For those seeking a truly remote and rugged camping experience in the Victorian High Country, Red Jacket Flat offers an exceptional escape. Tucked away in the upper reaches of the Buckland Valley, this primitive free campsite is a reward for the well-prepared 4WD adventurer. Set beside the tranquil Buckland River, it provides a stunning natural setting for a complete digital detox. The campsite is a spacious, grassy clearing surrounded by dense state forest, offering a profound sense of isolation and a direct connection with the alpine wilderness.
The journey to Red Jacket Flat is part of the adventure. Access via the Buckland Valley Road involves navigating an unsealed track with several river crossings, making a high-clearance 4WD essential. Once there, the rewards are immense. The river provides a beautiful backdrop for camping, with opportunities for trout fishing in its deeper pools or taking a bracing dip in the cool mountain water on a summer’s day. The area is rich with the history of the gold rush era, and the surrounding network of challenging 4WD tracks invites exploration of the remote mountain ranges. Birdsong replaces traffic noise, and as dusk settles, the valley’s wildlife, including kangaroos and wallabies, often make an appearance.
Camping at Red Jacket Flat is a return to basics and requires absolute self-sufficiency. There are no facilities whatsoever—no toilets, no water taps, and no rubbish bins. Campers must adhere strictly to ‘leave no trace’ principles, carrying in everything they need and carrying out all waste, including human waste. This commitment to preservation ensures the area remains pristine for future visitors. For those equipped for the challenge, Red Jacket Flat is a spectacular destination that embodies the true spirit of off-grid bush camping.
Red Jacket Flat Free Campground – VIC Location Map
Red Jacket Flat Campground
- Address: Buckland Valley Road, Buckland, VIC 3740
- GPS Coordinates: -36.8965, 146.9134
Campsite Information
- Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, and rugged off-road camper trailers only.
- Road Access: Difficult. A high-clearance 4WD with low-range capability is essential. The track features multiple river crossings which can be deep and fast-flowing. Check conditions before attempting access, especially after rain or in winter.
- Site Surface: Grass, dirt, some rocky areas.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit.
- Facilities: None. This is a completely primitive, self-sufficient campsite.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water or have a reliable multi-stage filtration system for river water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: None. Do not expect any signal. An emergency communication device (PLB, satellite phone) is critical.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. You must have a portable toilet and carry out all waste.
- Rubbish Bins: No. A strict pack-in, pack-out policy applies.
- Open Fires: Permitted in existing fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions and Total Fire Bans. Bring your own firewood from outside the park.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of the natural environment and other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: A medium-sized flat that can accommodate a few well-spaced groups.
- Essentials to Bring: 4WD recovery gear, shovel, tyre repair kit, portable toilet, drinking water, rubbish bags, firewood, comprehensive first-aid kit, and an emergency communication device.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on-leash in Victorian State Forests.
Local Area & Amenities
- Fishing: Yes, trout fishing is possible in the Buckland River. A Victorian Fishing Licence is required.
- Short Walks: Informal exploring along the river and old mining tracks.
- Local Pubs:
- Punkah Pub (Porepunkah): ~40 km
- Bright Brewery (Bright): ~45 km
- Wandi Pub (Wandiligong): ~50 km
- Places to Eat:
- Porepunkah (Pub, cafes, bakery): ~40 km
- Bright (Wide selection of dining options): ~45 km
- Local Attractions:
- Gateway to remote 4WD tracks like the Blue Rag Range Track (seasonal access).
- Mount Buffalo National Park: ~50 km (to entrance).
- The tourist town of Bright: ~45 km.
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Porepunkah Bridge Holiday Park: ~40 km
- Numerous caravan parks in Bright: ~45 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Other flats further down the Buckland Valley Road (e.g., New Chum Flat, Shippens Flat).
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Bright (Centenary Park): ~45 km
- Myrtleford (Showgrounds): ~65 km
- Nearest Petrol Station: Porepunkah (~40 km) and Bright (~45 km).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Fill up all supplies in Porepunkah or Bright.
- Public Toilets: Available in the town centres of Porepunkah and Bright.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Days can be warm to hot, but weather can change rapidly. Nights are cool. Average temperatures: 12°C to 28°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Cool, crisp days and cold nights. A beautiful and quiet time to visit. Average temperatures: 5°C to 20°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Very cold. Snowfall is common and access is often impossible due to seasonal track closures and hazardous river crossings. Average temperatures: 0°C to 12°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool and highly variable weather. The river is typically very high, cold, and fast from snowmelt, making crossings dangerous. Average temperatures: 4°C to 18°C.