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
Hiking in Alpine National Park
Cross-country skiing
Hunting in Alpine National Park
Fishing
Horse riding
Bird watching
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
Wonnangatta Icon Drive
Need to know
Wonnangatta Icon Drive
Accessibility
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.
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