Limestone Creek Camping Area
For the intrepid 4WD explorer, the Limestone Creek Camping Area is a premier destination in the heart of the Victorian High Country. Located deep within the Alpine National Park near the northern end of the legendary Davies Plain Track, this free campsite offers unparalleled remoteness and natural splendour. Set in a beautiful, open grassy valley alongside the crystal-clear Limestone Creek, the camping area provides a tranquil base for tackling some of Australia’s most iconic alpine tracks. Access is strictly for high-clearance 4WD vehicles, involving numerous river crossings and steep, technical sections, particularly along Limestone Creek Track. This challenging journey is part of the adventure, guaranteeing a peaceful escape far from the crowds.
The camping ground itself features two main sections, both offering spacious, flat sites perfect for setting up a base camp. Facilities are rustic but well-maintained, including several drop toilets to cater for campers. As a remote bush camp, visitors must be completely self-reliant. This means bringing all your own supplies, especially drinking water, as the creek water should be treated before consumption. The area is a haven for wildlife, and at night, the clear alpine skies offer a spectacular stargazing experience. Campfires are a welcome feature for the cold mountain nights, permitted in the existing fire pits outside of fire ban periods, but you’ll need to bring your own firewood. With virtually no mobile phone service, it’s an ideal spot to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re fishing for trout in the creek, exploring nearby historic huts, or simply soaking in the serenity, Limestone Creek delivers an authentic and memorable high-country camping experience for the well-prepared adventurer.
Camp Details
- Name: Limestone Creek Camping Area
- Address: Limestone Creek Track, Cobberas, VIC 3900, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -36.855153668714834, 148.05570951243465
- Website: Parks Victoria – Alpine National Park
Site Information
- Location: Deep within the Alpine National Park, near the northern end of Davies Plain Track and southern end of Limestone Creek Track.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, and swags. Strictly for well-equipped 4WD vehicles. Not suitable for caravans.
- Road Access: Difficult 4WD track with multiple river crossings. Tracks are subject to seasonal closures (typically June to November).
- Site Surface: Grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, this is a designated free camping area.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit.
- Facilities: Multiple non-flush (long drop) toilets. No showers or powered sites.
- Potable Water: No. Creek water available but must be treated before drinking. Bring your own supplies.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: None. Satellite phone or PLB is essential for safety.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, several long-drop toilets.
- Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in existing fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. Bring your own firewood. Do not cut down standing trees.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of others.
- Number of Sites Available: Large open area with 20+ informal sites.
- Essentials to Bring: All food and water, firewood, vehicle recovery gear, satellite communication device, warm clothing, rubbish bags, toilet paper.
- Pet Friendly: No, pets are strictly forbidden in the Alpine National Park.
- Fishing: Yes, trout fishing in Limestone Creek is popular (Victorian fishing licence required).
- Short Walks: Explore along the creek, visit nearby Davies Hut, or hike sections of the surrounding 4WD tracks.
Nearby Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- Benambra Hotel, Benambra (approx. 70 km via 4WD tracks)
- Hilltop Hotel, Omeo (approx. 95 km)
- Khancoban Hotel, Khancoban NSW (approx. 100 km)
- Places to Eat:
- Benambra Hotel (pub meals) (approx. 70 km)
- Omeo has several cafes and a bakery (approx. 95 km)
- Khancoban has a cafe and pub (approx. 100 km)
- Local Attractions:
- Davies Plain Track & Davies Hut
- Cobberas Wilderness Area
- Snowy River National Park
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Omeo Caravan Park (approx. 95 km)
- Khancoban Lakeside Caravan Park (approx. 100 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- Buckwong Creek Camping Area (along Davies Plain Tk)
- Geehi Flats Campground (Kosciusko NP, NSW) (approx. 110 km)
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Omeo Caravan Park (check for public access/fees) (approx. 95 km)
- Corryong Dump Point (approx. 140 km)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Benambra (limited hours) (approx. 70 km)
- Omeo (approx. 95 km)
- Khancoban, NSW (approx. 100 km)
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Benambra or Omeo public taps (approx. 70-95 km)
- Nearest Public Toilets (off-site):
- Benambra town centre (approx. 70 km)
- Omeo town centre (approx. 95 km)
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm days, cool nights. Ideal conditions, but be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms. High bushfire risk.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Best time to visit. Mild, stable weather and stunning colours. Nights are cold.
- Winter (Jun-Nov): Tracks are seasonally CLOSED. The area is inaccessible due to snow and dangerous track conditions.
- Spring (Late Nov): Tracks may reopen, but expect very wet, muddy, and challenging conditions with potential for high river levels from snowmelt.