Buttercup 4 Campground | Free Howqua River Camping & High Country Adventure

Nestled deep within the legendary Howqua Hills Historic Area, Buttercup 4 Campground is a magnificent free camping destination that epitomises the rugged beauty of the Victorian High Country. This spacious and scenic reserve offers a classic Australian bush camping experience on the banks of the iconic Howqua River, making it a paradise for four-wheel drive enthusiasts, families, anglers, and horse riders. The campground is a large, open, and grassy flat, surrounded by the towering, forest-clad mountains of the Alpine National Park. Its expansive layout provides an abundance of fantastic, level sites suitable for all setups, from tents and swags to off-road caravans and camper trailers, ensuring campers can find their own perfect spot with plenty of space and privacy to soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

The main allure of Buttercup 4 is its incredible natural setting and its role as a premier gateway to High Country adventure. The crystal-clear Howqua River, which flows right beside the camp, is perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot summer’s day and is a renowned destination for trout fishing. The area is steeped in the history of the cattlemen and gold miners, with the Howqua Hills Historic Walk connecting campers to other nearby sites of interest. It’s also a fantastic launchpad for exploring some of Victoria’s most famous and challenging 4WD tracks, including the iconic routes to Craig’s Hut and Mount Buller. While it is a free, back-to-basics camp, the site is equipped with essential non-flush toilets, adding to the convenience of the remote experience. For an unforgettable, budget-friendly adventure steeped in the folklore of “The Man from Snowy River,” Buttercup 4 is a truly exceptional High Country destination.

Campground Information

• Name: Buttercup 4 Campground
• Address: 1380 Buttercup Rd, Merrijig VIC 3723

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -37.06834171542675, 146.34049896489543

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.
• Road Access: Unsealed gravel road (Buttercup Rd/Howqua Hills Rd). Generally 2WD accessible with care, but can be corrugated and affected by weather.
• 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: 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 heritage sites.
• 4WD Touring: A premier base for accessing legendary High Country tracks to places like Craig’s Hut.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Hunt Club Hotel (Merrijig) – Approx. 20 km
  • The Kevington Hotel (Kevington) – Approx. 20 km
  • The Jamieson Hotel (Jamieson) – Approx. 35 km
• Places to Eat:
  • The Hunt Club Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 20 km
  • Numerous options in Mansfield – Approx. 30 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Howqua Hills Historic Area – You are in it!
  • Mount Buller & Mount Stirling – Accessible via nearby roads
  • Craig’s Hut (via 4WD track) – Approx. 40 km
  • Lake Eildon (Goughs Bay) – Approx. 15 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Mansfield Holiday Park – Approx. 30 km
  • Jamieson Caravan Park – Approx. 35 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Sheepyard Flat – Approx. 10 km
  • Numerous other smaller camps along Howqua Hills Road.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Mansfield Public Dump Point – Approx. 30 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Mansfield has multiple 24-hour options – Approx. 30 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Mansfield or Jamieson.
• 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.