Heyfield, Licola and Dargo

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Heyfield, Licola and Dargo

Alpine National Park

The rolling hills of Heyfield, Licola and Dargo give little indication of the spectacular gorges that dissect the south-east corner of the Alpine National Park. Moroka and Bryces Gorge hide impressive waterfalls, while Mount Howitt, the Wonnangatta Valley and Tali Karng make for scenic settings to cross-country skiing, hiking, horse riding, deer hunting and four-wheel driving adventures.

Lake Tali Karng hides deep in the mountains and is the only natural lake within the Victorian Alps. Held behind a rock barrier created thousands of years ago, the underground stream it feeds emerges at the infant Wellington River.

The Wellington River has 13 numbered campsites just north of Licola on the Tamboritha Road. Sites offer facilities such as toilets, fire places and picnic tables. You can enjoy camping under the shady trees with easy access to the river. The geology of the surrounding area is spectacular and makes for a memorable camping experience.

The spectacular Wonnagatta Valley lies among forbidding mountains accessible to adventurous walkers, four-wheel drive enthusiasts, horse riders and deer hunters. Follow the epic Wonnangatta Drive and discover the ruins of an old homestead near the confluence of the Conglomerate Creek and Wonnangatta River, cattlemen’s huts on the high alpine plains and Grants Historic Area which includes the large grassy Talbotville camping area, just beyond the boundaries of the Alpine National Park.

Bryce’s Gorge is arguably one of Victoria’s most spectacular natural features. Not too far from Guys Hut, there is little warning of its existence until the open plains and snowgum woodlands plunge abruptly into a deep abyss. Follow the Bryce’s Gorge Circuit Walk to see Pieman and Conglomerate Falls tumble over the rim of the gorge into a chasm below.

Climb to the top of Mount Howitt, breaking at Vallejo Garntner Hut. Heritage listed for its architectural values, the hut was built in 1970.

Things To Do

 
The majestic Lake Tali Karng.

Tali Karng

Tali Karng is a hidden jewel nestled deep in the mountains of Gippsland, fed by snowmelt waters of the Wellington Plains. Accessible only by foot, it is known as the ‘hidden lake’.
A Parks Victoria 4WD parked in front of a sunset over the mountains in Alpine National Park

Wonnangatta Icon Drive

Embark on an epic 222km 4WD trip through the scenic Wonnangatta Valley and over the vast high plains.
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

Heyfield, Licola and Dargo

When to go

The best time to explore the Alpine National Park on foot is between November and April. 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.

Head towards the Mount Howitt and the Snowy Plains in summer when masses of wildflowers carpet the slopes – from Billy Buttons to Snow and Swamp Paper Daisies.

Need to know

Heyfield, Licola and Dargo

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.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Wonnangatta Complex Fire - Area and Road Closures - Gippsland Alps

    The Alpine National Park is CLOSED at Moroka Road beyond Horseyard Flat (to Pinnacles) and west of the Dargo High Plains Road including the Grant Historic Area – due to the Dargo Wonnangatta complex fires in the area
    Closed sites:
    - Grant Historic Area, including Eaglevale (Alpine NP) and Talbotville (Grant HA) campsites
    - Mount Sarah Natural Features and Scenic Reserve
    - Moroka Road at Horseyard Flat (allowing access to Horseyard Flat) east to the Pinnacles.
    Dargo exit to Wonnangatta Valley. Closed at Conglomerate Creek on exit to Dargo
    - Australian Alps Walking Track within the closure area
    - 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
    - Billy Goat Bluff Track
    - All other roads and tracks in the closed fire area of the Alpine National Park.
     
    Open areas Open areas include:
    -Tali Karng – All access including the Wellington River Walking Track and Wellington Plains Walking Track  (MacFarlane Saddle + Mt Wellington)
    - Wonnangatta Valley from Zeka Spur and Wonnangatta Track (Myrtleford approach)
    - Wellington Campsites on Tamboritha Road
    - 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
    - Mt Wellington and Millers Hut
    - Howitt Road
    - Howitt Hut
    - Bryces Gorge
    - Dimmick’s Lookout
    - Tamboritha Road
    - King Billy Track
    - Mt Howitt Carpark
    - Vallejo Gantner Hut
    - Macalister Springs
    - Mount Howitt Walking Track
    - Horseyard Flat
    - Moroka Hut 
    - Blue Rag Range Track  

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

    Recent roadwork and rain

    Recent roadwork has been completed on the following tracks and areas:
    * Kelly Lane
    * Dingo Hill Track
    * Scrubby Hill Track
    * Dimmick's Lookout
    * Bryce's Gorge Campground
    * Howitt Hut Campground
    * Horseyard Flat Campground 
    Due to recent rain and the settling of the works, some areas may be soft and slippery.
    Please be cautious and try to have minimal vehicle impact whilst visiting these sites.

