The best camping in Alpine National Park, VIC

Alpine National Park, in eastern Victoria and bordering New South Wales' Kosciuszko National Park, is a rugged area of alpine and subalpine terrain and ecosystems. Travellers come here to hike in Victoria’s highest mountains, go mountain biking or horseback riding, and to admire the wildflowers. The park contains a number of dedicated campsites with facilities plus dispersed bush camping—or free camping—is allowed throughout much of the park. An added bonus for horse-loving campers is that several campsites in the Howqua Hills Historic Area and the Bogong High Plains have horse yards–ideal for long-distance horse treks through the mountains.

• Best for horseback riders: Fry’s Flat is one of several dedicated horse camping sites in the park.
• Best for four-wheel drive travel: Pineapple Flat Camping Area is beside the King River.
• Best for hikers: Cleve Cole Hut Camping Area is a stop on the way to Mt. Bogong.

1. The only campsites in Alpine National Park that require booking and prepayment are those on the three-day Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing hike. These should be booked and paid for online.
2. Visitors camping with their horses should also book in advance, because only certain campsites have facilities for horses, and numbers are limited. Horse yards are free.

Alpine National Park can be a year-round destination but most hikers and campers will be more comfortable–and safer–visiting in summer. This is a high-altitude park that is around 6,500 feet (2,000 metres) in places, and snow can fall at any time of year. Visiting Alpine National Park in winter requires specialist backcountry skills, as snow and very cold temperatures are likely. Cross-country and downhill skiing is popular in this park though, so if you are experienced and well-equipped, you can camp here in winter, too. The season for camping with horses is from 1 November to 31 May.

• High-country huts are dotted around the Alpine National Park and access to them is unrestricted but these are not a regular form of accommodation: visitors are asked to only use them in emergencies, and to carry a tent with them at all times.
• Visit during the Alpine Discovery Days for a free guided tour of the Wallaces and Cope Hut precinct on the Bogong High Plains with a volunteer park guide.