Benambra, Buchan and Bonang

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Benambra, Buchan and Bonang

Alpine National Park

Nestled in the north of Alpine National Park, and bordering Kosciuszko National Park, the wild and remote Benambra, Buchan and Bonang area is Victoria’s modern world escape. Explore the magnificent Snowy River, picturesque Suggan Buggan Valley, the headwaters of the Murray River, and spectacular peaks of Mount Cobberas and Tingaringy.

Taking in the quaint hamlets of Bonang, Tubbut and Suggan Buggan, this remote corner of the Alpine National Park is an adventure-lovers dream. Journey along Limestone Road or McKillops Road to access its wild peaks and valleys. Or if you’re a seasoned four-wheel driver, venture deep into the wilderness along the Davies Plain Iconic Drive.

For experienced bushwalkers, take on scenic hikes to the peaks of Mount Stradbroke, Mount Cobberas, Cowombat Flat or Tingaringy Falls, and when you’re done for the day, pitch a tent in the remote Native Dog Flat, Willis or McKillop Bridge Camping Areas.

If you’re not strapped for time, trek the extraordinary 650-kilometre Australian Alps Walking Trail. The walk meanders from Walhalla through Baw Baw and the Alpine National Park, before crossing into New South Wales and concluding its journey in Canberra.

Enjoy a day out on the rapids of the Snowy River for an unforgettable experience. Launch your canoe, kayak or raft from Willis Camping Area or the historic McKillop Bridge. The heritage-listed bridge was built in the 1930s to allow vehicles, and more importantly livestock, safe passage across a spectacular gorge that the Snowy River has carved.

Things to do in the area

 
Kennedys Hut near Benambra in the Alpine National Park.

Kennedys Hut

Kennedys Hut is near Benambra.
Two women camp in the Alpine National Park at twilight.

Dispersed camping in Alpine National Park

The Alpine National Park offers some of the most authentic and scenic bush camping opportunities in Victoria.

How to get there

Benambra, Buchan and Bonang

This part of the Alpine National Park adjoins Kosciuszko National Park along its northern boundary and the Snowy River National Park to the south.

The park is between 440 and 500 km north-east of Melbourne. The main access roads are all unsealed, narrow and winding and generally unsuitable for caravans.

The Snowy River Road accesses the Snowy River at Willis on the state border. This road becomes the Barry Way across the border and passes through Kosciuszko National Park en route to Jindabyne.

The Bonang Road from Orbost is an alternative approach - McKillop Road branches from it a few kilometres south of Bonang.

The Limestone-Black Mountain Road crosses the central part of the park and links Benambra to the Snowy River Road. This road is often closed in winter as a result of heavy snowfalls.

Facilities

Carpark
BBQ

When to go

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.

Need to know

Benambra, Buchan and Bonang

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.

  • 8 Mile Flat Camping Area (Howqua River Heritage River, Alpine National Park)

    8 Mile Flat Campground Closed

    8 mile flat camping area will be closed between 1500hrs on Wednesday 15th January 2025, until, 1600hrs Thursday 16th January 2025, whilst aircraft operations are being undertaken.

  • Alpine National Park

    Eastern Alps track closures due to storm and flood damage

    The 4x4 tracks in the Eastern Region are an iconic part of Victoria and an important focal point for many people. With a large number of visits per year, they are very popular for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, mountain biking and four-wheel driving.
    Unfortunately, sometimes we must close infrastructure in the interests of public safety and environmental protection.

    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. Assessments and repair works are not expected to be completed until late 2024 / early 2025.
     
    Before visiting, Visitors should always check the Parks Victoria website for the latest information about their destination.

    Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer – Bogong High Plains, Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains and Feathertop

    Parts of the Alpine National Park will be closed during the following dates while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.
     
    3-7 February 2025
    3-7 March 2025
    24-28 March 2025
     
    The following tracks and visitor areas will be closed during the operation:
     
    CLOSED—Mt Feathertop
    ·      MUMC Hut
    ·      Bon Accord Spur
    ·      Northwest Spur
    ·      East Ovens Track
    ·      All other tracks remain open 
    CLOSED—Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains
    ·      Mt Tabletop Walking Track
    ·      Mayford
    ·      Kings Spur
    ·      Long Spur
    ·      All other tracks remain open
    CLOSED—Bogong High Plains
    ·      Moncrieffs Gap Track
    ·      East Kiewa Fire Track
    ·      Cranky Charlie Track
    ·      Roper Spur Track
    ·      Big River Fire Track (off BHP Road)
    ·      Spring Saddle Track
    ·      Arthur Track
    ·      Mt Arthur Fire Trail
    ·      Red Fox Track
    ·      Black Possum Spur Track
    ·      Junction Spur Track
    ·      All other tracks remain open
     
    Visitors are advised to check the Change of conditions listing prior to arrival for up to date information and maps.
     
