Heyfield, Licola and Dargo

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    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

      Early road and track closures - Alpine National Park - North East area

      The following roads and tracks within the North East area of the Alpine National Park will be closed to vehicle access from 15 May 2021:
      Granite Flat Tk (re-open 15 Nov 2021)
      Six Mile Rd (re-open 28 Oct 2021)
      1 in 5 Tk (re-open 28 Oct 2021)

      Track closures - Alpine National Park (Eastern Alps)

      The following tracks in the Alpine NP (Omeo Management Area) are currently closed to all vehicles while condition assessments and repairs are being undertaken:
       
      Ingeegoodbee Track
      Cobberas Track
      MacFarlanes Flat Track

      Planned aerial shooting operations

      Parts of this park will be closed from 11 Oct - 15 Oct, 18 Oct - 22 Oct, 25 - 29 Oct and 15 - 19 Nov 2021 (Monday to Fridays only). Find out more about this program at https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/deer-and-feral-animal-control-in-response-to-bushfire  

      Attachments: TingyIngee2_InformationSign_OctandNov (560KB)

      Planned Aerial shooting operations

      Parts of this Park will be closed from Monday 22nd November – Friday 26th November and Monday 29th November – Friday 3rd December 2021. Find out more about this program at https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/deer-and-feral-animal-control-in-response-to-bushfire 

      Attachments: ANP_FTop_InfoSign Nov_Dec 2021 (395KB)

      Blue Rag Range gate access via south Basalt only

      Due to the extended seasonal closure of the Dargo High Plains Road, managed by the Alpine Shire Council, the only access to Blue Rag Range track is via South Basalt Track. For further information about the Dargo High Plains Road please contact the Alpine Shire:
      https://www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/council/contact-us
      Phone: 03 5755 0555

      Partial closure of Australian Alps Walking Track (Eastern Alps)

      A fire affected section of the Australian Alps Walking Track is currently closed between Buenba Flat and Misery Trail.

      The following vehicle tracks would be suitable as an alternative route west to east from Buenba Flat to Misery Trail:

      • Buenba Road
      • Mt Hope Road
      • Buckwong Track
      • Misery Trail

       

    • Bungalow Spur Walk (Alpine National Park)

      Carparking at Bungalow Spur Walking is now located at Tronah Reserve

      BUNGALOW SPUR CARPARK | Council has been working with the community, the Tronoh Reserve Committee of Management and Parks Victoria to facilitate suitable, safe parking for visitors to the popular Bungalow Spur Walking Track up Mount Feathertop.
      This week new signage will be visible to those visiting the walking track:
      - A series of permanent signs will designate the area immediately opposite the existing trailhead on Feathertop Track as a drop off zone only, designed for motorists to drop off and collect walkers and their equipment.
      - A temporary Variable Message Sign will be installed to direct motorists to a new carparking area in the Tronoh Reserve and limit vehicular traffic on Feathertop Track.
      The scope of the Alpine Better Places Harrietville Detailed Concept Design project includes carparking and trailhead facilities in the Tronoh Reserve, and interested members of the community are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft concept designs during the next community consultation planned in early 2021.
      For further information, please contact Council on 5755 0555 or info@alpineshire.vic.gov.au.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Deer Control (ground shooting) operation underway

      Deer control is being undertaken in this park from October 2021 to June 2022. Some localised access restrictions may apply. Find out more about this program at https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects/deer-and-feral-animal-control-in-response-to-bushfire 

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Tamboritha, Howitt & Moroka Road Conditions

      Tamboritha, Howitt and Moroka Roads are currently recommended for Four-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive Vehicles with sufficient clearance and appropriate tyres. Vehicles travelling on these roads require attention to variations of the surface between Bennison Lookout, Howitt Car-park and Pinnacle's Day Visitor area. Always drive to the conditions and consider the weather when planning your trip.

     
    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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