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

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

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.

  • 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
     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.
     
    18-22 November 2024
    3-7 February 2025
    3-7 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 (2,025KB)

    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.

    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)

    Zeka Spur Track Closed

    Zeka Spur Track will remain closed beyond the seasonal closure date Thursday 31st October. Works will be occurring using large machinery to remove due to a rock slide.

    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. 

    King Billy Track - Low clearance

    A section of King Billy Track has low clearance due to a large tree over the track. The tree is approx. 4km from the top of Howitt Road/King Billy Track intersection.

    Vehicles over 2.4m will be unable to proceed under the tree.


    Tamboritha Road - bridge bypasses


    Work is currently underway to replace the two bridges on lower Tamboritha Road. As such, bypasses for both bridges have been established. Vehicles of various class that could pass over the bridges, are still able to utilise and negotiate the bypasses.
    Please comply with road safety signage when driving through the construction area.
    The work is expected to be completed by the end of December 2024. 

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

    Aerial shooting operations targeting deer (partial Park closures)

    The following Parks will have some areas closed while aerial shooting operations are undertaken. Popular visitor sites, walking trails and campgrounds are generally excluded from treatment areas and will remain open to visitors. More information and maps with details on access restrictions be posted here in the coming weeks. Please check the Change of Conditions listing prior to arrival for up to date information.  
     
     11-15 Nov 2024
    ·      Alpine National Park (Eastern Alps, Ingeegoodbee, Tingaringy & Tom Groggin)
    ·      Snowy River National Park (north)
     
    18-22 Nov 2024
    ·      Alpine National Park (Bogong High Plains, Mt Bogong, Feathertop & Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains)
     
    9-13 Dec 
    ·      Snowy River National Park (south)
    ·      Croajingolong National Park
    ·      Cape Conran Coastal Park 

    3-7 Feb 2025
    ·      Alpine National Park (Bogong High Plains, Mt Bogong, Feathertop)
    ·      Mt Buffalo National Park
    ·      Mt Mittamatite Regional Park
    ·      Wabba Wilderness Park
    ·      Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park

    10-14 Feb 2024
    ·      Alpine National Park (Eastern Alps, Ingeegoodbee, Tingaringy & Tom Groggin)
    ·      Snowy River National Park (north)
     
    3-7 Mar 2025
    ·      Alpine National Park (Bogong High Plains, Mt Bogong, Feathertop & Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains) 

    For more information on Parks Victoria's deer control program visit this link

    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.

  • 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 Sites

    Billy Goat Bluff Track - Track Maintenance Works

    Parks Victoria and DEECA wish to advise track maintenance work is occurring on Billy Goat Bluff Track. Traffic management will be in place and delays should be expected. 
    Please obey all Traffic Management signs and directions from staff whilst traveling on Billy Goat Bluff Track.  
    Allow more time for your journey and always drive to the conditions.

    McMillans Rd - Grant Historic Area - Planned Road Works

    Road repair works will be undertaken on McMillans Road starting Monday 11th of November 2024.
    Four Wheel Drive and All Wheel Drive vehicles are recommended when travelling on McMillans Rd - Grant Historic Area during this time. 
    Delays can be expected while works are being undertaken. Please obey all Traffic Management signs and give way to trucks and heavy machinery. 
    Allow more time for your journey and always drive to the conditions. Reconsider the need to tow caravans.

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

    Due to current road conditions, McMillans Rd in the Grant Historic Area is currently recommended for 4WD and AWD vehicles with high ground clearance. Whilst travelling on McMillans Rd please pay extra attention to variations of the road surface (slippery/rough surfaces, ruts and pot holes). 
    Allow more time for your journey and always drive to the conditions. 
    Reconsider need to tow caravans.


    Accessing the Wonnangatta from Mansfield

    Wonnangatta via – Bluff Trk, Howitt High Plains, Licola, Dargo, Wonnangatta Track
    Option 1.1 – Legend Colour: Black
    Option 1.2 – Legend Colour: Purple
     
    ·      Take Bluff Link Road to Bluff Trk.
    ·      Bluff Track to the King Billy's.
    ·      OR Take Brocks Road to the King Billy's. (Option 2)
    ·      King Billy Track to the Howitt High Plains.
    ·      Howitt Rd to Licola.
    ·      (Howitt Road changes to Tamboritha Road at intersection with Moroka Road).
    ·      From Licola take Licola Road, Traralgon-Maffra Road,
    ·      Stratford -Maffra Road to the Princes Highway. (Passing through Heyfield, Maffra and Stratford).
    ·      Princes Highway to Fernbank-Glendale Road.
    ·      Fernbank-Glendale Road to Bairnsdale-Dargo Road.
    ·      Bairnsdale-Dargo Road to Dargo Road.
    ·      Dargo Road to Wonnangatta Road. 


    Wonnangatta via – Circuit Rd, Speculation Rd, Lake Cobbler, Abbeyard
    Option 2 
    – Legend Colour: Blue

    ·      Take Bluff Link Road to the Howqua River crossing
    ·      Bindaree Road to Circuit Road
    ·      Circuit Road to Speculation Road
    ·      Speculation Road over the ‘Staircase’ to Cobbler Lake Track
    ·      Cobbler Lake Track past Lake Cobbler to Abbeyard-Lake Cobbler Track
    ·      Abbeyard-Lake Cobbler Track to Abbeyards Road
    ·      Abbeyards Road to Buffalo River Road
    ·      Buffalo River Road to intersection of West Buffalo Track
    ·      West Buffalo Track to Harry Shepherds Track
    ·      Harry Shepherds Track to Van Dammes Track
    ·      Van Dammes Track to  Wonnangatta Track.

    Attachments: Wonnangatta Routes - Zeka Track Closure (Land Slide) (724KB)

 
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