7 Mile Campground | Free Delatite River Camping Near Mount Buller & Mansfield

For a magnificent free camping experience right at the gateway to Victoria’s alpine playground, 7 Mile Campground is an iconic and much-loved destination. This sprawling reserve is nestled in a stunning valley on the banks of the crystal-clear Delatite River, offering a classic Australian bush camp with unparalleled access to the Mount Buller and Mount Stirling resorts. It’s a true paradise for families, four-wheel drive enthusiasts, anglers, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the spectacular beauty of the High Country. The campground is a vast, open, and grassy flat surrounded by towering alpine ash and eucalypt forests, providing an incredible number of spacious sites. It’s perfectly suited for all setups, from tents and swags to large off-road caravans and motorhomes, allowing everyone to find their ideal spot, often with direct river access.

The main appeal of 7 Mile is its incredible natural setting combined with its strategic location for adventure. The Delatite River, which flows gently through the campground, is perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot summer’s day and is a renowned trout fishing stream. The surrounding State Forest is a hub for recreation, with numerous tracks for four-wheel driving, trail bike riding, and bushwalking. In winter, it becomes the perfect, budget-friendly off-mountain base for those heading up to the snowfields of Mount Buller. While it’s a free, back-to-basics camp, the site is equipped with essential non-flush toilets and shared fire pits, enhancing the authentic bush experience. Its proximity to the town of Mansfield ensures that supplies and a good pub meal are never far away. For an unforgettable High Country adventure that captures the essence of riverside mountain camping, 7 Mile Campground is a top-tier Victorian destination.

Campground Information

• Name: 7 Mile Campground
• Address: Mount Buller VIC 3723 (off Mount Buller Tourist Rd)

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -37.19735691673313, 146.41803894090984

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. Can accommodate large rigs.
• Road Access: Unsealed gravel road. Generally 2WD accessible with care but can be corrugated.
• 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: Very 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. 12 km
  • The Commercial Hotel (Mansfield) – Approx. 22 km
  • The Mansfield Hotel – Approx. 22 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Mirimbah Store & Cafe (at Mt Buller gate) – Approx. 8 km
  • The Hunt Club Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 12 km
  • Numerous options in Mansfield – Approx. 22 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Mount Buller & Mount Stirling Alpine Resorts – Approx. 8 km to the resort entry
  • Craig’s Hut (via 4WD track) – Approx. 30 km
  • Howqua Hills Historic Area – Approx. 25 km
  • Mansfield Zoo – Approx. 18 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Mirimbah Park – Approx. 8 km
  • Mansfield Holiday Park – Approx. 22 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Carters Mill Campground (downriver) – Approx. 2 km
  • Numerous other sites along the Delatite and Howqua Rivers.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Mansfield Public Dump Point – Approx. 22 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Mansfield has multiple 24-hour options – Approx. 22 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. Roads can be subject to seasonal closures.
• Spring (Nov-Dec): Cool to mild as tracks reopen, with rivers running high. Averaging 5-19°C.