Lovicks Hut: A Free High Country Camping Adventure
Perched high in the Victorian Alpine National Park, Lovicks Hut offers a quintessential high country camping experience for the well-prepared adventurer. This remote, free campsite is a treasured destination for four-wheel drivers, hikers, and horse riders looking to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the mountains. The journey to the hut itself is part of the appeal, traversing the iconic Bluff Track which presents both a challenge and a reward with its steep, rocky sections and breathtaking panoramic views that stretch across endless mountain ranges. The campsite is centred around the historic Lovicks Hut, a classic cattlemen’s refuge that provides a tangible connection to the area’s pastoralist history and offers basic shelter from the unpredictable alpine weather.
The camping area is spacious and informal, set amidst majestic snow gums that stand resilient against the elements. From this vantage point, over 1,600 metres above sea level, the sunrises and sunsets are truly spectacular, painting the sky with vibrant colours. While facilities are minimal, the presence of public toilets is a welcome convenience in such a remote location. This is a place to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with nature; there’s no potable water, no rubbish bins, and phone reception is unreliable at best. Visitors must be entirely self-sufficient, carrying in all necessary supplies and taking all their rubbish back out. The site serves as an excellent base for further exploration, whether it’s tackling more of the surrounding 4WD network, hiking to The Bluff for even more impressive views, or simply soaking in the profound peace and quiet of the alpine environment. It’s a true bush camp that rewards self-reliance with an unforgettable sense of freedom and isolation.
Name: Lovicks Hut
Address: Bluff Track, Mount Buller VIC 3723, Australia
GPS Coordinates: 37°12’25.0″S 146°34’37.0″E (-37.206944, 146.576944)
Website: Parks Victoria – Lovicks Hut
Campsite Information
- Location: Alpine National Park, Victoria, Australia.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Off-road Caravans. High-clearance 4WD is essential.
- Road Access: 4WD only. The Bluff Track is steep, rocky, and can be challenging. Not suitable for 2WD vehicles. Subject to seasonal road closures (typically June to November).
- Site Surface: Dirt, grass, and natural uneven ground.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, designated free camping area. Bookings not required for general camping, but required for horse yards.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: 28 consecutive nights, as per Victorian State Forest regulations.
- Facilities: Non-flush public toilets. The hut itself provides basic emergency shelter.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Unreliable. Expect limited to no service. A personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger is recommended for safety.
- TV Reception: No.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush toilets are available.
- Rubbish Bins: No. You must take all your rubbish with you. Leave no trace.
- Open Fires: Permitted in suitable conditions, subject to local fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days. Bring your own firewood. Do not cut down standing trees.
- Generator Use: Not permitted at this Parks Victoria site.
- Number of Sites Available: Undefined. Large open area with numerous informal sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, food, firewood, rubbish bags, warm clothing (even in summer), recovery gear for your vehicle, toilet paper, and emergency communication device.
- Pet Friendly: No. Dogs and other pets are not permitted in the Alpine National Park.
- Fishing: Not available at the campsite, but possible in nearby rivers like the Howqua River. A Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
- Short Walks: Excellent opportunities for bushwalking. A popular walk is the track up to The Bluff for spectacular views.
Nearby Amenities & Attractions
Note: Distances are approximate and travel times can vary significantly due to track conditions and weather. All amenities require a substantial 4WD journey from the hut.
- Local Pubs:
- The Mansfield Hotel, Mansfield (Approx. 60-70 km, 2-3 hours)
- The Delatite Hotel, Mansfield (Approx. 60-70 km, 2-3 hours)
- Jamieson Brewery & Grill, Jamieson (Approx. 75-85 km, 2.5-3.5 hours)
- Places to Eat:
- Various cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Mansfield (Approx. 60-70 km, 2-3 hours)
- Restaurants and bars at Mount Buller Village (seasonal) (Approx. 35-45 km, 1.5-2.5 hours)
- Local Attractions:
- The Bluff (short hike from camp)
- Craig’s Hut (another iconic cattlemen’s hut, requires further 4WD travel)
- Howqua Hills Historic Area
- Mount Buller Alpine Resort (seasonal activities)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Mansfield Holiday Park (Approx. 60-70 km, 2-3 hours)
- Jamieson Caravan Park (Approx. 75-85 km, 2.5-3.5 hours)
- Next Free Camps:
- Howqua Hills Historic Area (e.g., Frys Flat, Tunnel Bend) (various distances)
- King Hut Camping Area
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Mansfield Showgrounds (has a public dump point) (Approx. 60-70 km, 2-3 hours)
- Dinner Plain (Scrubbers End Car Park) (Approx. 150km+)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- BP Mansfield or Shell Mansfield (Approx. 60-70 km, 2-3 hours)
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Public taps available in Mansfield (e.g., Botanic Gardens, High Street) (Approx. 60-70 km, 2-3 hours)
- Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
- Mansfield Visitor Information Centre or various parks in Mansfield town centre.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (December – February): Expect moderately cool days with average maximums of 15-17°C and nights dropping to 6-9°C. Weather can change rapidly; always be prepared for cold, wet, and windy conditions.
- Autumn (March – May): Cooler days and cold nights. Daytime temperatures drop, and the chance of frost and snow increases, especially later in the season.
- Winter (June – August): The area is typically inaccessible due to snow and seasonal track closures. Temperatures are very cold, with maximums averaging 1-3°C and nights well below freezing (-3°C to 0°C).
- Spring (September – November): Cold conditions persist, with snow often remaining into late spring. Tracks begin to reopen as conditions permit, but it remains cold.