    For more information about the program please visit this link.

    Attachments: Alpine NP aerial ops information sign v2 (2,046KB)

    Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer – Eastern Alps, Ingeegoodbee, Tingaringy, Tom Groggin

    Parts of the Alpine National Park will be closed while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken (See attached map for details).
     
    The closures will apply during the following dates:
     
    11-15 November 2024
    10-14 February 2025
     
    Visitors are advised to check the Change of conditions listing prior to arrival for up to date information and maps.
     
    For more information about the program please visit this link.

    Attachments: Alpine NP East Alps_Tom Groggin aerial shooting info (1,387KB)

    East Caledonia Track CLOSED due to bushfire in the area

    East Caledonia Track is CLOSED from the intersection of Howitt Road, due to bushfire in the area. Fire crews are working in the area to contain the fire. Please comply with road closure signage. 

    Please refer to the Vic Emergency website or Vic Emergency App for up to date information and warnings regarding the fire.
    https://www.emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/

    Twins Track closure

    Track repair works are currently underway on Twins Track. The track will be closed whilst repair works are being undertaken during the week, as there is very limited ability to safely get past the operating bulldozer. The closure will be lifted on the weekends and the track reopened.


    Alternate route is Great Alpine Road - Gunns Track - Pheasant Creek Track - Selwyn Creek Road.

    Southern Alps track closures due to storm and flood damage

    Areas of the Southern Alps have been significantly damaged by subsequent storms and floods since 2021, in the interests of public safety and environmental protection this means sometimes we must close tracks.
    The following tracks are currently closed to motor vehicles to ensure public safety and environmental protection:


    • Mt Kent Track
    • Dingo Hill Track will remain closed beyond seasonal closure date of Oct 31st 2024
    • Scrubby Hill Track will remain closed beyond seasonal closure date of Oct 31st 2024
     
     These tracks are likely to remain closed to motor vehicles until repair works can be undertaken.
     
    Before visiting, visitors should always check the Parks Victoria website for the latest information about their destination.

  • Davies Plain Hut & Camping Area (Alpine National Park)

    Davies Plain Track - damaged track section temporarily closed to all vehicles

    A 2.3km section of Davies Plain Track, near Davies Plain Hut Camping Area within the Alpine National Park, is currently closed to all vehicles because of significant water damage and severe erosion, following recent flood and storm events in the area.  As a result of the temporary closure, Davies Plain Track is not currently a thoroughfare for vehicles between Tom Groggin and Charlie Creek Camping Area. There is currently no vehicle access to Davies Plain Hut or the adjoining camping area, pending completion of site assessments and subsequent repairs. Nearest camping areas accessible to suitable 4WD vehicles on Davies Plain Track are Charlie Creek Camping Area to the south; and Buckwong Creek Camping Area to the north (near Tom Groggin). 
     

    Attachments: Flood damaged track section currently closed to all vehicles Davies Plain south (189KB)

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Track Closure - Long Spur Track - Alpine National Park

    Long Spur Track in the Alpine National Park is currently CLOSED from the intersection of King Spur Track for public safety. The area has been subject to widespread Storm Damage. 

    Mt Howitt Walking Track maintenance works

    Bushwalking Tracks and Conservation (BTAC) volunteers will be undertaking walking track maintenance on Mt Howitt Walking Track from Friday 24th January until Monday 27th January.

    Volunteers will be using chainsaws, brushcutters, hedgetrimmers, hand tools etc so please make yourself known to volunteers so that they can turn off equipment prior to passing.

    During this time the group will be camped at Vallejo Gantner Hut at Macalister Springs. There may be less available campsites than usual.

  • Mt Pinnibar Summit (Alpine National Park)

    Mt Pinnibar Track Partials Closure

    Due to the poor condition of Mount Pinnibar Track two sections of the track  are closed. The closure is necessary due condition of the track, with sections of deep ruts and exposed bedrock making both approaches unsafe. The condition of the northern approach (which is badly rutted) is further exacerbated in wet weather and in these times it poses a real risk of significant incident due to the steep gradients. The two closures are between Walkers Road and Mount Pinnibar summit, and between Mount Gibbo Track and Tom Groggin Station. Alternative access to the Mt Pinnibar summit is via Tom Groggin Track, Shady Creek Upper Track and Mount Gibbo Track. 
     

  • 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.
     
    For more information about deer control to protect biodiversity, please visit this link.

  • Federation Hut (Alpine National Park)

    Federation Hut water availabilty

    The water tank at Federation Hut is currently empty and until there is significant rain, there will be no water in the tank.

    Non-potable water is still available at the spring off Bungalow Spur Walking Track near the Old Feathertop Hut site and at the spring on the Northwest Spur/Tom Kneen Walking Track between the Razorback Walking Track and MUMC Hut.

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