Anglers Rest Walking Track

The project

Anglers Rest township is in Victoria's High Country, approximately 40 minutes from Omeo on the Omeo Highway. An adventure-lover's dream, this popular area draws many visitors from across the state who are keen to hike some of the state's highest mountain ranges and enjoy the beautiful Mitta Mitta River.

With the number of visitors increasing, we undertook a project to formalise the Anglers Rest Walking Track in the Alpine National Park.

The 5km loop trail begins at the Anglers Rest Camping Area, near the confluence of the Cobungra, Mitta Mitta and Bundara rivers following the Cobungra river before climbing through a eucalypt forest to a spectacular lookout. Perched above a 40-metre vertical cliff face over looking the Mitta Mitta river, a barrier has been installed to help keep visitors safe while taking in the amazing 180-degree views.

The walking track is a grade 3 walk, suitable for a wide range of people to enjoy. Minimal works were required to formalise the walking track which included drainage works to reduce erosion on the existing footpad, as well as the installation of directional and trail head signage.

The project is an outcome of the Greater Alps National Parks Management Plan. The plan was developed in 2016 in consultation with Traditional Owners, the community and stakeholders like the Alpine Advisory Committee and the Environment and Scientific Advisory Group. It helps to prepare for the future of the park and looks at everything from environmental and cultural values to recreation opportunities - ensuring the park can stay healthy, safe, and open for many years to come.

The plan recommended investigating formalising the Anglers Rest walking track, considering the area’s environmental and cultural values, and set a goal to ensure local communities benefit from walker-related visitation with a specific call to investigate opportunities at Anglers Rest.

We would like to thank the Traditional Owner Groups involved with the Cultural Heritage Management Plan.

Anglers Rest Walking Track barrier at lookout.

View from the top of the lookout on the Anglers Rest Walking Track.

Project timeline

Works were completed in late November 2025, with the track now open for visitors to enjoy.

Project benefits

Visitors and community

The area is popular with visitors and locals, many of who are attracted to the great river-based recreational experiences of the park, including rafting, kayaking and fishing.

There are currently limited walking opportunities in the area. The project has improved the park's track networks and river access points - ensuring visitors can make the most of their time in this impressive natural setting.

Project funding

This project has been funded by:

Parks Victoria
Friends of the Mitta
East Gippsland Shire Council
the East Gippsland Community Foundation
the North East Catchment Management Authority.

Environment and Cultural Heritage management

An Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan was approved for this project, along with all other environmental and regulatory permits. We would like to thank the Traditional Owner Groups involved with the Cultural Heritage Management Plan. 

Who did we work with?

To deliver the project, we worked with:

the East Gippsland Shire Council
The East Gippsland Community Foundation
North East Catchment Management Authority,
Friends of the Mitta
the Department of Environment Energy and Climate Action - East Gippsland District.

We consulted with a wide range of local businesses, outdoor education, community and tourism groups between 2022 and 2023. Each identified group was contacted, sent details of the project, and had an opportunity for input. Feedback from this engagement has helped to inform the progress of the project.

Traditional Owners were engaged by a Heritage Advisor to contribute to the Cultural Heritage Management Plan.

We’re also working with key stakeholders, the local community and outdoor education groups who use the park to ensure the project meets their needs.

Staying updated

Contact the Parks Victoria information number 13 19 63 or email info@parks.vic.gov.au with any queries.

FAQs

What was the project?

Parks Victoria undertook works to formalise the Anglers Rest Walking Track in the Alpine National Park to provide an improved walking track opportunity.
Why did we formalise the walking track and install a safety barrier in the area?

With the number of visitors to Alpine National Park’s Anglers Rest Walking Track increasing, we formalised the track and installed a barrier at the spectacular lookout perched 40 metres above the Mitta Mitta River to keep visitors safe.

The project is also an outcome of the Greater Alps National Parks Management Plan. Parks Victoria developed the plan in 2016 in consultation with Traditional Owners, the community and stakeholders like the Alpine Advisory Committee and the Environment and Scientific Advisory Group. The plan helps to prepare for the future of the park and looks at everything from environmental and cultural values to recreation opportunities - ensuring the park can stay healthy, safe, and open for many years to come. The plan recommended investigating formalising the Anglers Rest walking track, considering the area’s environmental and cultural values.  The Management Plan also had a goal to ensure local communities benefit from walker-related visitation with a specific call to investigate opportunities at Anglers Rest.
What work has been undertaken on the project so far?

Works on the track have now been completed including the installation of a safety barrier at the lookout, directional signage and walking track works.

Prior to their commencement, Parks Victoria completed a feasibility study to understand the safety risks posed by the walking track and lookout as well as identifying the risks and benefits associated with formalising the track. Concept plans for the track and railing were also developed.  A landscape analysis was also completed to ensure there was minimal impact for river users and walkers.

A Cultural Heritage Management Plan was developed and approved for the project.
Will the safety barrier blend in with the environment?

We understand the special natural environment of the area and worked with contractors to ensure the designs for both the walking track and safety barrier developed would blend in with the surrounding environment and meet Australian Standards. The impact of the safety barrier on river users is minimal.
Do we have to pay to access the walking track?

No, the walking track can be used by anyone at any time. No fees will be charged.