For an exceptional free camping experience at the base of Victoria’s spectacular alpine region, Carters Mill Campground is a premier destination. This beautiful and spacious reserve is nestled in a serene forest setting right on the banks of the crystal-clear Delatite River, making it a paradise for anglers, families, and outdoor adventurers. Located just off the Mount Buller Tourist Road near Mirimbah, it offers the perfect combination of a peaceful, remote bush feel with incredibly easy access to the High Country’s most famous attractions. The campground is a large, open, and grassy area, surrounded by towering gum trees that provide ample shade. It’s ideal for all types of setups, from tents and swags to off-road caravans and camper trailers, with plenty of room to find a prime riverside spot.
The main appeal of Carters Mill is its stunning natural environment and recreational opportunities. The Delatite River is the star of the show, a renowned trout fishing stream that also provides beautiful, shallow areas perfect for a refreshing swim on a warm day. The surrounding State Forest is a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos, wallabies, deer, and an abundance of birdlife frequently seen in and around the campground. It also serves as a fantastic base for exploring the region. The Mount Buller and Mount Stirling ski resorts are just up the road, offering year-round activities from skiing and snowboarding in winter to world-class mountain biking and hiking in summer. The charming town of Mansfield is a short drive away for supplies, and the legendary 4WD tracks of the High Country, including the route to the iconic Craig’s Hut, are all accessible from here. For a memorable, budget-friendly adventure that truly captures the spirit of the High Country, Carters Mill is an unbeatable choice.
Carters Mill Campground – VIC Location Map
Carters Mill Campground
- Address: Carters Mill Rd, Mirimbah VIC 3723
- GPS: -37.10322750234298, 146.3669083653871
- Website: This is a free campground in a State Forest. Information is available on the Explore Outdoors (VIC Gov) website.
Site Details
- Location: Riverside bush camp in the State Forest at the base of Mt Buller.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Off-road Caravans, and Motorhomes.
- Road Access: Unsealed gravel road, generally 2WD accessible with care.
- Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe FFM Vic guidelines.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets, shared fire pits. No power or showers.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water or have a reliable purification system.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very patchy. Telstra has the best chance of a weak signal.
- TV Reception: Unlikely.
- 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 please be considerate of the natural setting.
- Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with many sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent, fishing gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead in State Forest areas.
Activities
- Fishing: Excellent trout fishing in the Delatite River.
- Short Walks: Numerous bushwalking and 4WD tracks to explore in the surrounding forest.
- Mountain Biking: Proximity to the world-class mountain bike trails on Mt Buller.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Hunt Club Hotel (Merrijig) – Approx. 15 km
- The Commercial Hotel (Mansfield) – Approx. 25 km
- The Mansfield Hotel – Approx. 25 km
- Places to Eat:
- Mirimbah Store & Cafe – Approx. 5 km
- The Hunt Club Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 15 km
- Numerous options in Mansfield – Approx. 25 km
- Local Attractions:
- Mount Buller & Mount Stirling Alpine Resorts – Approx. 10 km to the resort entry
- Craig’s Hut (via 4WD track) – Approx. 35 km
- Howqua Hills Historic Area – Approx. 30 km
- Mansfield Zoo – Approx. 20 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Mirimbah Park – Approx. 5 km
- Mansfield Holiday Park – Approx. 25 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Numerous other sites along the Delatite River and nearby Howqua River (e.g., Sheepyard Flat).
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Mansfield Public Dump Point – Approx. 25 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Mansfield has multiple 24-hour options – Approx. 25 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite (non-flush).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm days with cool mountain nights, perfect for swimming. Averaging 12-28°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, the peak season for autumn foliage and 4WDing. Averaging 7-22°C.
- Winter (Jun-Nov): Cold, with frequent frosts and a high chance of snow. The nearby alpine resorts are in full swing.
- Spring (Nov-Dec): Cool to mild as tracks reopen, with rivers running high. Averaging 5-19°C.
