Pages Campground, Howqua Hills
Nestled deep within the scenic Howqua Hills Historic Area, Pages Campground offers a quintessential Australian bush camping experience. Located alongside the tranquil Howqua River, this popular and free destination provides a perfect escape for nature lovers, families, and adventure seekers. The campground is situated on a large, open grassy flat, providing ample space for a variety of setups, from simple tents and swags to off-road caravans and camper trailers. The gentle murmur of the river creates a soothing backdrop, while the surrounding towering gum trees offer shade and a sense of seclusion.
The area is steeped in history, forming part of the region’s gold mining and cattlemen heritage. Nearby, you can find remnants of this past, including Kelly’s Hut, which offers a glimpse into the lives of the legendary mountain cattlemen. The campground itself serves as an excellent base for exploring the Victorian High Country. Anglers can try their luck catching trout in the clear waters of the Howqua River, while numerous walking trails and challenging 4WD tracks cater to those with an adventurous spirit. The famous Howqua Hills Historic Walk is easily accessible, inviting visitors to explore the area’s rich history and stunning natural landscapes. With its combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities, Pages Campground stands out as a premier free camping spot, delivering an authentic and memorable outdoor adventure. It’s a place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle, relax by a crackling campfire under a star-filled sky, and reconnect with the pristine Victorian wilderness.
Name: Pages Campground
Address: Howqua Hills Road, Howqua Hills Historic Area, near Mansfield, VIC, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -37.50826067248323, 146.09341083346885
Website: Parks Victoria – Howqua Hills
Campground Information & Features
- Location: Pages Campground is located within the Howqua Hills Historic Area, Victoria.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, and small to medium off-road caravans. Access can be tight for very large rigs.
- Road Access: Accessible via Howqua Hills Road, which is a gravel road. It is generally suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry conditions, but a 4WD is recommended, especially after rain.
- Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Generally unspecified, but campers are encouraged to respect fair use policies.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecues/fire pits.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water. River water should be treated before consumption.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to non-existent. Expect to be offline.
- TV Reception: Unlikely due to the remote valley location.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, long-drop (non-flush) toilets are available.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a carry-in, carry-out site. Please take all your rubbish with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. Bring your own firewood.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of other campers with noise levels and running times.
- Number of Sites Available: Unmarked sites on a large open area, accommodates numerous groups.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent, and all self-sufficient camping gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash.
- Fishing: Yes, trout fishing is popular in the Howqua River (Victorian fishing license required).
- Short Walks: Yes, the Howqua Hills Historic Walk and various other tracks are accessible directly from the area.
Nearby Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Kevington Hotel: ~25 km
- Jamieson Brewery and Grill: ~35 km
- The Mansfield Hotel: ~45 km
- Places to Eat:
- Jamieson (Various Cafes): ~35 km
- Mansfield (Wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries): ~45 km
- Local Attractions:
- Howqua Hills Historic Walk: Onsite
- Kelly’s Hut: Nearby
- Mount Buller (Skiing in winter, hiking/biking in summer): ~60 km
- Lake Eildon: ~60 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Jamieson Caravan Park: ~35 km
- Mansfield Holiday Park: ~45 km
- Big4 Narbethong Park: ~45 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Frys Flat Camping Area (Howqua Hills): ~5 km
- Grannys Flat Camping Area (Jamieson-Licola Rd): ~40 km
- Blue Range Camping Area (near Mansfield): ~45 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Mansfield Showgrounds: ~45 km
- Eildon Lions Park: ~75 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Mansfield (Multiple stations): ~45 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Mansfield Visitor Information Centre: ~45 km
- Nearest Public Toilets (Flush):
- Jamieson Township: ~35 km
- Mansfield Township: ~45 km
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days, often exceeding 30°C, with cooler nights. High fire danger season.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights. Beautiful scenery with changing leaves.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold days and nights, often dropping below freezing. Snowfall is possible. Road access can be affected.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to mild days with increasing sunshine. The river can be high from snowmelt.