How to camp in Victoria’s Alpine Region at Mount Buffalo National Park and surrounds
Camping in the Victorian Alps comes with its challenges, and one expert ranger shares the advice all visitors must know when staying in the region at all times of the year.
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Camping in the Victorian Alps comes with its challenges, at any time of year.
There’s plenty places to pitch a tent or take the caravan, with some sites more remote than others.
Mount Buffalo is one of the regions more established camp grounds, with plenty of facilities operating during summer, however in winter, these are pared back.
Mount Buffalo National Park ranger team leader Michelle Doherty shares her camping tips for the region and the one thing campers should know about the region.
“Being an alpine environment conditions can change quickly and dramatically, and it can snow at any time of the year,” she said.
“If you’re camping over Christmas or Easter, you should still be prepared for that possibility.”
Mount Buffalo Rd, via the Great Alpine Rd.
LAKE CATANI CAMPGROUND
Level: High
Closest town: Porepunkah: 32km, Bright: 37km.
Drawcard: Camping in the snow gum woodlands, dispersed campsites.
Phone reception: Good service on Telstra in campgrounds, limited elsewhere.
Facilities: 47 unpowered campsites, hot showers, flushing toilets and dishwashing in sink areas, handwash laundry facilities.
Dingo Dell Cafe is open Wednesday to Sunday in November and December and provides basic supplies like bread, milk, ice and newspapers.
When to visit: Lake Catani opened for its summer season last month (Friday before Melbourne Cup) and remains open until April 30.
Winter camping starts Queens Birthday weekend until August. During this time facilities are basic and walk-in camp sites are only available.
Things to do:
Lake Catani has a small shallow beach area that’s great for swimming, canoeing and rafting in summer, with licensed tour operators running canoe trips.
There’s a number of great walking tracks, including the Chalwell Galleries, which see people climb through the snow gums and granite rocks, wiggling through confined spaces to catch incredible views of giant structures.
Advice:
Ms Doherty said temperatures could plummet to -7C in winter.
Campers should also have tents and equipment suitable for snow camping.
In winter, there are no services or rubbish collection, with pit toilets in use and fires restricted to either end of the stone huts at the camp grounds.
Firewood cannot be collected from surrounding bush, but some can be bought on site for $15.
In summer the temperatures are 10C cooler at the peaks, which allows for the perfect escape from the heat.
Some campsites are accessible by foot only, so tents can only be used in those areas.
As the campgrounds are surrounded by a ring road, you cannot park close to your campsites. Sites do require bookings, some up to 18 months in advance.
Ms Doherty said campers should ensure they book Lake Catani, or risk having to stay at one of the other remote campsites at Rocky Creek or Mount McLeod, which each are 8km walk with no-road access.
OTHER PLACES TO STAY:
JB PLAIN CAMPING AREA
Via Tabletop Walking Track and Great Alpine Rd.
Level: Basic.
Closest town: Dinner Plain: 2.2km, Hotham Heights: 8.3km.
Drawcard: Dispersed bush camping.
Phone reception: OK with Telstra.
Facilities: Unpowered sites, BYO drinking water, fireplace, picnic tables, pit toilet, no showers.
When to visit: Camping in both summer and winter allows for unique experiences, each with their pros and cons.
Things to do: Tackle the 22km Razorback trail at Mount Feathertop, which is a steep hike through rocky and rough terrain.
Advice: Dispersed bush camping is ideal for more experienced campers.
The weather can suddenly deteriorate and snow can fall at any time of year.
The campground is open all year round and designed for short-stays.
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FALLS TO HOTHAM ALPINE CROSSING
This 37km, three day-hike will take the adventurous camper through the Alpine National Park from Falls Creek to Mount Hotham.
The trek is best broken into three legs across three days and two nights — 14km between Falls Creek and Cope Hut, 14km between Cope Hut and Dibbins Hut and 9km between Dibbins Hut and Mt Hotham.
You’ll need to book and require a permit to camp.
If you’re sick of walking Forest Air Helicopters provides a heli-shuttle between Falls Creek and Mount Hotham on Fridays and Saturdays during the green season. The flight takes 8 minutes. Bookings: 1300 731 450.
