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Carters Mill Campground
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Carters Mill Campground – Free Delatite River Camping Near Mount Buller

Carters Mill Campground, Free Delatite River Camping Near Mount Buller

For an exceptional free camping experience at the base of Victoria’s spectacular alpine region, Carters Mill Campground is a premier destination. This beautiful and spacious reserve is nestled in a serene forest setting right on the banks of the crystal-clear Delatite River, making it a paradise for anglers, families, and outdoor adventurers. Located just off the Mount Buller Tourist Road near Mirimbah, it offers the perfect combination of a peaceful, remote bush feel with incredibly easy access to the High Country’s most famous attractions. The campground is a large, open, and grassy area, surrounded by towering gum trees that provide ample shade. It’s ideal for all types of setups, from tents and swags to off-road caravans and camper trailers, with plenty of room to find a prime riverside spot.

The main appeal of Carters Mill is its stunning natural environment and recreational opportunities. The Delatite River is the star of the show, a renowned trout fishing stream that also provides beautiful, shallow areas perfect for a refreshing swim on a warm day. The surrounding State Forest is a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos, wallabies, deer, and an abundance of birdlife frequently seen in and around the campground. It also serves as a fantastic base for exploring the region. The Mount Buller and Mount Stirling ski resorts are just up the road, offering year-round activities from skiing and snowboarding in winter to world-class mountain biking and hiking in summer. The charming town of Mansfield is a short drive away for supplies, and the legendary 4WD tracks of the High Country, including the route to the iconic Craig’s Hut, are all accessible from here. For a memorable, budget-friendly adventure that truly captures the spirit of the High Country, Carters Mill is an unbeatable choice.

Carters Mill Campground – VIC Location Map

Campground Information

  • Name: Carters Mill Campground
  • Address: Carters Mill Rd, Mirimbah VIC 3723

Location Coordinates

  • GPS: -37.10322750234298, 146.3669083653871

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.
  • Road Access: Unsealed gravel road, generally 2WD accessible with care.
  • 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: 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. 15 km
    • The Commercial Hotel (Mansfield) – Approx. 25 km
    • The Mansfield Hotel – Approx. 25 km
  • Places to Eat:
    • Mirimbah Store & Cafe – Approx. 5 km
    • The Hunt Club Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 15 km
    • Numerous options in Mansfield – Approx. 25 km
  • Local Attractions:
    • Mount Buller & Mount Stirling Alpine Resorts – Approx. 10 km to the resort entry
    • Craig’s Hut (via 4WD track) – Approx. 35 km
    • Howqua Hills Historic Area – Approx. 30 km
    • Mansfield Zoo – Approx. 20 km
  • Nearest Caravan Parks:
    • Mirimbah Park – Approx. 5 km
    • Mansfield Holiday Park – Approx. 25 km
  • Next Free Camps:
    • Numerous other sites along the Delatite River and nearby Howqua River (e.g., Sheepyard Flat).
  • Nearest Dump Points:
    • Mansfield Public Dump Point – Approx. 25 km
  • Nearest Petrol Station:
    • Mansfield has multiple 24-hour options – Approx. 25 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. The nearby alpine resorts are in full swing.
  • Spring (Nov-Dec): Cool to mild as tracks reopen, with rivers running high. Averaging 5-19°C.

 

 

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