Embark on a true 4WD adventure into the heart of Victoria’s High Country at the Pioneer Racecourse 1 Camping Area. Nestled on the banks of the Crooked River, this remote, free campsite is steeped in the gold rush history of the 1800s. Located deep within the Alpine National Park, this spot is not for the faint-hearted and offers a genuine off-grid experience for self-sufficient campers. The site is a large, open grassy flat, providing ample space for tents, swags, and rugged off-road camper trailers, with the Crooked River providing a perfect backdrop for fishing and swimming.
Access to Pioneer Racecourse is a significant part of the experience and is **strictly for high-clearance 4WD vehicles** with low-range capabilities. The journey, typically via the Crooked River Track, involves steep, rocky, and narrow sections, along with potential river crossings that can become deep and fast-flowing after rain. This is not a journey for 2WD vehicles, all-wheel-drives, or caravans. Operators should be experienced in difficult 4WD conditions and carry all necessary recovery gear. Access is highly weather-dependent and tracks are subject to seasonal closures, particularly during winter.
As this campground is located within the Alpine National Park, strict rules apply. Facilities are limited to basic non-flush (pit) toilets. There are no rubbish bins, and you must operate on a “leave no trace” basis, taking all rubbish with you. You must bring all your own supplies, including drinking water, as no potable water is available. Campfires are generally permitted in the provided fire pits, but you must bring your own firewood (collecting firewood is not permitted) and strictly adhere to all fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days. Critically, **pets are not permitted** in the Alpine National Park. Mobile phone reception is non-existent.
Pioneer Racecourse 1 Camping Area – VIC Location Map
Pioneer Racecourse 1 Camping Area
- Address: Crooked River Track, Crooked River VIC 3862
- GPS Coordinates: -37.33444, 147.05092
Site Features
- Location: Alpine National Park, on the Crooked River Track, near Talbotville.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, and high-clearance off-road camper trailers. **Not suitable for caravans.**
- Road Access: **Strictly 4WD only.** Requires high clearance, low range, and experience with steep, rocky tracks and potential river crossings.
- Site Surface: Large, open grassy and dirt flat.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free bush camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit (standard National Park limits may apply).
- Picnic Tables: Yes, basic tables may be available.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: No. Expect no mobile reception.
- TV Reception: No.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic non-flush (pit) toilets.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a “leave no trace” site. You must take all rubbish with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions and Total Fire Bans. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of other campers in the valley.
- Number of Sites Available: Large open area with many unmarked sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, 4WD recovery gear, rubbish bags, food, toilet paper, and all other camping supplies.
- Pet Friendly: **No.** Pets are not permitted in the Alpine National Park.
- Fishing: Yes, trout fishing in the Crooked River.
- Short Walks: Yes, informal tracks along the river and exploring the surrounding historical gold mining areas.
Local Amenities
Note: This is an extremely remote campground. The nearest services are in Dargo, which is a significant 4WD trip away.
- Local Pubs:
- Dargo Hotel (approx. 30-40 km via slow 4WD track)
- Places to Eat:
- Dargo Hotel (approx. 30-40 km)
- Dargo General Store (basic takeaway) (approx. 30-40 km)
- Local Attractions:
- Crooked River Track (on-site)
- Talbotville Historic Town Site (nearby)
- Grant Historic Site (nearby)
- Wonnangatta Valley (extended 4WD trip)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Dargo River Inn (approx. 30-40 km)
- Dargo Holiday Park (approx. 30-40 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- Pioneer Racecourse 2 (nearby)
- Talbotville (nearby)
- Numerous small sites along the Crooked River Track
- Nearest Dump Points (Sullage):
- Dargo River Inn (may be for patrons or require a fee) (approx. 30-40 km)
- Bairnsdale (nearest major public dump point) (approx. 130 km)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Dargo General Store (approx. 30-40 km)
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Dargo (check at General Store or Holiday Park) (approx. 30-40 km)
- Nearest Public Toilets (off-site):
- Talbotville Camping Area (nearby)
- Dargo (town centre) (approx. 30-40 km)
Seasonal Weather Forecast
This campground is in the Alpine National Park, and weather is extreme and changeable.
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Days are typically warm to hot, but nights can be cool. High risk of bushfires and thunderstorms.
- Autumn (Mar – May): Generally the best time to visit. Days are mild and clear, and nights are crisp and cool.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold, wet, and snowy. **Access tracks (including Dargo High Plains Road and Crooked River Track) are seasonally closed.** Do not attempt to access this area.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): Cool and variable. Tracks remain closed until late spring (often late Oct/Nov) due to snow and track damage. The river can be very high from snowmelt.
Note: Always check the Parks Victoria website for track closures and seasonal restrictions before planning your trip.