Carters Mill Campground | Free Delatite River Camping Near Mount Buller

For an exceptional free camping experience at the base of Victoria’s spectacular alpine region, Carters Mill Campground is a premier destination. This beautiful and spacious reserve is nestled in a serene forest setting right on the banks of the crystal-clear Delatite River, making it a paradise for anglers, families, and outdoor adventurers. Located just off the Mount Buller Tourist Road near Mirimbah, it offers the perfect combination of a peaceful, remote bush feel with incredibly easy access to the High Country’s most famous attractions. The campground is a large, open, and grassy area, surrounded by towering gum trees that provide ample shade. It’s ideal for all types of setups, from tents and swags to off-road caravans and camper trailers, with plenty of room to find a prime riverside spot.

The main appeal of Carters Mill is its stunning natural environment and recreational opportunities. The Delatite River is the star of the show, a renowned trout fishing stream that also provides beautiful, shallow areas perfect for a refreshing swim on a warm day. The surrounding State Forest is a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos, wallabies, deer, and an abundance of birdlife frequently seen in and around the campground. It also serves as a fantastic base for exploring the region. The Mount Buller and Mount Stirling ski resorts are just up the road, offering year-round activities from skiing and snowboarding in winter to world-class mountain biking and hiking in summer. The charming town of Mansfield is a short drive away for supplies, and the legendary 4WD tracks of the High Country, including the route to the iconic Craig’s Hut, are all accessible from here. For a memorable, budget-friendly adventure that truly captures the spirit of the High Country, Carters Mill is an unbeatable choice.

Campground Information

• Name: Carters Mill Campground
• Address: Carters Mill Rd, Mirimbah VIC 3723

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -37.10322750234298, 146.3669083653871

Website

• Website: This is a free campground in a State Forest. Information is available on the Explore Outdoors (VIC Gov) website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Riverside bush camp in the State Forest at the base of Mt Buller.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Off-road Caravans, and Motorhomes.
• Road Access: Unsealed gravel road, generally 2WD accessible with care.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe FFM Vic 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.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very patchy. Telstra has the best chance of a weak signal.
• TV Reception: Unlikely.
• 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.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with many sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent, fishing gear.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead in State Forest areas.

Activities

• Fishing: Excellent trout fishing in the Delatite River.
• Short Walks: Numerous bushwalking and 4WD tracks to explore in the surrounding forest.
• Mountain Biking: Proximity to the world-class mountain bike trails on Mt Buller.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Hunt Club Hotel (Merrijig) – Approx. 15 km
  • The Commercial Hotel (Mansfield) – Approx. 25 km
  • The Mansfield Hotel – Approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Mirimbah Store & Cafe – Approx. 5 km
  • The Hunt Club Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 15 km
  • Numerous options in Mansfield – Approx. 25 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Mount Buller & Mount Stirling Alpine Resorts – Approx. 10 km to the resort entry
  • Craig’s Hut (via 4WD track) – Approx. 35 km
  • Howqua Hills Historic Area – Approx. 30 km
  • Mansfield Zoo – Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Mirimbah Park – Approx. 5 km
  • Mansfield Holiday Park – Approx. 25 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Numerous other sites along the Delatite River and nearby Howqua River (e.g., Sheepyard Flat).
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Mansfield Public Dump Point – Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Mansfield has multiple 24-hour options – Approx. 25 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Mansfield.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush).

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm 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. The nearby alpine resorts are in full swing.
• Spring (Nov-Dec): Cool to mild as tracks reopen, with rivers running high. Averaging 5-19°C.