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
Tali Karng
Wonnangatta Icon Drive
Dispersed camping in Alpine National Park
How to get there
Heyfield, Licola and Dargo
When you're there
Download the Parks Victoria visitor guide to get the most out of your Heyfield, Licola and Dargo visit.
The rolling hills and remote valley's hide some of the most beautiful landscapes in the state. The arduous Wonnangatta Drive meanders through the isolated landscapes of Wonnangatta Valley and brings to life the wonderful history of the region - from the ruins of old gold mining towns and cattleman's huts on the high plains to the unsolved murder-mystery of Wonnagatta Station.
Tali Karng sits comfortably among the mountains at the head of the Wellington River, while Bryce's and Moroka Gorge hide spectacular waterfalls, such as Conglomerate and Pieman Falls. The peaks of Mount Howitt, Mount Reynard and Snowy Bluff look out over the forbidden landscapes and remote wilderness areas of the Alpine National Park.
Other activities to note include:
- Wonnangatta Valley - interesting murder mystery lingers over the abandoned cattle station
- Grant Historic Area and the abandoned town of Talbotville now an amazing campground
- The beautiful Dargo and Howitt sub alpine landscapes
- Vehicle based camping along the Wellington River, Horseyard Flat and Thomastown
- The several historic cattleman's huts such as Howitt, Guys, Moroka, Kellys
- Vallejo Garntner Hut - heritage listed for its architectural values and surrounded by some of the most spectacular views in the Australian Alps.
- Bicentennial National Trail - iconic horse riding trail that crosses the Southern Alps and runs from Cooktown, Queensland to Healesville in Victoria 5,330km.
- The incredible hiking trails around Tali Karng, Bryces Gorge, Moroka Falls and Mount Howitt
- Epic four wheel drive experiences such as the Blue Rag Range and Billy Goat Bluff Tracks
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
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
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.
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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)
Temporary closure for track repair works - Native Cat Track (Alpine NP)
Native Cat Track within the Alpine NP will be temporarily closed to vehicles for track repair works. Works are expected to be completed by 22 December 2025.Wonnangatta Icon 4WD Drive Track upgrades
Parks Victoria is upgrading Wonnangatta Track to improve safety and maintain access for 4WD visitors. This will involve surface grading, re-sheeting, and reconstructing damaged sections of the track throughout the Valley.Access routes into the Wonnangatta Valley from Licola, Dargo and the North East remain open and are not impacted by these works.Onsite traffic management will be in place on Wonnangatta Track with some minor delays expected as works progress, please allow extra travel time for your visit to the area. Please adhere to signs and directions to allow machinary to move through the areas required to undertake works.Works are scheduled to begin in December 2025 and are expected to be completed before the end of the year. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Alpine Track Closures
Track repair and upgrades are being undertaken on multiple tracks in the Alpine National ParkThe following tracks will be closed to all visitors: DINGO HILL TRACK, SCRUBBY TRACK, KELLY LANE & MCMICHAELS TRACKAs such KELLYS HUT and MCMICHAELS HUT will also be closed to all visitorsPlease follow all traffic management in the area and check the Parks Victoria website for updatesToilet Replacement and Upgrade Works
Parks Victoria is commencing toilet replacement and upgrade works at the following campsites within the southern area of the Alpine National Park.- Muttonwood Camping area
- Redbox Camping area
- Horse-yard Flat Campground
During the period of construction access to a toilet at these campsites will be impacted. Please follow direction from onsite signs to the nearest open toilet.These works are scheduled to commence in November 2025 and be complete by Christmas 2025. -
Davies Plain Hut & Camping Area (Alpine National Park)
Track repair works - Davies Plain Track (section north of Davies Plain Hut Camping Area and south of Buckwong Creek Camping Area)
The northern part of Davies Plain Track (section north of Davies Plain Hut Camping Area and south of Buckwong Creek Camping Area will be temporarily closed to vehicles while significant track repairs are completed. Works are expected to be completed by 20 December 2025.Davies Plain Hut camping area and Buckwong Creek camping area will remain open during these works.Access to Davies Plain Hut camping area will be open from the southern part of Davies Plain Track (Charlies Creek, Kings Plain).Access to Buckwong Creek camping area will be open from the northern part of Davies Plain Track (from Tom Groggin). -
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
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.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.