Best Camping and Caravanning Sites in Australia

A great place to start your adventure

Jed Riding Historical Homestead Site Camp

Spread the love

 


 

Jed Riding Historical Homestead Site Camp

★★★☆☆ (3.0)
For experienced, self-sufficient campers only.
For the truly self-sufficient adventurer seeking profound isolation, the Jed Riding Historical Homestead Site offers a unique camping experience deep within the remote Moroka section of the Alpine National Park. This is not a campground in the conventional sense; rather, it’s a designated spot on the map where a piece of High Country history once stood. The site is a small, cleared grassy area marking the former location of a bush homestead, offering a tangible connection to the rugged pioneers who once inhabited these mountains. Reaching this spot is an adventure in itself, requiring a capable 4WD vehicle and significant experience in remote alpine driving, as access is via the challenging Moroka Road, which is subject to seasonal closures.There are absolutely no facilities here—no toilets, no tables, no water, and no bins. Camping at the Jed Riding site is a true test of self-reliance and commitment to minimal impact principles. Visitors must bring everything they need for survival, including all water, a portable toilet system, and robust rubbish bags to carry everything out. The reward for this effort is unparalleled solitude and a stunning natural setting. The campsite is a peaceful clearing surrounded by dense mountain forest, offering a tranquil base for exploring the area’s demanding hiking and 4WD tracks, such as those leading to the spectacular Moroka Gorge or the hidden gem of Lake Tali Karng. Due to its location within the Alpine National Park, pets and generators are strictly prohibited, ensuring the native wildlife and serene atmosphere remain undisturbed. This campsite is exclusively for experienced bush campers who are prepared for the challenges and rewards of Victoria’s remote wilderness.

  • Name and Address: Jed Riding Historical Homestead Site Camp, Moroka Road, Moroka, VIC 3858, Australia
  • GPS Coordinates: -37.399393370586665, 146.24875636585242
  • Website: Parks Victoria – Alpine National Park

Campground Information & Features

  • Location: Very remote, located off Moroka Road in the Moroka section of the Alpine National Park.
  • Site Suitable For: Tents and off-road camper trailers only. Not suitable for caravans.
  • Road Access: Strictly 4WD only. Tracks are steep, rough, and subject to seasonal closures (typically June to November).
  • Site Surface: Small grassy clearing.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes, free dispersed camping.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: Standard national park limits apply.
  • Facilities: None.
  • Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water for drinking, cooking, and washing.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: None. A satellite communication device is highly recommended.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: No. A portable toilet is essential and all waste must be carried out.
  • Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
  • Open Fires: Prohibited. Fuel stoves only. This is a fuel-stove-only area to protect the sensitive alpine environment.
  • Generator Use: Prohibited within the National Park.
  • Number of Sites Available: A very small area, suitable for 1-2 small groups.
  • Essentials to Bring: All water, food, fuel, portable toilet, satellite communication device, recovery gear, detailed maps, first-aid kit.
  • Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not allowed in the Alpine National Park.
  • Fishing: Possible in the nearby Moroka River for experienced anglers prepared to hike to the river.
  • Short Walks: This is a base for serious, multi-day hikes. No short, easy walks are available from the site.

Nearby Amenities & Attractions (All are very distant)

  • Local Pubs:
    • Dargo Hotel (Dargo) – Approx. 50 km (via very slow 4WD tracks)
    • Licola General Store (Licensed) – Approx. 80 km (via very slow 4WD tracks)
    • Heyfield Railway Hotel (Heyfield) – Approx. 150 km
  • Places to Eat:
    • Dargo Hotel / General Store – Approx. 50 km
    • Licola General Store – Approx. 80 km
  • Local Attractions:
    • Moroka Gorge & Falls (challenging hike/4WD)
    • Lake Tali Karng (very challenging multi-day hike)
    • Wonnangatta Valley (very remote 4WD trip)
  • Nearest Caravan Parks:
    • Dargo River Inn & Tourist Park – Approx. 50 km
    • Licola Caravan Park – Approx. 80 km
  • Next Free Camps:
    • Horseyard Flat Camping Area – Approx. 15 km
    • Talbotville Historic Town – Approx. 40 km (4WD only)
  • Nearest Dump Points:
    • Dargo – Approx. 50 km
    • Heyfield – Approx. 150 km
  • Nearest Petrol Station:
    • Dargo – Approx. 50 km
    • Licola (unreliable hours) – Approx. 80 km
    • Heyfield – Approx. 150 km
  • Drinking Water Resupply:
    • Dargo or Heyfield are the last reliable points before entering the park.
  • Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
    • Horseyard Flat Camping Area may have a non-flush toilet – Approx. 15 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Moroka / Alpine High Plains Area

  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Days can be warm to hot, but weather is notoriously unpredictable and can change to cold and wet without warning. High fire risk.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): Generally the most stable and recommended time to visit. Mild days and cold nights.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Tracks are closed. The area is inaccessible due to heavy snow and hazardous conditions.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Tracks remain closed until cleared and deemed safe, often not until late November. Cold, wet, and unpredictable conditions persist.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *