Benambra, Buchan and Bonang

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Benambra, Buchan and Bonang

Alpine National Park

Nestled in the north of Alpine National Park, and bordering Kosciuszko National Park, the wild and remote Benambra, Buchan and Bonang area is Victoria’s modern world escape. Explore the magnificent Snowy River, picturesque Suggan Buggan Valley, the headwaters of the Murray River, and spectacular peaks of Mount Cobberas and Tingaringy.

Taking in the quaint hamlets of Bonang, Tubbut and Suggan Buggan, this remote corner of the Alpine National Park is an adventure-lovers dream. Journey along Limestone Road or McKillops Road to access its wild peaks and valleys. Or if you’re a seasoned four-wheel driver, venture deep into the wilderness along the Davies Plain Iconic Drive.

For experienced bushwalkers, take on scenic hikes to the peaks of Mount Stradbroke, Mount Cobberas, Cowombat Flat or Tingaringy Falls, and when you’re done for the day, pitch a tent in the remote Native Dog Flat, Willis or McKillop Bridge Camping Areas.

If you’re not strapped for time, trek the extraordinary 650-kilometre Australian Alps Walking Trail. The walk meanders from Walhalla through Baw Baw and the Alpine National Park, before crossing into New South Wales and concluding its journey in Canberra.

Enjoy a day out on the rapids of the Snowy River for an unforgettable experience. Launch your canoe, kayak or raft from Willis Camping Area or the historic McKillop Bridge. The heritage-listed bridge was built in the 1930s to allow vehicles, and more importantly livestock, safe passage across a spectacular gorge that the Snowy River has carved.

Things to do in the area

 
Kennedys Hut near Benambra in the Alpine National Park.

Kennedys Hut

Kennedys Hut is near Benambra.
Two women camp in the Alpine National Park at twilight.

Dispersed camping in Alpine National Park

The Alpine National Park offers some of the most authentic and scenic bush camping opportunities in Victoria.

How to get there

Benambra, Buchan and Bonang

This part of the Alpine National Park adjoins Kosciuszko National Park along its northern boundary and the Snowy River National Park to the south.

The park is between 440 and 500 km north-east of Melbourne. The main access roads are all unsealed, narrow and winding and generally unsuitable for caravans.

The Snowy River Road accesses the Snowy River at Willis on the state border. This road becomes the Barry Way across the border and passes through Kosciuszko National Park en route to Jindabyne.

The Bonang Road from Orbost is an alternative approach - McKillop Road branches from it a few kilometres south of Bonang.

The Limestone-Black Mountain Road crosses the central part of the park and links Benambra to the Snowy River Road. This road is often closed in winter as a result of heavy snowfalls.

Facilities

Carpark
BBQ

When to go

The mild summer temperatures found in the high altitudes of the Alpine National Park are the perfect retreat from its lower-lying counterparts and make for perfect hiking conditions. While the occasional sunny day can see daytime temperatures rise above 30°C, the nights are still cool.

Need to know

Benambra, Buchan and Bonang

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Alpine National Park

    TRACK CLOSURE: Little Cobbler Track, Alpine National Park

    Due to the poor condition of the Little Cobbler Track, it is closed.  The track has suffered significant impacts from multiple flood and storm events that has left deep ruts that are not trafficable, making use of the track unsafe.

    There are multiple 4WD options for alternate routes between Lake Cobbler Road and Speculation Road areas.   Options include; 
    • via Cobbler Lake Track. Turn off Lake Cobbler Rd onto Cobbler Lake Track thru to Speculation Road.
    • via Wild Horse Gap Track. Turn off Lake Cobbler Rd onto Wild Horse Gap Track, turn onto Burnt Top Track and follow thru to Pineapple Flat. From Pineapple Flat take King Basin Road thru to Speculation Road.
    • via Basin Track. Turn off Upper Rose River Rd onto Basin Track, turn onto Burnt Top Track and follow thru to Pineapple Flat. From Pineapple Flat take King Basin Road thru to Speculation Road. 
    Please contact Parks Victoria on 13 19 63 if you need further assistance with journey planning in this area to assist with navigating around this closure.

    Cobberas, Ingeegoodbee and Macfarlane Flat Track closures.

    The following tracks have been significantly damaged by storms and floods and are currently closed to motor vehicles to ensure public safety and environmental protection:
    • Cobberas Track
    • Macfarlane Flat Track
    • Ingeegoodbee Track
    The tracks are likely to remain closed to motor vehicles until detailed site assessments have been completed. It is difficult to predict when planning approvals will be obtained to allow for repairs to commence. 
    Before visiting, visitors should check the Parks Victoria website for the latest information about their destination.

    Attachments: FAQs for Cobberas ingeegoodbee and mcfarlane tks (128KB)

    Wonnangatta Complex Fire - Area and Road Closures - North East

    Sections of the Alpine National Park remain CLOSED to the south of Mt Sarah due to the Dargo Wonnangatta complex fires in the area.

