Buffalo River Retreat was our first night in the High Country: a farm Hipcamp beside the Buffalo River, about 15 km from Myrtleford, with big grassy flats under the river gums and still pools right by camp. We drove in late in the afternoon from Powers Lookout, past Lake Buffalo, set up the rooftop tent on the grass, and left the next morning for Bright. When we checked the listing afterwards, it said the camp has been closed to bookings by the Alpine Shire Council, so read this as what it was like when we stayed.
What we like
- Big grassy flats by the river
- Rock pools for a swim
- Only four private sites
- Fire rings with a grill plate
- Close to Bright and Myrtleford
What we don’t
- Closed to bookings for now
- No drinking water
- Basic drop toilet
About Buffalo River RetreatAbout
The retreat is 50 acres of working farmland in the Buffalo River valley, between Myrtleford and Lake Buffalo, with more than a kilometre of river frontage. The listing has four private sites, each well apart from the others: Far End, Riverside, Rocky River Bush Camp and The Pines. Two are on open, flat lawn near the river and two are shady bush sites, and they take tents and vans up to 11 metres. Dogs are welcome.
Quick facts
- AddressBuffalo River VIC 3737, AustraliaSee on the trip map →
- FacilitiesToiletsFire PitsPicnic ShelterRiver AccessDogs AllowedNo Drinking WaterNo ShowersNo Power
- Good to knowClosed to bookings for now4 private sites15 km from Myrtleford
- Fees$25 a night when we stayedclosed to bookings now
- 8.3/10Overall rated
Getting There
From Myrtleford the road runs south up the Buffalo River valley, sealed through farmland and pine-covered hills, and the last stretch to the camp is a gravel road through dry paddocks. The listing says it’s fine for a 2WD, though a 4WD is better for the two bush sites after heavy rain. We came in from the King Valley along the back roads, past the dam wall of Lake Buffalo with Mount Buffalo behind.
The Campsites
The flats are wide, mown and dotted with big river gums, so there’s shade in the afternoon and space to park anywhere. Our site was out in the open on the grass, with a steel fire ring and grill plate, and a roofed picnic shelter with tables a short walk away. We paid $25 for the night. The sites are spread well apart, so it felt quiet and private, and in the evening the low sun lit up the whole flat.
Rock Pools on the Buffalo RiverThe river
The best part is the Buffalo River itself, a short walk from camp. Rock shelves and a gravel beach line still, clear pools, with the river gums reflected in the water and the dry hills behind. It’s a lovely spot to cool off after a day on the road; watch your step on the rocks.
Facilities
Facilities are basic. The toilet is a timber drop toilet out in the paddock, with hand sanitiser and a box of lime to add after each use. There’s no drinking water, no showers and no power, so arrive with full water containers. Campfires are allowed in the fire rings, and the listing sells firewood at $25 a bundle.
Things to Do NearbyThings to do
Lake Buffalo is just up the valley, with Mount Buffalo and its granite peaks above. Myrtleford is the nearest town for supplies, and Bright, our next stop, is a short drive further along the Great Alpine Road. On the way we passed the gate of Feathertop Private Estate, a winery, and the hop gardens of the Ovens and Buffalo valleys.
Summary
Buffalo River Retreat was a peaceful farm camp: grassy flats under the river gums, rock pools for a swim and private sites, close to Myrtleford and Bright. Bring your own water and expect a basic drop toilet. For now the listing says it’s closed to bookings, so check Hipcamp before you plan around it.
A peaceful riverside camp on a farm in the Buffalo River valley.
Big mown flats under the river gums, a fire ring with a grill plate, and still pools with rock shelves right by camp made it an easy, quiet night. Facilities are basic, with a drop toilet and no drinking water, and the camp is closed to bookings for now.
- Couples
- Families
- 4WD tourers
At $25 a night for a private river site, yes, but the Hipcamp listing says the Alpine Shire Council has closed the camp, so you can’t book it for now. Check the listing for news.
Recommended Gear for Buffalo River Retreat
There’s no drinking water, so fill good water containers in Myrtleford. A 4WD awning gives shade on the open grass, and a folding saw helps with the firewood. For a swim in the river, a quick-drying camping towel packs away small.
