Immerse yourself in the legendary landscapes of “The Man from Snowy River” country with a stay at the Howqua Hills Historical Area, one of Victoria’s most iconic and beloved free camping destinations. This magnificent series of campgrounds, including the famous Sheepyard Flat and Frys Flat, offers an unparalleled Australian bush experience nestled in a stunning valley on the banks of the iconic Howqua River. It is a true paradise for families, four-wheel drive adventurers, horse riders, anglers, and anyone seeking to connect with the rugged beauty and rich heritage of the Victorian High Country. The area is renowned for its vast, open, grassy flats, surrounded by towering gum trees and the steep, forested slopes of the Alpine National Park, providing an almost endless supply of spectacular sites for all setups, from tents to large caravans.
The main attraction of the Howqua Hills is its incredible natural beauty and its role as a gateway to high country adventure. The crystal-clear Howqua River, which meanders through the valley, is perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot day and is a renowned trout fishing stream. The area is steeped in the history of the gold rush and cattlemen eras, with the Howqua Hills Historic Walk connecting campers to heritage sites like the historic Fry’s Hut. It is a premier launchpad for exploring some of Australia’s most famous and challenging 4WD tracks, leading to destinations like Craig’s Hut and Mount Buller. While a classic back-to-basics bush camp, the area is well-serviced with essential non-flush toilets and shared fire pits, enhancing the authentic experience. For an unforgettable, budget-friendly adventure that truly captures the wild, romantic spirit of the high country, the campgrounds of the Howqua Hills are a bucket-list destination.
Howqua Hills Historical Area & Campground – VIC Location Map
Howqua Hills Historical Area & Campground (includes Sheepyard Flat, Frys Flat etc.)
- Address: Howqua Hills Track, Howqua Hills VIC 3723
- GPS: -37.20564657833797, 146.33347739481272
- Website: This is a free camping area in a Historic Area managed by Parks Victoria. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.
Site Details
- Location: Riverside bush camp in the Howqua Hills Historic Area.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Off-road Caravans, and Motorhomes. Can accommodate large rigs.
- Road Access: Unsealed gravel road (Howqua Hills Rd). Generally 2WD accessible with care in dry conditions, but can be corrugated and narrow in sections.
- Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe Parks Victoria 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 poor to non-existent.
- TV Reception: Unlikely.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets at major flats like Sheepyard.
- 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 and other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Very large, with hundreds of unmarked sites across multiple campgrounds.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent, fishing gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.
Activities
- Fishing: Excellent trout fishing in the Howqua River.
- Short Walks: The Howqua Hills Historic Walk connects several campgrounds and heritage sites like Fry’s Hut.
- 4WD Touring: A premier base for accessing legendary High Country tracks to places like Craig’s Hut and Mount Buller.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Kevington Hotel (Kevington) – Approx. 15 km
- The Jamieson Hotel (Jamieson) – Approx. 30 km
- The Hunt Club Hotel (Merrijig) – Approx. 30 km
- Places to Eat:
- The Kevington Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 15 km
- Numerous options in Mansfield – Approx. 30 km
- Local Attractions:
- Howqua Hills Historic Area & Fry’s Hut – You are in it!
- Craig’s Hut (via 4WD track) – Approx. 35 km
- Mount Buller & Mount Stirling – Accessible via nearby roads
- Lake Eildon (Goughs Bay) – Approx. 15 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Jamieson Caravan Park – Approx. 30 km
- Mansfield Holiday Park – Approx. 30 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Numerous other smaller camps along Howqua Hills Road (e.g., Frys Flat, Tunnel Bend).
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Mansfield Public Dump Point – Approx. 30 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Mansfield has multiple 24-hour options – Approx. 30 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available in Jamieson or Mansfield.
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite (non-flush).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot 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. Roads can be subject to seasonal closures.
- Spring (Nov-Dec): Cool to mild as tracks reopen, with rivers running high. Averaging 5-19°C.