• 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 seasonal road closures 2023

    Early seasonal road closures apply to areas within and tracks bordering the Alpine National Park from 1 May 2023. See MapshareVic for locations of the closures. Visit the seasonal road closures page for more information.

    Alpine National Park- Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer

    Parts of the Park will be closed during these dates while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.

    Areas include Mt Bogong, Bogong High Plains, Dinner Plain, Dargo High Plains and Feathertop. 
     
    29 May-2 June 2023
    5-9 June 2023
     
    See attached map for more details. 

    Attachments: Alpine NP Aerial Shooting Information (685KB)

    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

    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.

    Road Conditions - Tamboritha, Howitt & Moroka Roads

    Tamboritha, Howitt and Moroka Roads in the Foothills and Southern Alps area of the Alpine National Park are currently recommended for all wheel drive and four wheel drive vehicles with sufficient clearance and appropriate tyres. Vehicles travelling on the Howitt, Tamboritha (unsealed section) and Moroka Roads require attention to variations of the surface condition. Conditions can change rapidly with rain and snow, please allow more time for your journey and always drive to the conditions.

  • 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.

  • Talbotville Historic Township Camping Area (Grant Historic Area)

    McMillans Rd - Grant Historic Area - Currently recommended for 4WD/AWD Vehicles

    Due to current road repair works, Four Wheel Drive and All Wheel Drive vehicles are recommended when travelling on McMillans Rd - Grant Historic Area. Delays can be expected while works are being undertaken. Please obey all Traffic Management signs and give way to heavy machinery. Allow more time for your journey and always drive to the conditions. Reconsider the need to tow caravans.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

    Ground shooting operations targeting deer

    Ground control operations targeting deer will be undertaken in these Parks and Reserves from December 2022 to December 2023. These areas will remain open to visitors during operations.
     
    Alpine National Park (Bogong High Plains, Mount Bogong, Dinner Plain, Dargo High Plains, Foothills and Southern Alps)
    Buchan Caves Reserve
    Burrowa-Pine Mountain
    Cape Conran Coastal Park
    Cape Liptrap Coastal Park
    Cabbage Tree Creek Flora Reserve
    Errinundra National Park
    Lake Tyers State Park
    Lakes National Park
    Baw Baw National Park
    Mount Buffalo National Park
    Mount Mittamatite Regional Park
    Mount Mitta Mitta Flora Reserve
    Mount Lawson State Park
    Mount Granya State Park
    Mountain Creek Education Area
    Pheasant Creek Flora Reserve
    Wabba Wilderness Park
    Wilsons Promontory National Park

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

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

    Early seasonal closure for Davies Plain Track and Kings Plain Track, Alpine National Park

    Kings Plain Track and Davies Plain Track between Buckwong Creek Camping Area (at Tom Groggin) and Charlies Creek Camping Area are seasonally closed to all vehicles from 1 May to 30 November inclusive. Sections of Davies Plain Track north of Buckwong Creek Camping Area (at Tom Groggin) and south of Charlies Creek Camping Area are seasonally closed to vehicles between the 2nd Thursday in June and the Thursday before Melbourne Cup day.

    Attachments: Davies Plain Track seasonal closure section_1 May - 30 Nov (258KB)

  • Lovicks Hut Camping Area (Alpine National Park)

    King Billies Track

    King Billies Track approx. 400m from the King Billies/Bluff track intersection, Alpine National Park is in poor condition were a bog hole has formed at the first switchback heading East towards the Macalister River.  The bog hole is impassable in wet conditions.

 
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