Blue Gum Flat Campground | Free Howqua River Camping & High Country 4WD

Set within the legendary Howqua Hills Historic Area, Blue Gum Flat Campground is a spectacular free camping destination that perfectly captures the rugged beauty and spirit of the Victorian High Country. This spacious and picturesque reserve, nestled on the banks of the iconic Howqua River, is a haven for families, four-wheel drive enthusiasts, anglers, and horse riders. The campground itself is a vast, open, and grassy flat, surrounded by towering Blue Gums and the steep, forested mountainsides of the valley. Its expansive nature provides an abundance of magnificent, level sites suitable for all setups, from large caravans and motorhomes to tents and swags, ensuring campers can find their own slice of paradise with plenty of room to relax.

The main attraction of Blue Gum Flat is its incredible natural setting and its role as a gateway to High Country adventure. The crystal-clear Howqua River, which meanders past the campground, is ideal for a refreshing swim on a hot day and is a renowned destination for trout fishing. The area is steeped in the history of gold miners and cattlemen, with the Howqua Hills Historic Walk connecting to nearby sites like Sheepyard Flat and Fry’s Hut. It’s a premier launchpad for exploring the region’s famous 4WD tracks, which lead to iconic destinations like Craig’s Hut and Mount Buller. While it is a free, back-to-basics camp, it is well-equipped with non-flush toilets and shared fire pits, adding to the authentic bush experience. For a memorable, budget-friendly adventure steeped in the folklore of “The Man from Snowy River,” Blue Gum Flat is an unmissable High Country destination.

Campground Information

• Name: Blue Gum Flat Campground
• Address: Howqua Hills Rd, Howes Creek VIC 3723

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -37.17406437113097, 145.99751039252416

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, Off-road Caravans, and Motorhomes. Can accommodate large rigs.
• Road Access: Unsealed gravel road (Howqua Hills Rd). Generally 2WD accessible with care in dry conditions, but can be corrugated and narrow in sections.
• 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.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very poor to non-existent.
• 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 and other campers.
• 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.

Activities

• Fishing: Excellent trout fishing in the Howqua River.
• Short Walks: The Howqua Hills Historic Walk connects several campgrounds and historic 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. 8 km
  • The Jamieson Hotel (Jamieson) – Approx. 25 km
  • The Courthouse Hotel (Jamieson) – Approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • The Kevington Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 8 km
  • Jamieson Brewery & Grill – Approx. 25 km
  • Numerous options in Mansfield – Approx. 35 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Howqua Hills Historic Area – You are in it!
  • Craig’s Hut (via 4WD track) – Approx. 30 km
  • Mount Buller & Mount Stirling – Accessible via nearby 4WD tracks
  • Lake Eildon (Goughs Bay) – Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Jamieson Caravan Park – Approx. 25 km
  • Mansfield Holiday Park – Approx. 35 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Sheepyard Flat (further up the river) – Approx. 2 km
  • Numerous other smaller camps along Howqua Hills Road.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Mansfield Public Dump Point – Approx. 35 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Jamieson (check hours) – Approx. 25 km
  • Mansfield has multiple 24-hour options – Approx. 35 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 can be subject to seasonal closures.
• Spring (Nov-Dec): Cool to mild as tracks reopen, with rivers running high. Averaging 5-19°C.