Heyfield, Licola and Dargo

A rocky lake surrounded by steep mountains.

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

Explore

Heyfield, Licola and Dargo

Alpine National Park

The rolling hills of Heyfield, Licola and Dargo give little indication of the spectacular gorges that dissect the south-east corner of the Alpine National Park. Moroka and Bryces Gorge hide impressive waterfalls, while Mount Howitt, the Wonnangatta Valley and Tali Karng make for scenic settings to cross-country skiing, hiking, horse riding, deer hunting and four-wheel driving adventures.
Lake Tali Karng hides deep in the mountains and is the only natural lake within the Victorian Alps. Held behind a rock barrier created thousands of years ago, the underground stream it feeds emerges at the infant Wellington River.

The Wellington River has 13 numbered campsites just north of Licola on the Tamboritha Road. Sites offer facilities such as toilets, fire places and picnic tables. You can enjoy camping under the shady trees with easy access to the river. The geology of the surrounding area is spectacular and makes for a memorable camping experience.

The spectacular Wonnagatta Valley lies among forbidding mountains accessible to adventurous walkers, four-wheel drive enthusiasts, horse riders and deer hunters. Follow the epic Wonnangatta Drive and discover the ruins of an old homestead near the confluence of the Conglomerate Creek and Wonnangatta River, cattlemen’s huts on the high alpine plains and Grants Historic Area which includes the large grassy Talbotville camping area, just beyond the boundaries of the Alpine National Park.

Bryce’s Gorge is arguably one of Victoria’s most spectacular natural features. Not too far from Guys Hut, there is little warning of its existence until the open plains and snowgum woodlands plunge abruptly into a deep abyss. Follow the Bryce’s Gorge Circuit Walk to see Pieman and Conglomerate Falls tumble over the rim of the gorge into a chasm below.

Climb to the top of Mount Howitt, breaking at Vallejo Garntner Hut. Heritage listed for its architectural values, the hut was built in 1970.

Things To Do

 
The majestic Lake Tali Karng.

Tali Karng

Tali Karng is a hidden jewel nestled deep in the mountains of Gippsland, fed by snowmelt waters of the Wellington Plains. Accessible only by foot, it is known as the ‘hidden lake’.
A Parks Victoria 4WD parked in front of a sunset over the mountains in Alpine National Park

Wonnangatta Icon Drive

Embark on an epic 222km 4WD trip through the scenic Wonnangatta Valley and over the vast high plains.
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

Heyfield, Licola and Dargo

Heyfield, Licola and Dargo

Facilities

Lookout

When you're there

Download the Parks Victoria visitor guide to get the most out of your Heyfield, Licola and Dargo visit.

The rolling hills and remote valley's hide some of the most beautiful landscapes in the state. The arduous Wonnangatta Drive meanders through the isolated landscapes of Wonnangatta Valley and brings to life the wonderful history of the region - from the ruins of old gold mining towns and cattleman's huts on the high plains to the unsolved murder-mystery of Wonnagatta Station.

Tali Karng sits comfortably among the mountains at the head of the Wellington River, while Bryce's and Moroka Gorge hide spectacular waterfalls, such as Conglomerate and Pieman Falls. The peaks of Mount Howitt, Mount Reynard and Snowy Bluff look out over the forbidden landscapes and remote wilderness areas of the Alpine National Park.

Other activities to note include:

  • Wonnangatta Valley - interesting murder mystery lingers over the abandoned cattle station
  • Grant Historic Area and the abandoned town of Talbotville now an amazing campground
  • The beautiful Dargo and Howitt sub alpine landscapes
  • Vehicle based camping along the Wellington River, Horseyard Flat and Thomastown
  • The several historic cattleman's huts such as Howitt, Guys, Moroka, Kellys
  • Vallejo Garntner Hut - heritage listed for its architectural values and surrounded by some of the most spectacular views in the Australian Alps.
  • Bicentennial National Trail - iconic horse riding trail that crosses the Southern Alps and runs from Cooktown, Queensland to Healesville in Victoria 5,330km.
  • The incredible hiking trails around Tali Karng, Bryces Gorge, Moroka Falls and Mount Howitt
  • Epic four wheel drive experiences such as the Blue Rag Range and Billy Goat Bluff Tracks

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.

Head towards the Mount Howitt and the Snowy Plains in summer when masses of wildflowers carpet the slopes – from Billy Buttons to Snow and Swamp Paper Daisies.

Need to know

Heyfield, Licola and Dargo

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.

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.

  • Alpine National Park

    Track closures due to flood impact

    The following tracks are closed due to impact by storms and flood. Crews will assess and reopen when safe:The following tracks are closed due to impact by storms and flood. Crews will assess and reopen when safe:
    • Cobberas Track
    • Ingeegoodbee Track
    • Little Cobbler Track
    • McFarlines Flat Track

    Wabonga and McMillan's Track closures for repairs and maintenance

    Wabonga 4WD track will be closed from the intersection of Paradise Falls Rd to Basin Track intersection, and McMillan's Track will be closed from Burrowes Rd to Wabonga track for the period 25th September to 15th December inclusive.
    The closure is to allow for important track repairs, culvert and bridge installations to support fire fighting access and response.
    If the works are completed prior to the 15th December the track will be re-opened.

