For the serious four-wheel drive adventurer, Razorback Hut is an iconic and breathtaking destination, representing the pinnacle of remote High Country camping. This is not merely a campsite; it’s a legendary landmark in the Alpine National Park, offering an unparalleled wilderness experience for those with the skill and equipment to reach it. The journey is a significant part of the adventure, involving steep, challenging, and often technical 4WD tracks that are strictly for experienced drivers. The reward is arriving at a stunning alpine meadow, home to the historic Razorback Hut and surrounded by 360-degree panoramic views of the magnificent mountain ranges, including nearby Mount Buller and The Bluff. The campground is an open, grassy area around the hut, perfect for tents, swags, and rugged off-road camper trailers.
The allure of Razorback Hut lies in its profound sense of isolation and its deep connection to the history of the cattlemen who built and used these shelters. It’s a place to feel on top of the world, where the only sounds are the wind in the snow gums and the calls of alpine birds. The area is a hub for some of the most famous 4WD and hiking trails in Australia, including the thrilling tracks to Craig’s Hut and along the Great Dividing Range. At night, far from any light pollution, the sky explodes with a clarity that has to be seen to be believed. As a true wilderness camp, it requires complete self-sufficiency, with no facilities beyond the basic shelter of the hut itself. Travellers must be entirely self-reliant, carrying all necessary food, water, fuel, and recovery gear. For those prepared to tackle the challenge, a stay at Razorback Hut is a bucket-list experience, offering an unforgettable adventure into the wild, untamed heart of the Victorian High Country.
Razorback Hut & Camping Area – VIC Location Map
Razorback Hut & Camping Area
- Address: Mount Buller VIC 3723
- GPS: -37.103929, 146.464096
- 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 meadow in the Victorian High Country.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, and rugged Off-road Camper Trailers only.
- Road Access: Very difficult 4WD tracks only (e.g., via Circuit Road and Monument Track). Extremely steep, rocky, and slippery 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: Large, unmarked area.
- Essentials to Bring: PLB/Sat Phone, extra fuel, all water and food, full vehicle recovery gear, shovel, firewood, rubbish bags, own toilet.
- Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in the Alpine National Park.
Activities
- Fishing: Fishing for trout in nearby high country rivers like the Howqua and King.
- Short Walks: This is a premier remote hiking area. The Australian Alps Walking Track is nearby.
- 4WD Touring: The primary activity is exploring the legendary and challenging High Country tracks.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Hunt Club Hotel (Merrijig) – Approx. 45 km
- The Kevington Hotel (Kevington) – Approx. 50 km
- Numerous pubs in Mansfield – Approx. 60 km
- Places to Eat:
- The nearest reliable options are in Mansfield (approx. 60 km) or the Mount Buller Village (seasonal).
- Local Attractions:
- Craig’s Hut – Approx. 10 km (via 4WD track)
- Mount Buller & Mount Stirling – You are between them!
- The Crosscut Saw & The Bluff – Accessible via 4WD tracks
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Mansfield Holiday Park – Approx. 60 km
- Jamieson Caravan Park – Approx. 70 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Numerous other high country huts and clearings (e.g., King Billy, Lovicks Hut).
- Howqua Hills camping areas (e.g., Pineapple Flat) – Approx. 20 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Mansfield Public Dump Point – Approx. 60 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Mansfield has multiple 24-hour options – Approx. 60 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available in Mansfield.
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite (non-flush).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm days with cold nights. Be prepared for sudden 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. Averaging 2-15°C.