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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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.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 20243-7 February 20253-7 March 2025The 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 openCLOSED—Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains· Mt Tabletop Walking Track· Mayford· Kings Spur· Long Spur· All other tracks remain openCLOSED—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 openVisitors are advised to check the Change of conditions listing prior to arrival for up to date information and maps.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 202410-14 February 2025Visitors 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. - Cobberas Track
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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 Park3-7 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 Park10-14 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. -
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)