    Closed sites/tracks include:
    -          Rileys, Humffray River, Whites & Water Spur Tracks.
    Open areas:
    -          Access to the Wonnangatta Valley via East Buffalo Road, East Riley, Zeka Spur and Wonnangatta Tracks.
    -          West Buffalo, Harry Shephards, & Penny Track
    -          West Humffray River Track
    -          Australian Alps Walking Track
    -          King Hut
    -          King Billy Track through to Howitt Road
    -          Cobbler Lake Track, Speculation Rd & Lake Cobbler
    -          The Bogong High Plains
    -          Mt Feathertop and Mt Loch areas
    -          Mt Bogong
    -          Walking tracks between Falls Creek and Mt Hotham
    -          Mt Buffalo
    -          Visitor sites accessed from the Omeo Highway
    -          Howqua Hills
    -          Lake Cobbler
    -          Beveridges Station
    -          Twins Tk, Selwyn Ck Tk, Mt Murray South Track

    Please see FFM closure map for https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/permits-and-regulations/closures-of-parks-and-forests

    Road re-sheeting to Cobbler Lake Rd

    From the 29th of April to 06th of May road works will be occurring on the Cobbler Lake rd, vehicles travelling this road will be delayed. Contact with Road crew can be made on UHF 40

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Wonnangatta Complex Fire - Area and Road Closures - Gippsland Alps

    Certain Tracks and Sites in the Alpine National Park and Grant Historic Area remain CLOSED - Due to the Dargo Wonnangatta complex fires in the area
    Closed Sites/Tracks:
    - McMillans walking track within the closure area
    - National Horse Trail from Wonnangatta Valley to Dargo within the closure area
    - Pinnacles Day visitor area and viewing platform. Closed at junction of Pinnacles Road and Billy Goat Bluff Track Intersection.
    - Certain Areas within the Grant Historic Area.
    - Pioneer Racecourse Camping Areas (Alpine National Park)
    - CLOSED Tracks include: Hern Spur Track, Scrubby Creek Track, Mccarthy Spur Track, Castleburn Track, Black Range Track, 65 Fire Trail Track, Junction Spur Track
     
    Open areas
    Open areas include:
    -          Wonnangatta Valley including access from Dargo
    -          Wellington Campsites on Tamboritha Road
    -          Wellington River Trailhead to Lake Tali Karng
    -          Thomastown Camping area, Kelly Hut, McMichaels Hut
    -          King Spur Track into Mayford
    -          Alpine National Park beyond Hotham Heights to the north and to Omeo
    -          Avon Wilderness Park
    -          Howitt Road
    -          Tamboritha Road
    -          King Billy Track
    -          Mt Howitt Carpark
    -          Vallejo Gantner Hut
    -          Macalister Springs
    -          Mount Howitt Walking Track
    -          Howitt Hut
    -          Bryces Gorge
    -          Horseyard Flat
    -          MacFarlane Saddle access to Tali Karng northern trail network.
    -          Moroka Hut
    -          Blue Rag Range
    -          Dargo High Plains including Mayford.
    -          Billy Goat Bluff Track
    -          Talbotville Camping Ground via McMillans Road
    -          McMillans Road from Dargo High Plains Rd to Talbotville Camping Area.
    -          Eaglevale Camping Area.

    Please see FFM closure map https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/permits-and-regulations/closures-of-parks-and-forests

    MARATHON ROAD CLOSURE

    Marathon Road is currently closed at New Place Creek whilst culvert replacement works take place. Access around this closure and works site for through traffic is still available, for four wheel drive only, by following Rim Track.

    Roading works Howitt Rd, Moroka Rd and Tamboritha Rd

    Road works are taking place on Howitt Road, Moroka Road and Tamboritha Road. Heavy machinery will be present including traffic management points. Please drive to the conditions and comply with road safety signage and traffic management direction. 

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

    Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer

    Control operations (aerial shooting) targeting deer are planned for this area.  During operations parts of the Park will be closed to visitors. More information on closures will be posted a minimum of 4 weeks prior to commencement. 
     
    Visitors are advised to check the Change of conditions listing prior to arrival for up to date information and maps.
     
    For more information about deer control to protect biodiversity, please visit this link.

    Ground shooting operations targeting deer

    Control operations (ground shooting) targeting deer are undertaken in this area. The Park will remain open to visitors during operations.

    For more information about deer control to protect biodiversity, please visit our Deer page.

    Wonnangatta Complex Fire - Debris and Fallen Trees

    Due to the recent Wonnangatta Complex Fire – Park Visitors may experience increased amount of debris and fallen trees along the track and road network.
    Whilst every effort will be made to keep tracks open and safe, post bushfire conditions may mean that tracks and roads may change in condition quickly.

    Please be aware and suitably prepared if visiting opened areas within the fire effected areas.

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