Nestled in the heart of the Alpine National Park, Mount Beauty and the Bogong High Plains offer a plethora of activities for thrill-seekers. Ski the seemingly endless runs and ride the world-class mountain bike trails of Falls Creek, set out on an overnight adventure along the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing or tackle Victoria’s highest peak, Mount Bogong.
While the ski resort of Falls Creek lies outside the Alpine National Park, it is the perfect launch pad for those wanting to experience some of the best back-country skiing in Victoria, the thrill of mountain biking, hikes through wildflower-littered landscapes and unforgettable alpine vistas.
Don’t be put off by the myth that mountain biking is only for the daring. Falls Creek has over 40km of world-class gravity trails nestled high on the alpine plains. Accessible to the newest of mountain-bikers, pick from easy cruises to fun-flowing descents and all-mountain trails. Swap the mountain bike for a sturdy road bike and pedal through the stunning Tawonga Gap and to towering heights on the climb to the peaks of Mount Beauty or Falls Creek.
Be both challenged and rewarded over the three-day Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing. The 37km trail treks over high alpine ridgelines and plains, through river valleys, wetlands thriving with birdlife and panorama-prone landscapes. Sleep out under the stars and discover the remnants of the regions rich cattleman history.
Conquer Victoria’s highest peak, Mount Bogong. Standing 1,986m tall, the long journey to the top tests even the most experienced of hikers. Climb through tall Peppermint and stunted Snow Gum forest before emerging on top of the world. Take in the uninterrupted views across the Alps, before descending back to base.
Things To Do
Alpine Discovery Days
Mount Bogong
Dispersed camping in Alpine National Park
Hiking in Alpine National Park
Hawkweed Eradication Project
Each Summer, Parks Victoria coordinates field days in the Alpine National Park and Falls Creek Alpine Resort that allow volunteers to contribute to the Hawkweed Eradication Program.
Updates on the program are published in a volunteer newsletter at the end of each survey season.
View or download the newsletters:
How to get there
Mount Beauty and Bogong High Plains
Alpine back country winter safety
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.
The rivers in the Alps flow rich and fly-fishing on the Ovens River is at its best in early-January. Trout are plentiful and the added bonus of the beautiful river valley is sure to impress too!
Need to know
Mount Beauty and Bogong High Plains
Accessibility
An all-terrain wheelchair known as the TrailRider is available for free hire from the Mount Beauty Visitor Information Centre. Visitors must supply their own helmets. For more information, contact the Mount Beauty Visitor Information Centre on 1800 11 885.
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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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Alpine National Park north of Briagolong, East of Arbuckle Junction and Mount Howitt, west of Dargo and south of Abbeyard, west of the Great Alpine Rd to Lake Cobbler CLOSED
The Alpine National Park north of Briagolong, East of Arbuckle Junction and Mount Howitt, west of Dargo and south of Abbeyard is closed to the public due to a bushfire. This includes all areas (but not limited to) Talbotville and Eaglevale campgrounds, Wonnangatta Valley including the Icon Drive from all approaches into the Valley, Mount Howitt Carpark, Gantner Hut and Mount Howitt Walking Track, Bryces Gorge, Wabonga Plateau and Howitt Plains, Pinnacles Day Visitor Area, Billy Goat Bluff Track and Horseyard Flat Camping Area.The message is clear – stay home and stay safe. It is too dangerous to enter or camp in parks in these conditions.Stay informed- For
updated information, visit the VicEmergency
website, or call the hotline on 1800 226 226.
- Download
the VicEmergency app and know how to use it – create a watch zone for
your home, work and loved ones to receive alerts within that watch zone.
- Know
your local emergency broadcaster and never rely on one source of emergency
information.
- Visit
the CFA website for the latest information on Fire
Danger Ratings.
- Visit
the BOM website to stay updated on weather forecasts
and warnings.
- For
updated information, visit the VicEmergency
website, or call the hotline on 1800 226 226.
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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)
Parts of Alpine National park closed - fire danger
Parts of Alpine National Park are closed due to fire activity in the area, including Dogmans Hut campground, Buckwong Creek campground and surrounds.Avoid travelling to fire affected areas and parks.Stay up to date with warnings and incidents via VicEmergency: emergency.vic.gov.au -
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.