Bennies Campground, Free Alpine National Park Camping & 4WD Adventure

For the intrepid adventurer seeking a true High Country escape, Bennies Campground is a spectacular free camping destination deep within the remote beauty of the Alpine National Park. This much-loved bush camp, set in a beautiful, grassy clearing on the banks of the Rose River, is a haven for experienced four-wheel drivers, trail bike riders, anglers, and anyone wanting to immerse themselves in one of Victoria’s most stunning and rugged landscapes. The journey to Bennies is an adventure in itself, requiring a capable 4WD to navigate the unsealed mountain tracks, which rewards travellers with an incredible sense of isolation and achievement upon arrival. The campground offers numerous spacious, unmarked sites spread out under a canopy of towering alpine gums, providing a classic and serene Australian bush setting.

The main appeal of Bennies is its role as a central hub for High Country exploration. It is the primary base camp for the challenging 4WD track up to the magnificent Lake Cobbler and the iconic Cobbler Plateau. It also provides access to a network of other legendary tracks that lead to historic cattlemen’s huts, breathtaking lookouts, and challenging river crossings. The crystal-clear Rose River, which flows alongside the campground, is perfect for a bracing swim on a hot day and is a renowned trout fishing stream. At night, far from any light pollution, the camp comes alive with the sounds of the bush and a dazzling display of stars. As a remote national park campground, it is strictly for self-sufficient travellers. For those who are well-prepared, Bennies Campground offers an authentic, budget-free adventure that captures the wild, untamed spirit of the Victorian High Country.

Bennies Campground – VIC Location Map

Bennies Campground

• Address: Lake Cobbler Rd, Wabonga VIC 3678
• GPS: -36.963783410464096, 146.5376405782970
• Website: This is a free campground in a National Park. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.

Site Details

• Location: Remote riverside bush camp in the Alpine National Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, and rugged Off-road Camper Trailers.
• Road Access: Difficult 4WD tracks only (Lake Cobbler Rd). Tracks are steep, rocky, and subject to seasonal closures (typically June-November).
• Site Surface: Natural grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping. No bookings required.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe Parks Victoria guidelines.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, shared fire pits. No other facilities.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water or have a reliable purification system for river water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Non-existent. A satellite phone or personal locator beacon (PLB) is essential.
• TV Reception: Not applicable.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of the wilderness values.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with many sites.
• Essentials to Bring: PLB/Sat Phone, extra fuel, all water and food, full vehicle recovery gear, shovel, firewood, rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in the Alpine National Park.

Activities

• Fishing: Excellent trout fishing in the Rose River.
• Short Walks: This is a major hub for High Country hiking.
• Four-Wheel Driving: The primary activity is exploring the iconic and challenging 4WD tracks in the area.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Mountain View Hotel (Whitfield) – Approx. 50 km (via 4WD tracks and main roads)
  • The Dandongadale Hotel (“The Dargo Pub of the North”) – Seasonal, check status. Approx. 60km via 4WD tracks.
  • Harrietville Hotel (Harrietville) – Approx. 80 km (via 4WD tracks and main roads)
• Places to Eat:
  • The nearest reliable options are in Whitfield (approx. 50 km) or Harrietville (approx. 80 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • Lake Cobbler – Approx. 10 km (challenging 4WD track)
  • Craig’s Hut (iconic movie set) – Approx. 40 km (challenging 4WD track)
  • Mount Buller / Mount Stirling – Nearby via 4WD tracks
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Valley View Caravan Park (Whitfield) – Approx. 50 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Lake Cobbler Camping Area (further up the track)
  • Edi Cutting Camping Ground – Approx. 40 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Whitfield Public Dump Point – Approx. 50 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Whitfield – Approx. 50 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Whitfield.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm days with cool mountain nights. Can be subject to sudden storms. Averaging 10-26°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, clear days and cold nights. The best time for 4WD. Averaging 5-20°C.
• Winter (Jun-Nov): Cold, snow-covered, and inaccessible. Roads are seasonally closed.
• Spring (Nov-Dec): Cool to mild as tracks reopen, with rivers running high. Averaging 4-18°C.