Raspberry Hill Campground: Free Alpine Camping with Incredible Views

Perched high in the Victorian Alps, Raspberry Hill Campground offers a truly spectacular free camping experience for the adventurous and well-prepared. Located on the Bogong High Plains within the Alpine National Park, this campground is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views, making it a premier spot for watching sunsets paint the ranges and for stargazing under incredibly dark skies. The campsite itself is a pleasant, well-drained grassy area dotted with snow gums, offering a classic high country atmosphere. It’s an exceptional base for exploring the surrounding alpine landscape, with numerous trails for hiking and mountain biking leading directly from the area, including tracks to nearby historic huts and peaks like Mt Cope.

As a remote alpine site, self-sufficiency is paramount. The campground provides basic amenities including a non-flushing toilet and several cooking-equipped fire pits, but there is no drinking water available. The weather on the high plains is notoriously unpredictable; it can be windy, and snow can fall at any time of year, so visitors must come prepared for all conditions. Access is via the sealed Bogong High Plains Road during the summer months, making it accessible to 2WD vehicles, though the road is closed during the winter snow season. It is a designated **pet-free zone** to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem and its native inhabitants. For those who equip themselves properly, Raspberry Hill provides an unforgettable opportunity to camp for free in one of Australia’s most stunning and unique environments, offering a profound sense of peace and connection to the mountains.

Campground Information

• Name: Raspberry Hill Campground
• Address: Bogong High Plains Road, near Falls Creek, Victoria 3699, Australia
• GPS Coordinates:-36.9426,147.3170
• Website: Managed by Parks Victoria (no direct website for the campground).

Features & Rules

• Location: High-altitude setting amongst snow gums on the Bogong High Plains.
• Site Suitable For: Tents and camper trailers.
• Road Access: Accessible by 2WD in summer via the Bogong High Plains Road (subject to seasonal closures, typically Queen’s Birthday to Melbourne Cup weekend).
• Site Surface: Natural grass and earth.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, in undesignated areas.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit.
• Facilities: Non-flushing toilet, picnic tables, and cooking-equipped fireplaces.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Unreliable; patchy at best.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a basic non-flushing toilet is available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in provided fireplaces, subject to seasonal fire bans. Bring your own firewood.
• Generator Use: Not permitted to preserve the quiet alpine atmosphere.
• Number of Sites Available: Several undesignated, unpowered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, warm clothing (even in summer), and all supplies.
• Pet Friendly: No, pets are not permitted in the Alpine National Park.
• Fishing: Possible in nearby alpine streams for trout.
• Short Walks: Direct access to numerous high plains trails and tracks.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • The Cock ‘n’ Bull (Falls Creek) – approx. 20 km (seasonal)
  • Hotel High Plains (Dinner Plain) – approx. 58 km (seasonal)
  • Tawonga South Hotel (Tawonga South) – approx. 52 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Various restaurants and cafes in Falls Creek Village – approx. 20 km (seasonal)
  • Cafes and bakeries in Mount Beauty – approx. 52 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Bogong High Plains scenic drive
  • Wallace’s Hut Historic Site – approx. 4 km
  • Falls Creek Alpine Resort (seasonal activities) – approx. 20 km
  • Mount Cope Summit Walk

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • The Park Mount Beauty – approx. 52 km
  • Tawonga Tourist Park – approx. 52 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Langford West Campground – approx. 2 km
  • Buckety Plain Campground – approx. 2 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • The Park Mount Beauty – approx. 52 km (check for public access/fee)
  • Dinner Plain Public Dump Point – approx. 58 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Mount Beauty – approx. 52 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Mount Beauty – approx. 52 km.
• Nearest Public Toilets: On-site (basic). Flushing toilets in Falls Creek (seasonal) or Mount Beauty.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm days, but can change rapidly. Cool to cold nights. Average maximums are around 17°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Cool and crisp days. The plains turn stunning colours. Snow is possible. Average maximums range from 6°C to 14°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): The area is covered in snow and the road is closed. Access is via ski or snowshoe only. Temperatures are typically below freezing.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and variable as the snow melts, revealing a carpet of alpine wildflowers. Road opening is dependent on snow melt. Average maximums range from 5°C to 12°C.