    Alternative access to the Wabonga Plateau area can be via Long Spur, Basin Track, Top Crossing, or Burnt Top once the Seasonal Road closures have ended on the 2nd November.

    Mt Murray Track North closure

    Due to track damage and poor track condition resulting in a risk to visitors, environmental damage and further track damage, Mt Murray Track North is currently closed.
     
    Alternate route is Selwyn Creek Road - Mt Murray Logging Road.
     
    In the interest of visitor safety, this road is closed until further notice until track repairs can be undertaken.

    Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer – December 2023

    Parts of the Alpine National Park will be closed during these dates while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.
     
    11-15 December (Bogong High Plains & Feathertop)
    18-20 December 2023 (Bogong High Plains, Feathertop & Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains)
     
    The following tracks and visitor areas will be closed during the operation:
     
    FEATHERTOP:
    ·     MUMC Hut
    ·     Bon Accord Spur
    ·     Northwest Spur
    ·     East Ovens Track
     
    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 Fire Track
     
    DINNER PLAIN/DARGO HIGH PLAINS & HOTHAM
    ·     Mt Tabletop Walking Track
    ·     Mayford
    ·     Kings Spur
    ·     Longs Spur
     
    See attached map for details.
     
    For more information about the program and park closures, please visit this link.

    Attachments: Alpine National Park aerial shooting information (652KB)

    Mt Pinnibar Track - deteriorated condition

    Mt Pinnibar Track – deteriorated condition

    Mt Pinnibar Track between Walkers Road and Tom Groggin Track has deteriorated significantly following recent flood and storm events.

    Visitors are advised to consider alternate routes to the summit of Mt Pinnibar until repairs can be carried out.

    Bogong High Plains Road

    Following the landslide at Bogong Village the Bogong High Plains Road is now open however remediation work will continue into the foreseeable future to rectify the damage created by the landslide. Parks Victoria advises that all visitors check the Regional Roads Victoria and  Victoria's big build website for the latest traffic updates on closures or delays before visiting.
     https://regionalroads.vic.gov.au/map/north-eastern-improvements/bogong-high-plains-road-landslip 
    https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/mrpv/bogong-high-plains-road-landslip 

    Restricted Access at Eastern end of Spring Saddle Track

    The eastern end of Spring Saddle Track has restricted access due to machinery continuing to clear soil as part of the Bogong Village landslip remediation works.  The track is open to pedestrian traffic but not vehicles and no Park visitors will be able to enter the works site at the Eastern end of Spring Saddle Track. There is signage explaining the restrictions at the Spring Saddle Track Fainter Fire Trail intersections. 

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Mt Selwyn Road closure

    Mount Selwyn Road is closed between the intersections of Five Ways and Canyo Road between May 2023 till approximately December 2023 due to significant road works being undertaken on this section of road.

    Alternate routes are Dingo Creek Tk - Great Diving Range Tk - Mt Selwyn Rd, Selwyn Creek Rd - Great Driving Range Tk - Mt Selwyn Rd or Selwyn Creek Rd - Tea Tree Range Rd - Mt Selwyn Rd or Walshs Tk - East Buffalo Rd - West Humffray Rd - Selwyn Tk. - Please check seasonal road closures prior to departure as these might affect your vogue.

    In the interest of visitor safety this road is closed between May 2023 till approximately December 2023.

  • McNamara Hut (Buckety Plain) Camping Area (Bundara - Cobungra Remote and Natural Area, Alpine National Park)

    McNamara Hut (Buckety Plain) Camping Area (Bundara-Cobungra Remote and Natural Area, Alpine National Park

    A sink hole has appeared on Trap Yard Gap Track between the Bogong High Plains Road and the locked gate 500 m away from McNamara Hut camping ground in the Bundara Buckety Plain area. Trap Yard Gap Track has been closed to vehicles for their own safety and to maintain the integrity of the road. There is flagging/caution tape across the track where it exists the Bogong High Plains Road to highlight that the track should not be driven on. 

    McNamara Hut (Buckety Plain) Camping Area (Bundara-Cobungra Remote and Natural Area, Alpine National Park

    A sink hole has appeared on Trap Yard Gap Track between the Bogong High Plains Road and the locked gate 500 m away from McNamara Hut camping ground in the Bundara Buckety Plain area. Trap Yard Gap Track has been closed to vehicles for their own safety and to maintain the integrity of the road. There is flagging/caution tape across the track where it exists the Bogong High Plains Road to highlight that the track should not be driven on. 

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

    Davies Plain Track - 2.3 km track section currently closed due to flood damage

    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 a thoroughfare for vehicles between Tom Groggin and Charlies Creek Camping Area. There is currently no vehicle access to Davies Plain Hut or the adjoining camping area, pending further assessments and subsequent repairs. Nearest camping areas accessible to suitable 4WD vehicles on Davies Plain Track are Charlies Creek Camping Area to the south; and Buckwong Creek Camping Area to the north (near 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.
     
    For more information about deer control to protect biodiversity, please visit this link.

 
X
By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
Confirm