Fitzgeralds Hut Campground: A Historic Hike-In Camp on the Bogong High Plains

Nestled deep within the stunning, sub-alpine landscape of the Bogong High Plains, Fitzgeralds Hut offers a truly authentic and remote camping experience for seasoned hikers and adventurers. This free, walk-in campground is a cherished piece of Victoria’s high country heritage, providing a vital stopover for those tackling the iconic Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing. The site consists of the historic cattlemen’s hut itself, which serves as an emergency shelter, and a small, sheltered clearing where campers can pitch their tents. It’s a place of profound quiet and beauty, where the open plains are dotted with snow gums and the night sky offers an unparalleled celestial display, free from any light pollution.

It is crucial for visitors to understand that Fitzgeralds Hut is **not accessible by vehicle**. Reaching this serene location requires a significant hike, typically from the Heathy Spur car park on the Bogong High Plains Road. This makes it suitable only for well-prepared, self-sufficient bushwalkers carrying all their own gear. The campground facilities are minimal, consisting of a non-flush toilet to help protect the sensitive alpine environment. There are no bins, and a strict carry-in, carry-out policy is enforced. While there may be small streams nearby, all water must be treated before consumption. Due to the fragile alpine ecology, fuel stoves are strongly recommended for cooking, as campfires are generally discouraged or prohibited, especially during high-risk seasons. As it lies within the Alpine National Park, pets are strictly forbidden to protect the native wildlife. The weather can change rapidly and dramatically at this altitude, with snow possible at any time of year, so campers must be equipped for all conditions. For those prepared for the challenge, a night at Fitzgeralds Hut is an unforgettable experience, offering solitude, history, and a profound connection to the Australian Alps.

Campground Information

• Name: Fitzgeralds Hut Campground
• Address: Off Bogong High Plains Road (via hiking track), Alpine National Park, Victoria
• GPS Coordinates: -36.876276351003675, 147.36578131767985
• Website: Parks Victoria – Alpine National Park

Features & Facilities

• Location: Remote alpine setting on the Bogong High Plains.
• Site Suitable For: Tents only. Strictly hike-in camping.
• Road Access: No vehicle access to the campground. The nearest car park is several kilometres away on the Bogong High Plains Road.
• Site Surface: Grass and natural earth.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Standard national park remote camping limits apply.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilet. The hut is for emergency shelter only.
• Potable Water: No. All water must be carried in or treated from natural sources.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Unreliable to non-existent. An emergency communication device (PLB) is highly recommended.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a non-flush toilet is available.
• Rubbish Bins: No. Carry-in, carry-out policy is strictly enforced.
• Open Fires: Not recommended. Fuel stoves are preferred to protect the alpine environment. Check Parks Victoria for current fire regulations.
• Generator Use: Not permitted.
• Number of Sites Available: Limited, informal tent sites in the clearing.
• Essentials to Bring: All food, water, shelter, warm/wet weather gear, navigation tools, first aid, and an emergency communication device.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets are strictly prohibited in the Alpine National Park.
• Fishing: Not a primary activity at this location.
• Short Walks: The campground is on the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing trail and other high plains walking tracks.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs: The closest pubs are in the alpine resorts or valley towns, requiring a hike and a significant drive.
  • Falls Creek Alpine Resort (seasonal) – approx. 12 km hike
  • The General, Mount Hotham (seasonal) – approx. 18 km hike
  • Harrietville Hotel – approx. 18 km hike + 30 km drive
• Places to Eat:
  • Various restaurants and cafes in Falls Creek and Mount Hotham (seasonal).
• Local Attractions:
  • Bogong High Plains
  • Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing
  • Historic Cattlemen’s Huts (e.g., Cope Hut)
  • Mount Feathertop

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Mount Beauty Holiday Park – approx. 15 km hike + 35 km drive
  • Bright Holiday Park – approx. 15 km hike + 60 km drive
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps (Vehicle Accessible):
  • Langfords West Campground
  • Raspberry Hill Campground
  • Buckety Plain Campground
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Mount Beauty Public Dump Point
  • Bright Public Dump Point
• Nearest Petrol Station: Mount Beauty or Harrietville (seasonal availability in alpine resorts).
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Mount Beauty.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite (non-flush). Other toilets at various trailheads on the Bogong High Plains Road.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild days, cool to cold nights. Weather is highly changeable. Average maximums are around 18°C but can drop suddenly.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Cool, crisp days and cold nights. The plains turn golden. Average maximums range from 6°C to 14°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Very cold with heavy snow cover. The area is only accessible on skis or snowshoes. Average maximums are around 1°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cold to cool days, with snow usually persisting into the season. A great time for alpine wildflowers. Average maximums range from 5°C to 12°C.