Camping at Howqua River VIC

Hi Andrew,

It's been several years since I was in that part of the country but my comments may help answer your question. At any time but winter during school holidays, Sheepyard Flat is busy. There is a wide open area and I have seen this packed.

However, if you want to get away from the hoards, just keep following the Howqua along. There are a lot of little campsites along the river which will accommodate from 1-3 tents and vehicles. This was always our preference and we had some delightful camps on the River. Even during the busy Easter period, we were able to find a nice spot to ourselves.

Trouble is leaving Melbourne at 4pm, you will arrive in the evening and if you are unfamiliar with the area, finding these campsites in the dark could be tricky.

:o) Melissa

hi andrew we came amd stopped in howqua just after christmas was not to busy the river is down a little but still good fishing so i was told bye some campers fires are allowed in places provided you will find dug outs at the camp sites as long as not not a day of fire ban not sure where shepards flat is but mansfield is about 2.5hrs from melb and howqua is about another 15 mins

I WAS UP IN THE HIGH COUNTRY ON THE WEEKEND, NEALLY GOT RUN OFF THE ROAD BY A D..HEAD IN A X-TRAIL ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE LAST TIME I WENT TO SHEEP YARD FLATS, LOTS OF FAST 4X4 WITH LOUD MUSIC AND SWEARING AND DRINKING, PICK SOME WHERE ELSE IF YOU WONT PEACE AND QUITE. HAPPY CAMPING
THE MITTA MITTA RIVER WAS FLOWING QUITE FAST AND WAS VERY HEALTHY ON SATURDAY 4-1-03

"Sheepyard Flat is busy" is an understatement, same as Frys flat over the top of the hill...

The road last time I went there nearly shook my teeth out...

Finding it in the dark wont be a challange, once on the road, just keep going till ya cross the bridge and your there.

Lots of people are conflicting with water levels, depends on what you call a lot! I wouldnt expect much at all..

6mm of rain isnt going to kill the drought!! It also isnt going to make the whitewater rapids go nuts either.

Just got back from 6 days in Alpine Pk with Christmas Day on Howqua R. We found a spot all to ourselves at the 7 mile right on the river and all to ourselves - great walks from there too. The road in from Minimbah is good - not 4x4 in real terms but a magic spot with easy access thru Mansfield. The best part of our trip was further north.
We left Gosford on day one, drove via Canberra and arrived at a lovely motel at Mansfield at arond 10pm. After a good night's sleep (and a shower) and a fresh start, found the next day to Howqua easy going arriving in heaps of time to pick the best camp spot and we were completely set up by 4:00pm. Our only visitors in two days were wild dogs (Dingo cross breeds) prowling the camp.
PHIL TURNER

Andrew, the rivers north of the divide are running at 50% of their normal flow for this time of year.They are still great spots to camp.In the last month I have checked out the Ovens,Buckland, King Howqua and the Golbourn and all are flowing. Most of the valleys are still quite green and pretty.Campfires are allowed unless it's a total fire ban needless to say they should not be left unattended and put totally out before leaving.
Sheepyard Flat is always busy on weekends and at prime times i.e. x/mas, Aust. day,Easter etc.So you will need to bring some wood with you. As mentioned if it's flat out at Sheepyard you can keep travelling up the road and usually find another spot.Or try Fry's or Tobacco Flat which is downstream of Sheepyard.
There is good camping also on the Golbourn upstream of Jamieson.From Kevington to the Knockwood Bridge there is about 30 camps of varying size all accessable with 2WD. For good 4WD camps turn left after the Knockwood Bridge onto the Lazarini Track and head down one of the spurs off to your left to the river or keep going till the track fords the Golbourn.
Both places are about 3/4 of an hour out of Mansfield plus 1/2 an hour extra to Knockwood. There is also a great pub at Kevington Hope this helps!