Pineapple Flat Campground | Free Howqua River Camping & High Country 4WD Adventure

Deep in the heart of “The Man from Snowy River” country, Pineapple Flat is one of the Victorian High Country’s most iconic and spectacular free campgrounds. This vast, breathtaking reserve offers an unparalleled bush camping experience, nestled in a wide, grassy valley on the banks of the legendary Howqua River. It is a true paradise for four-wheel drive adventurers, horse riders, anglers, and families seeking an authentic and memorable High Country escape. The campground is a massive, open flat, surrounded by the rugged, towering peaks of the Alpine National Park, offering an almost endless supply of magnificent, level sites suitable for all setups, from tents and swags to off-road caravans and camper trailers. The journey in, involving a famous but usually shallow river crossing, is part of the adventure and adds to the feeling of arriving somewhere truly special.

The main allure of Pineapple Flat is its incredible natural beauty and its role as a gateway to high-altitude adventure. The crystal-clear Howqua River, which snakes through the valley, is perfect for a refreshing swim and is a renowned trout fishing destination. The campground is a premier launchpad for tackling some of Australia’s most famous and challenging 4WD tracks, including the iconic routes to Craig’s Hut and Mount Stirling. The area is steeped in the history of cattlemen and gold miners, with the Howqua Hills Historic Walk connecting to nearby heritage sites. While it is a free, back-to-basics camp, the site is equipped with essential non-flush toilets. For an unforgettable, budget-friendly adventure that truly captures the wild, romantic spirit of the Victorian High Country, Pineapple Flat is a bucket-list destination.

Campground Information

• Name: Pineapple Flat
• Address: Burnt Top Track, Mount Buller VIC 3723

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -37.065881700668335, 146.49911082558663

Website

• Website: This is a free campground in a Historic Area managed by Parks Victoria. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Riverside bush camp in the Howqua Hills Historic Area.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, and rugged Off-road Caravans/Motorhomes.
• Road Access: Unsealed gravel road (Howqua Hills Rd) followed by a river crossing. A high-clearance 4WD is strongly recommended. The river level can rise rapidly, making it impassable.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe Parks Victoria guidelines.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, shared fire pits. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water or have a reliable purification system for river water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Non-existent. A satellite phone or PLB is essential.
• TV Reception: Not applicable.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits only, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of the natural setting and other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with many sites.
• Essentials to Bring: PLB/Sat Phone, full 4WD recovery gear, drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: Excellent trout fishing in the Howqua River.
• Short Walks: The Howqua Hills Historic Walk connects several campgrounds and heritage sites.
• 4WD Touring: A premier base for accessing legendary High Country tracks to places like Craig’s Hut and Mount Buller.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Kevington Hotel (Kevington) – Approx. 25 km (back along the track)
  • The Jamieson Hotel (Jamieson) – Approx. 40 km
  • The Hunt Club Hotel (Merrijig) – Approx. 45 km
• Places to Eat:
  • The Kevington Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 25 km
  • Numerous options in Mansfield – Approx. 55 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Craig’s Hut (via 4WD track) – Approx. 15 km
  • Mount Stirling & Mount Buller – Accessible via nearby 4WD tracks
  • Howqua Hills Historic Area – You are in it!
  • Lake Eildon – Approx. 40 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Jamieson Caravan Park – Approx. 40 km
  • Mansfield Holiday Park – Approx. 55 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Sheepyard Flat (back down the river) – Approx. 15 km
  • Numerous other smaller camps along Howqua Hills Road.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Mansfield Public Dump Point – Approx. 55 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Mansfield has multiple 24-hour options – Approx. 55 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Jamieson or Mansfield.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days with cool mountain nights, perfect for swimming. Averaging 12-28°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, sunny days and cool nights, the peak season for autumn foliage and 4WDing. Averaging 7-22°C.
• Winter (Jun-Nov): Cold, with frequent frosts and a high chance of snow. Roads are seasonally closed.
• Spring (Nov-Dec): Cool to mild as tracks reopen, with rivers running high. Averaging 5-19°C.