Venture off the beaten path and discover Clear Creek Track Campground, a secluded free camping spot for the dedicated 4WD explorer in the Buckland Valley region. Located away from the more frequented flats along the main valley road, this campground offers a heightened sense of solitude and a genuine off-grid experience. It’s a destination that rewards those who are well-equipped and self-sufficient, providing a primitive but beautiful basecamp surrounded by the dense bushland of the Victorian High Country.
The campground itself is a small, rustic clearing, perfect for a couple of vehicles or a small group of tents. Its charm lies in its simplicity and remoteness. This isn’t a sprawling, open area but rather an intimate bush camp that allows you to feel truly immersed in the natural environment. The journey in, along the rugged Clear Creek Track, is a key part of the experience, requiring careful navigation and a capable high-clearance 4WD. Once settled, the peace and quiet are profound, broken only by the chorus of native birdlife and the rustle of wildlife in the undergrowth.
As with all primitive camps in the state forest, Clear Creek Track has no facilities. Campers must bring everything they need for their stay, including ample water, a portable toilet, and rubbish bags to pack everything out. This strict ‘leave no trace’ ethos is crucial for preserving the wild character of such locations. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to disconnect, explore surrounding 4WD tracks, or simply relax by a campfire under a sky filled with stars, far from the distractions of modern life. For the prepared adventurer, it offers an authentic slice of High Country wilderness.
Clear Creek Track Free Campground – VIC Location Map
Clear Creek Track Campground
- Address: Clear Creek Track, Buckland, VIC 3740
- GPS Coordinates: -36.9360, 146.8830
Campsite Information
- Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, and small, rugged off-road camper trailers.
- Road Access: Difficult. A high-clearance 4WD is essential. The track is steep, narrow, and can be slippery and challenging, especially after rain. Not suitable for caravans or large vehicles.
- Site Surface: Dirt and leaf litter.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit.
- Facilities: None. This is a completely primitive, self-sufficient campsite.
- Potable Water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: None. An emergency communication device (e.g., PLB or satellite phone) is highly recommended.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. A portable toilet and waste disposal system are mandatory.
- Rubbish Bins: No. You must carry out everything you bring in.
- Open Fires: Permitted in existing fire pits, subject to local fire restrictions and Total Fire Bans. Bring your own firewood. Do not collect wood from the surrounding forest.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but the small, enclosed nature of the site makes noise travel. Be extremely considerate.
- Number of Sites Available: Very limited. Suitable for 1-2 small groups only.
- Essentials to Bring: 4WD recovery equipment, portable toilet, all drinking water, rubbish bags, firewood, first-aid kit, emergency communication device.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on-leash in Victorian State Forests.
Local Area & Amenities
- Fishing: Possible in the nearby Buckland River. A Victorian Fishing Licence is required.
- Short Walks: Exploring the immediate area and connecting 4WD tracks on foot.
- Local Pubs:
- Punkah Pub (Porepunkah): ~25 km
- Bright Brewery (Bright): ~30 km
- Wandi Pub (Wandiligong): ~35 km
- Places to Eat:
- Porepunkah (Pub, cafes, bakery): ~25 km
- Bright (Wide selection of pubs, cafes, and restaurants): ~30 km
- Local Attractions:
- The tourist town of Bright: ~30 km.
- Mount Buffalo National Park: ~35 km (to entrance).
- Access to an extensive network of High Country 4WD tracks.
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Porepunkah Bridge Holiday Park: ~25 km
- Multiple caravan parks in Bright: ~30 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Shippens Flat Campground (along Buckland Valley Road).
- Other camps along the Buckland and Ovens Rivers.
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Bright (Centenary Park): ~30 km
- Myrtleford (Showgrounds): ~50 km
- Nearest Petrol Station: Porepunkah (~25 km) and Bright (~30 km).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Fill up all water containers in Porepunkah or Bright before heading to camp.
- Public Toilets: Available in the town centres of Porepunkah and Bright.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days with cool alpine nights. Average temperatures: 12°C to 28°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Cool, clear days and cold nights. A great time for exploring. Average temperatures: 5°C to 20°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Very cold. Snow is possible at this elevation. Access is likely impossible due to seasonal track closures and hazardous conditions. Average temperatures: 0°C to 12°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and unpredictable weather. Tracks can be very boggy and slippery from snowmelt and rain. Average temperatures: 4°C to 18°C.
