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
Tali Karng
Wonnangatta Icon Drive
Dispersed camping in Alpine National Park
How to get there
Heyfield, Licola and Dargo
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.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
TRACK CLOSURE: Wild Horse Gap Track, Alpine National Park
Wild Horse Gap Track is currently closed as a result of poor track condition until further notice.Access to the park is not affected - alternate routes are available that will enable transit through this section of the Alpine National Park. If you require assistance with journey planning as a result of the closure, please contact the local Parks Victoria office for assistance via 13 19 63.McMillans Road - Grant Historic Area - Is currently recommended for 4WD vehicles
McMillans Rd in the Grant Historic Area is currently recommended for 4WD vehicles. Vehicles travelling on McMillans Rd require attention to variations of the surface condition (sections of clay and slippery surfaces, ruts and pot holes). Allow more time for your journey and always drive to the conditions. Reconsider need to tow caravans and be aware of winter conditions. -
Moroka Hut and Camping Area (Alpine National Park)
Moroka River Pedestrian Bridge CLOSED until further notice
The Moroka River pedestrian bridge is closed until further notice due to being assessed as structurally unsound.Access to Moroka Hut is via the Moroka Range Walking Track (4WD only). -
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
Before visiting, Visitors should always check the Parks Victoria website for the latest information about their destination.Mt Pinnibar Track - poor track conditions
Mt Pinnibar Track, between Walkers Road and Tom Groggin Track, has developed sections of significant and deep track erosion following flood and storm events.While the track remains open it is recommended that only experienced drivers in well equipped 4WD vehicles attempt this track in dry conditions.All visitors are advised to consider alternate routes to the summit of Mt Pinnibar until repairs can be carried out.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. - Cobberas Track
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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.