Buckety Plain Campground: Free & Serene Camping on the Bogong High Plains

For a truly peaceful alpine escape, Buckety Plain Campground offers a sublime free camping experience deep within the Victorian High Country. Located in a sheltered clearing off the Bogong High Plains Road, this campground is a hidden gem for self-sufficient travellers. Surrounded by majestic snow gums and set on a relatively level, grassy plain, it provides a tranquil and protected atmosphere, making it an excellent choice if the weather is windy on the more exposed parts of the plains. It’s an ideal base for exploring the myriad of natural and historical wonders the Alpine National Park has to offer, from hiking to historic huts like Faithfuls Hut to tackling sections of the Australian Alps Walking Track. The quiet seclusion allows for an immersive nature experience, with the chance to spot native wildlife and enjoy the profound silence of the mountains.

This is a classic bush camp where preparation is essential. The campground provides basic facilities, including a non-flushing toilet and established fire pits, but campers must bring their own drinking water and firewood. A strict ‘leave no trace’ policy is enforced, so all rubbish must be taken with you. Access is via the sealed Bogong High Plains Road during the summer months, making it accessible to 2WD vehicles, camper trailers, and small caravans. However, like all alpine areas, the weather can be unpredictable, and visitors should be prepared for cold conditions at any time of year. As part of the Alpine National Park, Buckety Plain is a **pet-free zone** to protect the fragile ecosystem. For those seeking a quiet, accessible, and stunningly beautiful base to explore the Bogong High Plains, Buckety Plain Campground is a top-tier choice.

Campground Information

• Name: Buckety Plain Campground
• Address: Bogong High Plains Road, Bundara, Victoria 3898, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -36.940387990403366, 147.33108308816819
• Website: Managed by Parks Victoria (no direct website for the campground).

Features & Rules

• Location: Sheltered, level clearing amongst snow gums on the Bogong High Plains.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, and small caravans.
• 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 and 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: A 1.4 km return walk leads to the historic Faithfuls Hut.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • The Cock ‘n’ Bull (Falls Creek) – approx. 18 km (seasonal)
  • Hotel High Plains (Dinner Plain) – approx. 60 km (seasonal)
  • Tawonga South Hotel (Tawonga South) – approx. 50 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Various restaurants and cafes in Falls Creek Village – approx. 18 km (seasonal)
  • Cafes and bakeries in Mount Beauty – approx. 50 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Faithfuls Hut Historic Site – 1.4 km walk
  • Bogong High Plains scenic drive
  • Wallace’s Hut Historic Site – approx. 6 km
  • Falls Creek Alpine Resort (seasonal activities) – approx. 18 km

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • The Park Mount Beauty – approx. 50 km
  • Tawonga Tourist Park – approx. 50 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Raspberry Hill Campground – approx. 2 km
  • Langford West Campground – approx. 4 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • The Park Mount Beauty – approx. 50 km (check for public access/fee)
  • Dinner Plain Public Dump Point – approx. 60 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Mount Beauty – approx. 50 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Mount Beauty – approx. 50 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.