still rigged for work. It is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Hinnomunjie Bridge — Lovely short stay.

20 min North of Omeo, (bitumen road all the way)

Hinnomunjie Bridge is a big grassy area that follows the creek with lots of level spots. It's completely free and requires no booking at all, and would accommodate a huge number of people if needed. Any sort of caravan can get in with no issues. You can get down to the creek in a couple of spots, though isn't really ideal for swimming.

❮

❯

👉What to bring

• Your own drinking water
• Firewood (none provided on site)
• Toilet paper
• Rubbish bags

Daily Visitor

Hinnomunjie Bridge

Mitta Mitta River,

Omeo

Omeo is affectionately known as the City of the Alps with many historic buildings remaining in the town.

The small town of Omeo sits in an attractive open and undulating plain, surrounded by high mountain ranges, on the Great Alpine Road linking Bairnsdale with Bright and Wangaratta. Originally a pastoral area, the discovery of gold in 1851 saw the town boom, though as the gold ran out, cattle and sheep grazing took over as the major industry.

Omeo is only 20 minutes away and has a supermarket, café, bakery, and fuel if you need to stock up before heading out.

❮

❯

https://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Omeo

On display at the corner of Antonoff Road in Omeo town centre, an old steam-powered traction engine  Interesting town well worth the visit. These heavy iron machines were the workhorses of the gold rush era, used for driving pumps, crushing quartz, or powering machinery on the goldfields.

Dogs Grave

Dogs Grave Reserve is a historic memorial site located in the Victorian High Country, specifically on Birregun Road in State Forests near Dargo, Victoria.  It’s known for its quiet setting and a unique historical monument.

The site honors Boney (or possibly Angus), an Australian Kelpie dog who died in 1863 while accompanying drover Peter Meehan during a cattle drive from Cobungra Station. Beautiful Memorial honouring his mate.

Eternal mates

Awesome hut we came across

Dogs Grave Campground

is a small, remote bush campsite in the Victorian High Country near

Inside the cabin there's a wood heater

Great room to camp

Eaglevale

One of our favourite campsites spent a few days here remote and tranquil. It's a beautiful spot with plenty of space. Did my first river crossing very nervous but succeeded.

• Camping style: Bush camping (basic, unpowered)*
• Best for self-sufficient campers
• Cold climate (even summer nights)
• What you bring in take out with you
• No rubbish bins

Things to know:

• Free to camp,
• 4WD access only via Wonnangatta Road — it's a remote, rugged drive of about 1.5 hours from the Dargo Road turnoff
• Drop toilet on site, picnic tables, and fire pits scattered throughout
• No phone signal at the campsite
• Conditions can change quickly after rain — check Parks Victoria (13 19 63) before heading out.
• Watch the Waterford gauge if you plan to cross the ford (keep it under ~1.8m)

Eaglevale Camping Area is a free, dispersed camping site located in Alpine National Park within the Shire of Wellington, Victoria, situated near the Wonnangatta River and accessible via Wonnangatta Road in Crooked River.

Key safety tips for the ford:

• Watch the Waterford gauge if you plan to cross the ford (keep it under ~1.8m) if you value your 4WD.
• The river flow changes use your judgement.
• You also need to keep a careful eye on the forecast, as it's easy to get trapped on the wrong side of the river — sometimes for months — if the water rises after you cross.

Eaglevale Swing Bridge

Safety First

View from bridge

Highlights:

Swimming and fishing in the Wonnangatta River right next to camp

The old swing/foot bridge is a fun feature

Close to Billy Goat Bluff and Wonnangatta Station (the historic murder mystery homestead?)

Sunset at its best.