Buttercup 3 Campground: Your Gateway to Alpine Victoria

Nestled in the tranquil, high-country woodlands of Merrijig, Victoria, Buttercup 3 Campground offers a serene and rustic escape for those seeking to reconnect with nature. This free, dog-friendly bush camp provides a peaceful base from which to explore the magnificent Victorian High Country, with its well-regarded facilities and scenic surroundings. The campground is consistently praised for its quiet ambience and the abundant native birdlife that makes it a favourite spot for couples and small groups. Buttercup 3 is an ideal location for a self-sufficient camping experience, offering a simple yet beautiful setting to unwind.
The site is accessible by camper trailers and offers a good balance of seclusion and convenience. It serves as a fantastic launching point for an array of outdoor pursuits, including bushwalking, horse riding, mountain biking, and four-wheel driving. The tumbling water of Buttercup Creek provides a soothing soundtrack to your stay. While the campground offers essential amenities, visitors are advised to come prepared with their own supplies to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay in this pristine natural environment. With its clean, well-maintained facilities and picturesque location, Buttercup 3 Campground is a hidden gem that promises a truly memorable alpine camping adventure.

★★★★☆ 4.7 Stars

Buttercup 3 Campground

Merrijig Drive, Merrijig VIC 3723

GPS Coordinates: -37.068668133915864, 146.33881120356187

Website: N/A

Site Information & Local Amenities

• Location: A free bush camp located at the Buttercup Creek camping area near Merrijig, Victoria.
• Site Suitable For: Tents and camper trailers.
• Road Access: Two-wheel drive access is via Carter’s Road off Mt Buller Road. Four-wheel drives can use Buttercup Road to access the campsites.
• Site Surface: Dirt/gravel.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a free public campground.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Unspecified, but generally a reasonable length of stay is permitted.
• Facilities: Public toilets, picnic tables, fire pits.
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own drinking water. Non-potable water may be available from the creek.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited to no coverage depending on provider. Telstra and Optus may have some patchy 4G. A satellite phone is recommended for emergencies.
• TV Reception: Likely to be very poor to non-existent due to the remote location.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish Bins: No. Take all your rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to fire restrictions. Check local conditions.
• Generator Use: Permitted.
• Number of Sites Available: Multiple small, shady sites are available.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, all food supplies, rubbish bags, portable power/light source.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted.
• Fishing: Fishing may be possible in nearby creeks or rivers.
• Short Walks: Excellent access for bushwalking trails in the surrounding state forest.
• Name and Distance to 3 Local Pubs:
  • Merrijig Hotel: Approximately 10 km.
  • The Mill Inn Restaurant & Pub: Approximately 15 km.
  • The Hunt Club Hotel: Approximately 20 km.
• Name and Distance to Places to Eat:
  • The Mill Inn Restaurant: Approx. 15 km.
  • Merrijig Kitchen Cafe: Approx. 10 km.
  • Peaks Restaurant (at The Sebel Pinnacle Valley): Approx. 20 km.
• Name and Distance to Local Attractions:
  • Mount Buller: Approx. 30 km.
  • Howqua Hills Historic Area: Approx. 25 km.
  • Craig’s Hut: Approx. 40 km (4WD access required).
• Name and Distance to Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Mansfield Holiday Park: Approx. 25 km.
  • Bonnie Doon Caravan Park: Approx. 40 km.
• Name and Distance to Next Free Camps:
  • Buttercup 2 Campground: A short walk away.
  • Plain Creek Camping Area: Approx. 5 km.
  • Sheepyard Flat: Approx. 20 km.
• Name and Distance to Nearest Dump Points:
  • Mansfield Township: Approx. 25 km.
• Name and Distance to Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Mirimbah: Approx. 13 km.
  • Mansfield: Approx. 19 km.
• Name and Distance to Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Mansfield Township: Approx. 25 km.
• Name and Distance to Public Toilets:
  • Merrijig Hall: Approx. 10 km.
  • Mansfield Township: Approx. 25 km.
• Seasonal Weather Forecast:
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Variable weather with cool mornings, mild days, and a chance of showers. Snow can still fall at higher elevations.
  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot days, cooler nights. High fire danger periods.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): Pleasant, cool days and cold nights. A popular time for camping with stunning autumn colours.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and wet with snow at higher elevations. Camping is not recommended for those without proper equipment.