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Gallows Campground
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Gallows Campground, Wonnangatta

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Gallows Campground, Wonnangatta

★★★★☆ (4.9/5)
For experienced 4WD campers only.
Gallows Campground is a remote, free bush camp for the serious 4WD adventurer looking to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty and isolation of the Alpine National Park. Situated on the banks of the Wonnangatta River, this campsite is not for the faint of heart; reaching it requires a well-equipped four-wheel drive and experience navigating challenging alpine tracks that are often steep, rocky, and subject to seasonal closures. The campground itself is a basic, open, grassy flat, offering a stunningly scenic, albeit primitive, place to set up camp. Its name adds a layer of mystique, fitting for a valley renowned for its pioneering history and the unsolved Wonnangatta Murders.This is the epitome of self-sufficient camping. There are no facilities at Gallows Campground – no toilets, no drinking water, no bins, and no picnic tables. Visitors must arrive with everything they need to be completely independent, including a portable toilet system and the means to carry out all waste. As it is located deep within the Alpine National Park, strict rules apply: dogs and generators are strictly prohibited, preserving the tranquil atmosphere and protecting the native wildlife. Fires may be permitted in existing pits depending on conditions, but fuel stoves are highly recommended, and campers must bring their own firewood. The reward for this level of preparation is a truly wild experience. The river provides opportunities for fishing and a bracing swim in summer, and the site is an excellent base for exploring the legendary Wonnangatta Valley, the historic homestead site, and the network of iconic 4WD tracks like the Zeka Spur and Billy Goat Bluff. Gallows Campground is for those who seek genuine solitude and a raw connection with the High Country.

  • Name and Address: Gallows Campground, Wonnangatta Track, Wonnangatta, VIC 3862, Australia
  • GPS Coordinates:-37.28829724364108, 146.22375187807606
  • Website: Parks Victoria – Alpine National Park

Campground Information & Features

  • Location: Remote location on the Wonnangatta River, deep within the Alpine National Park.
  • Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, and rugged off-road camper trailers. Not suitable for caravans.
  • Road Access: Strictly 4WD only, via difficult and seasonally closed tracks (e.g., Wonnangatta Track).
  • Site Surface: Natural grassy flat.
  • Camping Permitted: Yes, free dispersed camping.
  • Maximum Overnight Stays: Standard national park limits apply.
  • Facilities: None.
  • Potable Water: No. Must bring all water supplies. River water requires treatment.
  • Mobile Phone Coverage: None. Satellite communication device is essential.
  • Onsite Public Toilets: No. Portable toilet system required.
  • Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
  • Open Fires: May be permitted subject to park regulations and fire bans. Fuel stoves are strongly recommended.
  • Generator Use: Prohibited in the Alpine National Park.
  • Number of Sites Available: Several unmarked sites on the river flat.
  • Essentials to Bring: All water, food, fuel, portable toilet, sat phone/PLB, recovery gear, detailed maps, first-aid kit.
  • Pet Friendly: No. Pets are strictly forbidden in the Alpine National Park.
  • Fishing: Yes, possible in the Wonnangatta River.
  • Short Walks: Informal walks along the river; serves as a base for major hikes.

Nearby Amenities & Attractions (All are very remote)

  • Local Pubs:
    • Dargo Hotel (Dargo) – Approx. 40-50 km (via slow, difficult 4WD tracks)
  • Places to Eat:
    • Dargo Hotel / General Store – Approx. 40-50 km
  • Local Attractions:
    • Wonnangatta Homestead & Cemetery site
    • Numerous iconic 4WD tracks (Billy Goat Bluff, Zeka Spur)
    • Hiking in the Alpine National Park
  • Nearest Caravan Parks:
    • Dargo River Inn & Tourist Park – Approx. 40-50 km
  • Next Free Camps:
    • Wonnangatta Station Homestead Flat – Nearby
    • Talbotville Historic Town – Approx. 20-30 km (4WD only)
    • Eaglevale Campground – Approx. 20-30 km (4WD only)
  • Nearest Dump Points:
    • Dargo – Approx. 40-50 km
    • Bairnsdale or Maffra are the nearest major towns with facilities.
  • Nearest Petrol Station:
    • Dargo General Store (Diesel & Unleaded) – Approx. 40-50 km
  • Drinking Water Resupply:
    • Dargo Public Hall – Approx. 40-50 km. It is essential to carry sufficient water for your entire trip.
  • Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
    • Wonnangatta Station Homestead Flat has a non-flush toilet.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Wonnangatta Valley / Dargo High Plains

  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Days can be very hot, but alpine weather is unpredictable and can turn cold and stormy quickly. High fire risk.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): Generally considered the best and most stable time to visit. Mild, clear days and cold nights.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Inaccessible. All tracks are closed due to snow, ice, and hazardous conditions.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Tracks typically remain closed until late November. Expect cold, wet, and unpredictable weather with potential for snow.

 

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