Buttercup 2 Campground: Your Free High-Country Escape

Nestled amongst the beautiful eucalypt forest and tranquil Buttercup Creek, Buttercup 2 Campground offers a picturesque and completely free camping experience in the heart of the Victorian High Country. Situated just a short drive from the charming township of Merrijig, this popular bush camp is a favourite among campers, caravanners, and camper trailer enthusiasts who appreciate a peaceful and rustic setting. The site provides a fantastic opportunity to unwind and immerse yourself in nature, with the soothing sounds of the nearby creek providing a perfect backdrop to your stay.
The campground is a fantastic staging point for a wide range of outdoor adventures. From here, you can easily access walking trails that meander through the state forest, offering breathtaking views and abundant native wildlife. The area is also well-regarded for horse riding, mountain biking, and four-wheel driving, allowing you to explore the rugged beauty of the high country. For those who enjoy a bit of fishing, the nearby waterways present an opportunity to cast a line. While the site is known for its serene atmosphere, it also provides essential amenities, including public toilets, making it a comfortable option for a multi-day stay. Visitors are reminded to bring their own potable water and to be self-sufficient, as the remote location requires some preparation. The site is a perfect choice for those who want a genuine bush camping experience without being too far from the convenience of nearby towns.
With its easy accessibility, natural beauty, and dog-friendly policy, Buttercup 2 Campground is an ideal spot to create lasting memories in the great outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or looking for a simple getaway, this free site offers a welcoming and memorable alpine adventure.

★★★★☆ 3.8 Stars

Buttercup 2 Campground

789/887 Buttercup Road, Merrijig VIC 3723

GPS Coordinates: -37.080568065890134, 146.3264573920106

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 3 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.