Flat Spur Camping Ground is a free, remote bush campsite located deep in the Victorian High Country, offering a true escape for self-sufficient 4WD adventurers. Nestled within the **Alpine National Park** near Mount Buller, this site is a basic but beautiful base for exploring the surrounding alpine environment, including the Howqua River and numerous four-wheel-drive tracks. It’s a world away from the hustle of the nearby ski resorts, appealing to those who prioritise solitude and rugged nature.
The campground itself provides essential, basic amenities including non-flush toilets, designated fire pits, and picnic tables. Uniquely, it also features a horse yard, making it a popular spot for equestrian trail riders exploring the high country. Access is a key consideration; the site is located on unsealed park tracks that are often steep and rough, making a **4WD or high-clearance AWD vehicle essential**, especially in wet or snowy conditions. During winter, many seasonal road closures are in effect, so planning ahead is crucial.
As this is a remote national park campsite, you must be entirely self-contained. There is **no potable (drinking) water** and **no mobile phone reception**. All rubbish must be taken with you, as no bins are provided. Critically, as it is situated within the Alpine National Park, **dogs and other pets are strictly not permitted** in this area to protect native wildlife.
Fires are permitted in the provided fire pits but are subject to seasonal restrictions and Total Fire Bans. Campers should bring their own firewood, as collecting fallen timber is discouraged, and portable stoves are the recommended cooking method. For its proximity to world-class mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and 4WD touring, Flat Spur is an exceptional free site for those prepared to rough it.
Flat spur camping ground – VIC Location Map
Flat Spur Camping Ground
- Address: Mount Buller VIC 3723 (Access via unsealed 4WD tracks in Alpine National Park)
- GPS Coordinates: -37.16705, 146.54557
Site Features
- Location: Alpine National Park, near Mount Buller.
- Site suitable for: Tents, swags, off-road camper trailers.
- Road access: 4WD recommended/essential. Unsealed, steep, and rough tracks. Subject to seasonal road closures.
- Site surface: Dirt/grass clearings.
- Camping permitted: Yes, free camping in designated areas.
- Maximum overnight stays: Check local signage.
- Picnic tables: Yes.
- Potable water: **No.** You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile phone coverage: **No reliable reception.**
- TV reception: No.
- Onsite public toilets: **Yes, non-flush (drop) toilets.**
- Rubbish bins: **No.** You must take all rubbish with you.
- Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only. Subject to seasonal fire restrictions (Total Fire Bans). BYO firewood.
- Generator use: Discouraged due to noise.
- Number of sites available: Not specified, limited number of clearings.
- Essentials to bring: **Drinking water, rubbish bags,** firewood, portable stove, shovel, first-aid kit.
- Pet friendly: **NO. Dogs are not permitted** in the Alpine National Park.
- Fishing: Yes, in the nearby Howqua River (fishing licence required).
- Short walks: Yes, access to numerous hiking trails, including the Howqua River tracks.
Local Amenities
The nearest services are in Merrijig and the main town of Mansfield.
Local Pubs
- Hunt Club Hotel: Approximately 20-25km away in Merrijig.
- Merrijig Motor Inn: Approximately 20-25km away in Merrijig.
- The Delatite Hotel: Approximately 35-40km away in Mansfield.
Places to Eat
- Mirimbah Store: Cafe at the base of Mount Buller (approx. 15-20km).
- Merrijig Motor Inn Restaurant: Pub-style meals (approx. 20-25km).
- Mansfield: Full range of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants (approx. 35-40km).
Local Attractions
- Mount Buller & Mt Stirling Resorts: Mountain biking, hiking, and skiing (in winter) (approx. 15-20km).
- Craig’s Hut: Iconic high-country hut (4WD access required).
- Howqua Hills Heritage Track: Hiking and history at Sheepyard Flat (approx. 25-30km).
- Bindaree Falls: Waterfall accessible via 4WD track.
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Mansfield Holiday Park: Approximately 35-40km away in Mansfield.
- High Country Holiday Park: Approximately 35-40km away in Mansfield.
- Howqua Valley Resort: Approximately 30-35km away in Howqua.
Next Free Camps
- Sheepyard Flat: Large free camp area with toilets (2WD accessible) (approx. 25-30km).
- Frys Flat: Another free camp near Sheepyard Flat (2WD accessible) (approx. 30km).
- King Hut: Remote 4WD-only free camp (approx. 20-25km).
Nearest Dump Points
- Mansfield Showgrounds: Public RV dump point (approx. 35-40km).
Nearest Petrol Station
- Mirimbah Store: Last petrol station before the mountain (approx. 15-20km).
- Mansfield: Multiple 24/7 stations (approx. 35-40km).
Drinking Water Resupply
- Mansfield: Public taps available at parks (e.g., Mansfield Botanic Park) or the Showgrounds dump point.
Nearest Public Toilets
- Onsite: Non-flush toilets are available.
- Mirimbah Store: Public toilets at the base of Mt Buller (approx. 15-20km).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (December – February): Mild days and cool nights. Average highs around 17°C, lows around 9°C.
- Autumn (March – May):** Cool and crisp. Days become progressively colder, with highs dropping from 14°C to 6°C.
- Winter (June – August):** Very cold. Average highs are 1-3°C, with average lows well below freezing (-1°C to -3°C). Snowfall is common and roads will be closed.
- Spring (September – November):** Cold, with conditions gradually warming. Snowmelt can make tracks wet. Highs rise from 5°C to 12°C.
