Step back in time and camp on a piece of High Country history at Murrays Hut Site. Located deep within the Alpine National Park along the challenging Twins Road, this is not a formal campground but a historic clearing where a cattleman’s hut once stood. It offers a truly remote and self-reliant camping experience for well-equipped 4WD adventurers and determined hikers. The hut itself is long gone, but the flat, grassy area remains, providing a poignant and incredibly scenic spot to pitch a tent and soak in the palpable history of the alpine grazing era.
Camping here is about appreciating the solitude and the heritage of the land. The site is a simple clearing in the snow gums, offering basic shelter from the wind and a tangible connection to the past. You can almost imagine the stockmen returning after a long day’s muster. The journey is a significant part of the adventure; accessing the site via Twins Road requires a high-clearance 4WD and considerable off-road experience, as the track is steep, rocky, and often subject to changing conditions. This difficulty ensures that those who make it are rewarded with unparalleled peace and quiet, far from any crowds.
As a primitive site within the national park, there are absolutely no facilities. Campers must adhere strictly to ‘leave no trace’ principles, carrying in everything they need—including water, shelter, and a portable toilet—and packing out all waste. It is a place for quiet reflection, stargazing, and using as a base for further exploration of the surrounding high plains on foot. For the prepared explorer who values history and wilderness over convenience, a night at Murrays Hut Site is an unforgettable High Country experience, offering a rare glimpse into the rugged lives of the mountain pioneers.
Murrays Hut Site – VIC Location Map
Murrays Hut Site, Twins Rd, Selwyn, VIC 3737
Campsite Information
- Site Suitable For: Tents and swags only. Not suitable for trailers.
- Road Access: Very difficult. High-clearance 4WD with low-range gearing and all-terrain tyres is essential. Twins Road is a serious 4WD track subject to seasonal closures (typically June-November).
- Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free, dispersed camping is permitted.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit.
- Facilities: None. This is a historic site, not a campground.
- Potable Water: No. Bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: None. An emergency communication device (PLB/Satellite Phone) is mandatory for this area.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. A portable toilet or trowel for digging catholes is required. All waste must be carried out.
- Rubbish Bins: No. A strict pack-in, pack-out policy applies.
- Open Fires: Permitted subject to strict fire restrictions (Total Fire Bans), but fuel stoves are highly recommended to preserve the site. Do not build new fire pits.
- Generator Use: Not appropriate for this location.
- Number of Sites Available: Small clearing suitable for only a few small parties.
- Essentials to Bring: 4WD recovery gear, all water and food, emergency communication device, navigation equipment, first-aid kit, portable toilet/trowel.
- Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in the Alpine National Park.
Local Area & Amenities (Distances from nearest main roads)
- Fishing: Possible in nearby alpine creeks for experienced and well-equipped anglers.
- Short Walks: Explore the surrounding high plains and sections of the Australian Alps Walking Track.
- Nearest Road Access Points:
- Big River Road
- Omeo Highway
- Nearest Pubs (from main road access):
- The Mitta Pub (Mitta Mitta): ~45 km from Big River Rd access.
- Blue Duck Inn (Anglers Rest): ~35 km from Omeo Hwy access.
- Places to Eat (from main road access):
- Mitta Mitta General Store & Pub: ~45 km from Big River Rd access.
- Blue Duck Inn / Omeo: ~35-70 km from Omeo Hwy access.
- Nearest Towns (for supplies):
- Nearest Caravan Parks (for a base camp):
- Mitta Mitta Caravan Park
- Omeo Caravan Park
- Next Free Camps: Beveridges Campground, The Bend, Jokers Flat (all require travel back to main roads).
- Nearest Dump Points: Mitta Mitta or Omeo.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Mitta Mitta or Omeo.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Fill up all supplies in Mitta Mitta or Omeo before heading into the park.
- Public Toilets: Located in towns like Mitta Mitta and Omeo.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild days, cool nights. Alpine weather is highly unpredictable; be prepared for sun, wind, and rain at any time. Average temperatures: 5°C to 20°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Cool, crisp days and cold nights. Often the most stable weather, but prepare for frosts. Average temperatures: 0°C to 15°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Extremely cold. The area is inaccessible due to deep snow and seasonal track closures.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cold and variable. Track closures remain in place until late spring. Snowmelt can create very boggy conditions. Average temperatures: -2°C to 12°C.
