Dogman’s Hut Camping – Remote Alpine National Park 4WD Adventure

For the ultimate High Country challenge and a truly unforgettable wilderness experience, Dogman’s Hut is a legendary destination for serious and well-prepared four-wheel drive adventurers. This is far more than a simple campsite; it’s an iconic landmark nestled deep within the most remote parts of the Alpine National Park, representing the pinnacle of off-road exploration in Australia. The journey to Dogman’s Hut is a significant undertaking, requiring a high-clearance, low-range 4WD to navigate the famously difficult Davies Plain Track, a route known for its steep, rocky climbs, deep ruts, and challenging river crossings. The reward for this demanding trek is arriving at a breathtakingly beautiful sub-alpine plain, home to the historic cattlemen’s hut and surrounded by 360-degree views of the magnificent, rolling high country.

The allure of Dogman’s Hut lies in its profound sense of isolation and its deep connection to the history of the mountain cattlemen who built these shelters as vital refuges. The open, grassy area around the hut provides a spectacular setting for tents, swags, and rugged off-road camper trailers. It’s a place to feel completely removed from the modern world, where the only sounds are the wind in the snow gums and the calls of native wildlife. The area is a key point on one of the most iconic 4WD touring routes in the country, connecting to other famous locations like Davies Hut. At night, the absence of any light pollution reveals a brilliant, star-filled sky of awe-inspiring clarity. As a true wilderness camp, it demands complete self-sufficiency, with no facilities beyond the basic shelter of the hut and a simple toilet. For those equipped for the challenge, a stay at Dogman’s Hut is a bucket-list achievement, offering an unparalleled adventure into the wild, untamed soul of the Victorian High Country.

Dogman’s Hut Camping – VIC Location Map

Dogman’s Hut

• Address: Davies Plain Track, Alpine National Park (near Benambra) VIC 3900
• GPS: -36.537801, 148.132752
• Website: This is a free camping area in the Alpine National Park. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.

Site Details

• Location: Remote alpine clearing in the Victorian High Country.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, and rugged Off-road Camper Trailers only.
• Road Access: Very difficult 4WD tracks only (Davies Plain Track). Extremely steep, rocky, and potentially boggy sections. Full vehicle recovery gear and extensive experience are essential. Tracks are seasonally closed (typically June-November).
• Site Surface: Natural grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe Parks Victoria guidelines.
• Facilities: Historic hut for shelter, non-flush toilet, fire pit. No other facilities.
• Potable Water: No. You must carry all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Non-existent. A satellite phone or personal locator beacon (PLB) is essential.
• TV Reception: Not applicable.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a single non-flush (pit) toilet.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
• Open Fires: Permitted in the designated fire pit only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood from outside the park.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of the wilderness values.
• Number of Sites Available: Small, unmarked area around the hut.
• Essentials to Bring: PLB/Sat Phone, extra fuel, all water and food, full vehicle recovery gear, shovel, firewood, rubbish bags, own toilet paper.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in the Alpine National Park.

Activities

• Fishing: Fishing for trout in the nearby headwaters of the Murray and Indi Rivers.
• Short Walks: This is a remote hiking area for experienced bushwalkers only, part of the Bicentennial National Trail.
• 4WD Touring: The primary activity is exploring one of Australia’s most legendary and challenging 4WD tracks.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Benambra Hotel – Approx. 80 km (via 4WD tracks)
  • Khancoban Hotel (NSW) – Approx. 100 km (via 4WD tracks)
• Places to Eat:
  • The nearest reliable options are in Benambra, Corryong, or Khancoban, all several hours’ drive away.
• Local Attractions:
  • Davies Plain Hut – Nearby along the track
  • The Australian Alps – You are in them!
  • Source of the Murray River – Accessible via nearby tracks
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Benambra Caravan Park – Approx. 80 km
  • Khancoban Lakeside Caravan Park (NSW) – Approx. 100 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Numerous other high country huts and clearings (e.g., Davies Hut).
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Corryong Public Dump Point – Approx. 120 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Benambra (check hours) – Approx. 80 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Benambra or Corryong.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm days with cold nights. Be prepared for sudden, severe weather changes and storms. Averaging 8-22°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Cool, clear days and very cold nights. The prime season for 4WDing. Averaging 3-18°C.
• Winter (Jun-Nov): Very cold, snow-covered, and inaccessible. Roads are seasonally closed.
• Spring (Nov-Dec): Cold to cool as tracks reopen, but can still see snowfalls. Tracks are often wet and challenging. Averaging 2-15°C.