  • 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)

    Federation Hut toilet replacement

    • Parks Victoria is replacing the toilets at Federation Hut near the summit of Mount Feathertop, Alpine National Park
    • The works will commence Monday 16 March and are expected to finish in April 2026. To ensure visitor safety, access to the work site next to Federation Hut will be restricted.
    • Temporary toilet facilities will be available during this time. The camping area will remain open and visitors will still be able to access walking tracks including Bungalow Spur, North West Spur and the Razorback.
    • Due to the remote location and difficult terrain, a helicopter will be used to fly materials and equipment to and from the site. There will be loud construction noise and frequent helicopter presence while demolition and construction works are underway.
    • This is one of many project Parks Victoria is delivering in to improve the visitor experience in Northeast Victoria.

    Federation Hut toilet replacement

    • Parks Victoria is replacing the toilets at Federation Hut near the summit of Mount Feathertop, Alpine National Park
    • The works will commence Monday 16 March and are expected to finish in April 2026. To ensure visitor safety, access to the work site next to Federation Hut will be restricted.
    • Temporary toilet facilities will be available during this time. The camping area will remain open and visitors will still be able to access walking tracks including Bungalow Spur, North West Spur and the Razorback.
    • Due to the remote location and difficult terrain, a helicopter will be used to fly materials and equipment to and from the site. There will be loud construction noise and frequent helicopter presence while demolition and construction works are underway.
    • This is one of many project Parks Victoria is delivering in to improve the visitor experience in Northeast Victoria.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

    Wonnangatta Complex Fire - Area and Road Closures - North East

    Sections of the Alpine National Park remain CLOSED to the South and West of Mt Selwyn – due to the Dargo Wonnangatta complex fires in the area.
    Closed sites/tracks include:
    1. West Buffalo, Harry Shephards, & Penny Track
    2. Australian Alps Walking Track east of the Viking through to Mt Selwyn
    3. Rileys, West Humffray, Humffray River, Whites & Water Spur Tracks.
    4. Areas south of Mt Sarah including Sarah Spur and Tea Tree Spur Track
     
    Open areas:
    1. Access to the Wonnangatta Valley via East Buffalo Road, East Riley and Wonnangatta Tracks.
    2. Australian Alps Walking Track north to Camp Creek including the Crosscut Saw and Mt Speculation
    3. King Hut
    4. King Billy Track through to Howitt Road
    5. Cobbler Lake Track, Speculation Rd & Lake Cobbler
    6. The Bogong High Plains
    7. Mt Feathertop and Mt Loch areas
    8. Mt Bogong
    9. Walking tracks between Falls Creek and Mt Hotham
    10. Mt Buffalo
    11. Visitor sites accessed from the Omeo Highway
    12. Howqua Hills
    13. Lake Cobbler
    14. Beveridges Station
    15. Twins Track, Selwyn Creekk Track, Mt Murray South Track 
    Please see FFM closure map for https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/permits-and-regulations/closures-of-parks-and-forests

    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 this link.

    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.

  • Grant Historic Township Camping Area (Grant Historic Area)

    Wonnangatta Complex Fire Closures – Billy Goat Bluff Track

    Due to the recent Wonnangatta Complex Fire – Billy Goat Bluff Track will remain closed for a further period of time.
    Billy Goat Bluff Track was heavily impacted by bushfire and will require significant ongoing stabilisation works.
    Parks Victoria understand the community interest in reopening this track as soon as possible and will
    strive to have it open when it is safe to do so.

    Wonnangatta Complex Fire Closures - Debris

    Due to the recent Wonnangatta Complex Fire – Park Visitors may experience increased amount of debris 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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