Red Box Campsite, Cathedral Range State Park

Red Box Campsite is a primitive bush camp for the dedicated hiker, offering a truly immersive and self-sufficient experience in the magnificent Cathedral Range State Park. This is not a drive-up destination; it is a walk-in campsite located along the remote Little River Track, deep within the park’s rugged northern section. The campsite is a small, simple clearing set amongst a beautiful forest of peppermint and box eucalypts, providing a tranquil and isolated spot to rest after a day on the trails. Its primary purpose is to serve as an overnight stop for those undertaking multi-day hikes through the park, allowing walkers to break up their journey and sleep under the stars in a spectacular natural setting.This campground embodies the ‘leave no trace’ ethos and is strictly for those who are prepared for a complete lack of amenities. There are no facilities whatsoever—no toilets, no water, no fireplaces, and no bins. Campers must carry in everything they need, including a fuel stove for cooking (fires are not permitted), a portable toilet system, all drinking water, and the means to carry out every piece of rubbish. As it is situated within a State Park, dogs and other pets are strictly forbidden to protect the fragile ecosystem and its native inhabitants, which include kangaroos, wallabies, and a rich variety of birdlife. The reward for this level of self-reliance is an unparalleled sense of solitude and a direct connection to the wild beauty of the Cathedral Ranges. It’s a place to be truly alone with your thoughts, surrounded by the sounds of the bush, before continuing your hiking adventure the next day.

Red Box Campsite – VIC Map

• Name and Address: Red Box Campsite, Little River Road, Taggerty, VIC 3714, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -37.51868616319502, 146.62205162686976
• Website: Parks Victoria – Cathedral Range State Park

Campground Information & Features

• Location: In the northern, more remote section of the Cathedral Range State Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents only (hike-in).
• Road Access: Park roads are 2WD accessible to nearby trailheads, but the campsite itself is walk-in only.
• Site Surface: Natural forest clearing.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free dispersed camping for hikers.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Standard park regulations apply.
• Facilities: None.
• Potable Water: No. You must carry in all your water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Unlikely. Very poor to non-existent in this part of the park.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No. A portable toilet system or proper bush toileting methods are required.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open Fires: Prohibited. This is a fuel stove only area.
• Generator Use: Prohibited.
• Number of Sites Available: A small area suitable for a few hiking tents.
• Essentials to Bring: All water, food, fuel stove, tent, sleeping gear, PLB/sat phone, detailed maps, first-aid kit.
• Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in Cathedral Range State Park.
• Fishing: Not applicable.
• Short Walks: This campsite is located on longer hiking trails; it is not a destination for short walks.

Nearby Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Buxton Hotel/Pub – Approx. 15 km
  • Taggerty Hotel – Approx. 20 km
  • Black Spur Inn (Narbethong) – Approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Buxton (Pub, takeaway, bakery) – Approx. 15 km
  • Marysville (Numerous cafes, bakeries, pubs) – Approx. 25 km
  • Alexandra (Wide range of options) – Approx. 35 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Cathedral Range Northern and Southern Circuits (hiking)
  • Sugarloaf Peak and The Razorback hikes
  • Steavenson Falls (Marysville) – Approx. 25 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Buxton Mountain View Caravan Park – Approx. 15 km
  • Marysville Holiday Park – Approx. 25 km
  • Alexandra Tourist Park – Approx. 35 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Cooks Mill Campground (fees apply) – Approx. 10 km south
  • Keppel Creek Camping Area (Rubicon Valley) – Approx. 20 km (4WD)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Marysville – Approx. 25 km
  • Alexandra – Approx. 35 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Buxton – Approx. 15 km
  • Marysville – Approx. 25 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Marysville or Alexandra are the nearest towns with reliable public taps.
• Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
  • Cooks Mill Campground – Approx. 10 km
  • Neds Gully Campground – Approx. 12 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Cathedral Range Area

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Days can be very hot and dry. High bushfire risk. Hiking can be strenuous. Carry plenty of water.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Generally the best time for hiking, with mild, clear days and cool nights.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and often wet. The rocky peaks can be slippery and hazardous. Snowfall is possible on the highest peaks.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): A beautiful time for wildflowers. Weather can be very unpredictable, with a mix of warm sunshine, rain, and even snow.