Michell Hut Campground

🏕️ Michell Hut Campground – Tawonga, VIC 🏕️

📍 DESCRIPTION & LOCATIONMichell Hut Campground is a remote alpine camping area located on the northern slopes of Mount Bogong, Victoria’s tallest mountain. Accessible only by hiking via the Staircase Spur walking track, the campground sits beside Michell Hut—an emergency alpine shelter perched at roughly 1,480 metres above sea level. With snow gums, sweeping mountain views, and icy creeks nearby, it’s a rewarding destination for experienced bushwalkers.

🕰️ HISTORYMichell Hut was built as a memorial to a local skier who died on Mt Bogong in the 1930s. It has since served as an emergency refuge for hikers ascending via the Staircase Spur, one of the most popular and challenging routes to the summit. The area forms part of the Alpine National Park and carries deep cultural significance for the traditional custodians, the Taungurung and Dhudhuroa peoples.

🚿 FACILITIES AND AMENITIES

• Open, unmarked tent spaces near hut

• Michell Hut (emergency shelter only – not for overnight stays)

• Drop toilet

• Rainwater tank (seasonal, boil before use)

• No fires allowed – fuel stove only area

• No rubbish facilities – pack in, pack out

• No pets (Alpine National Park regulations)

🚛 VEHICLE ACCESS

• No vehicle access to site

• Hiking access only via Staircase Spur Track (~4.5 km, steep ascent)

• Trailhead at Mountain Creek Camping Area (2WD access via gravel road)

• Not suitable for anyone without alpine hiking experience

🛌 STAY INFORMATION (as at July 2025)

• Free stay

• No bookings required

• Walk-in bush camping only – no vehicle or trailer access

• Best for experienced, self-reliant hikers

• Subject to alpine conditions – snow possible year-round

• Carry all gear, food, water purification, and navigation tools

🍻 PUBS & CLUBS NEARBY

• Tawonga South (~30 min from trailhead):

  • Mt Beauty Hotel – bistro meals and drinks

  • West Peak Hotel – pub with live music and views toward Mt Bogong

• Mount Beauty Country Club – bowls, casual meals, and bar

⛺ NEARBY CAMPGROUNDS

• Mountain Creek Camping Area – free, vehicle-accessible camp at the base of the Staircase Spur trail

• Big Hill Campground (Mount Beauty) – informal bush camp area

• Howmans Gap Alpine Centre – group lodge and tenting near Falls Creek (not walk-in accessible)

🌄 NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

• Mount Bogong Summit (1,986 m): Highest peak in Victoria – ~3 hr hike from hut

• Alpine National Park: Snow gums, alpine grasslands, and native wildlife

• Fainter Falls: Scenic waterfall short drive from Mt Beauty

• Kiewa Valley Lookouts: Panoramic views from Tawonga Gap Road

• Falls Creek Alpine Resort: Year-round activities ~1 hr drive from trailhead

🛒 NEAREST SUPPLIES

• Mount Beauty (~30 min drive from trailhead):

  • FoodWorks supermarket

  • Fuel (incl. LPG), bakery, pharmacy

  • Outdoor gear, camping supplies

• Water refill: Seasonal tank at hut (boil before use); reliable water at Mountain Creek

🗣️ REVIEWS SUMMARY

Loved for:

• Quiet, scenic alpine setting well off the grid

• Hut adds safety and shelter on exposed slopes

• Gateway to Mt Bogong summit

Watch-outs:

• No facilities beyond drop toilet and rainwater tank

• Hike is steep and exposed – snow, ice, wind possible year-round

• Not suitable for beginners or non-self-contained campers

🚨 BREAKDOWN & EMERGENCY INFO

• Emergency: 000

• Fuel and LPG: Mount Beauty

• Auto repair: Mount Beauty Mechanical

• Medical: Mount Beauty Medical Centre

• Mobile reception: Patchy to none at hut; limited Telstra at trailhead

• CB UHF: Channel 40 (road traffic) | Channel 5 (emergency only)

• Parks Victoria recommends:

  • Trip registration not mandatory, but strongly encouraged

  • PLB or satellite communication device required for exposed summit routes

  • No ranger presence at Michell Hut—emergency services accessed via 000

  • Alpine weather risk year-round (snow, wind chill, storms)

📝 FINAL NOTEMichell Hut Campground is a serious backcountry stop best suited to seasoned hikers with alpine experience. The hike in is steep and physical, but the views, peace, and closeness to Mount Bogong’s summit make it a rare and rewarding overnight for those prepared to go the distance.