A spectacularly scenic journey that draws four-wheel-drive tourers from all over Australia, Wonnangatta Icon Drive is a must-do for adventure-seekers in Alpine National Park. Take in the rich history and heritage of the High Country as you drive these rugged tracks.
For those keen to get well off the beaten track, into mountain history, and onto some magnificent four wheel drive tracks, the Wonnangatta Icon Drive is one of the best four wheel driving experiences in Australia.
Accessible only by 4WD, the breathtaking 222-kilometre loop takes you through Wonnangatta Valley, the Grant Historic Area, the remote community of Dargo, and up to the unmatched panoramas of the Alps offered by the Howitt and Dargo High Plains.
Explore the remains of the pioneer miners and graziers, and discover the heritage huts built by mountain cattlemen in the early 20th century. Linger by 100m waterfalls, and breathe the high mountain air as you step out of the vehicle to stroll beneath Alpine Ash and over grassy alpine plains.
Stop at the many lookouts and family walk locations to take in the glorious mountain scenery and learn more about the European history of the area, including the ruins of an old homestead near the confluence of the Conglomerate Creek and Wonnangatta River. Historic huts, bridges and campsites abound, and offer a glimpse into the hardship experienced by the pioneer settlers of the region (or, if you stop at the Loo With A View at Vallejo Gantner Hut, a meditative glimpse from a longdrop throne onto an improbably awesome view).
You should allow two to three days for this drive, and remember that many tracks are rated Difficult – this is a tour for experienced four-wheel drivers. The whole loop is classified as Very Difficult in dry conditions, so be prepared.
You'll need to take all you need for self-sufficient camping – check the Visitor Guide and 4WD Victoria's Wonnangatta Drive brochure [PDF] for more details on where to make camp.
Things To Do
Dispersed camping in Alpine National Park
The Alpine National Park offers some of the most authentic and scenic bush camping opportunities in Victoria.
Hiking in Alpine National Park
Explore some of Australia's best mountain walking around Mount Bogong, including the Staircase, Eskdale Spur and a variety of other day hikes and family walks.
Cross-country skiing
In winter, skiing is popular in the Lost Plain - Holmes Plain area. More experienced skiers can explore the extensive, remote open snow plains, particularly the Snowy and Howitt Plains. You may need a 4WD vehicle to access the areas along the Tamboritha Road. Expect a relatively arduous walk to reach skiable snow past the season road closure on Howitt Road.
Hunting in Alpine National Park
Sections of the Alpine National Park and Avon Wilderness Park are regarded as world class for Sambar Deer stalking.
Fishing
In quiet lakes and gently flowing rivers, in the pounding surf or in the depths beneath your boat – the waters of Victoria’s parks and reserves offer some prize catches.
Horse riding
Explore the landscape on horseback to appreciate the solitude and peace of the natural environment. Victoria's parks offer a variety of horse riding experiences.
Bird watching
From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot.
How to get there
Wonnangatta Icon Drive
There are several access routes to join the drive. The most popular entry points are:
- From Heyfield through Licola
- From Dargo
- From Myrtleford or Porepunkah
- From Mansfield
When you're there
Download the Visitor Guide and 4WD Victoria's Wonnangatta Drive brochure for more information.
Wonnangatta Icon Drive
Need to know
Wonnangatta Icon Drive
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.
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
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 areaClosed 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 TrackPlease see FFM closure map https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/permits-and-regulations/closures-of-parks-and-forestsRecent 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 CampgroundDue 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.
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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 Track2. Australian Alps Walking Track east of the Viking through to Mt Selwyn3. Rileys, West Humffray, Humffray River, Whites & Water Spur Tracks.4. Areas south of Mt Sarah including Sarah Spur and Tea Tree Spur TrackOpen 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 Speculation3. King Hut4. King Billy Track through to Howitt Road5. Cobbler Lake Track, Speculation Rd & Lake Cobbler6. The Bogong High Plains7. Mt Feathertop and Mt Loch areas8. Mt Bogong9. Walking tracks between Falls Creek and Mt Hotham10. Mt Buffalo11. Visitor sites accessed from the Omeo Highway12. Howqua Hills13. Lake Cobbler14. Beveridges Station15. Twins Track, Selwyn Creekk Track, Mt Murray South TrackPlease see FFM closure map for https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/permits-and-regulations/closures-of-parks-and-forestsGround 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. -
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 willstrive 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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