Mansfield and Whitfield

A view that takes in the surrounding Alpine range.

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

Explore

Mansfield and Whitfield

Alpine National Park

See Victoria’s tallest waterfall, Dandongadale Falls, plunge 255 metres over a sheer cliff face and disappear into the Ross River below. Visit Paradise Falls, where a fine silver mist spills over a red conglomerate ledge or the quaint Little Falls nestled in a narrow fern-laden gully.
Climb Mount Howitt where fine views of the Crosscut Saw, Mount Speculation and the Terrible Hollow unfold. The huge escarpments of The Bluff may seem forbidding, but natural breaks allow a fairly easy scramble to the top. Take in the views of wildflower-strewn plains and Lake Eildon and Mount Buller in the distance. The Australian Alps Walking Trail also makes its final journey through the Alpine National Park before meandering east towards Walhalla.

Although accessible from various points within the Alpine National Park, you can access the iconic Wonnangatta Drive from Mansfield. This 4WD journey takes in the historic mountain huts, finding your way to the Wonnangatta Valley, the mysterious Wonnangatta Station and old goldmining town of Talbotville.

Things To Do

 
Three horseriders saddle-up a pack horse before the day's riding.

Camping with your horse in Alpine National Park and Howqua Hills

The Alpine National Park and Howqua Hills Historic Area provide a unique and stunning backdrop for multi-day horse rides.
Two women sit beside the ephemeral Paradise Falls located near the headwaters of the King River in the Alpine National Park.

Paradise Falls

Paradise Falls cascade 31 metres and are most spectacular in spring, early summer or after rain. The walk to the viewing platform is a well‐made stepped track perfect for all ability levels.
A woman hikes to the top of Mt Cobbler with spectacular views of the High Country in the background.

Mount Cobbler Walk

Enjoy a beautiful walk to Mount Cobbler and take in amazing views from the top of the mountain. The track is relatively steep and recommended for physically fit walkers.

How to get there

Mansfield and Whitfield

Mansfield and Whitfield

Facilities

Carpark

When you're there

Siting just behind Lake Eildon, Mansfield and Whitfield provide the perfect introduction to the Alpine National Park. Explore The Bluff, Mount Howitt and the Wabonga Plateau through summer wildflower season or for the experienced skier, ski its remote slopes during winter.

Many visitors enjoy exploring the historic huts in the area and camping in near by camping areas on the banks of the Howqua or King Rivers.

The iconic Wonnangatta Four Wheel Drive is easily accessible from Mansfield and opens opportunities to explore the more remote corners of the park. Download the Mansfield and Whitfield Visitor Guide for more information about this part of the park.

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, horse riding and four-wheel driving conditions. While the occasional sunny day can see daytime temperatures rise above 30°C, the nights are still cool.

Need to know

Mansfield and Whitfield

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.

Most access is via 4WD vehicle, some 2WD sites are Paradise Falls, Bennies Camping Area, Lake Cobbler, Upper Howqua Camping Area (dry weather only).

A large portion of 4WD tracks are closed from the Thursday after the Queens Birthday long weekend in June, and generally reopen on the 1 November. Check with the local Parks Office for up to date information regarding track closures. 

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.

 

Alpine back country winter safety

Safe backcountry travel in Victorian Alpine areas during winter requires training and experience.  You control your risk by choosing how, when and where you travel, and the activities you participate in.

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

    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

    Wabonga and McMillan's Track closures for repairs and maintenance

    Wabonga 4WD track will be closed from the intersection of Paradise Falls Rd to Basin Track intersection, and McMillan's Track will be closed from Burrowes Rd to Wabonga track for the period 25th September to 15th December inclusive.
    The closure is to allow for important track repairs, culvert and bridge installations to support fire fighting access and response.
    If the works are completed prior to the 15th December the track will be re-opened.

    Alternative access to the Wabonga Plateau area can be via Long Spur, Basin Track, Top Crossing, or Burnt Top once the Seasonal Road closures have ended on the 2nd November.

    Mt Murray Track North closure

    Due to track damage and poor track condition resulting in a risk to visitors, environmental damage and further track damage, Mt Murray Track North is currently closed.
     
    Alternate route is Selwyn Creek Road - Mt Murray Logging Road.
     
    In the interest of visitor safety, this road is closed until further notice until track repairs can be undertaken.

    Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer – December 2023

    Parts of the Alpine National Park will be closed during these dates while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.
     
    11-15 December (Bogong High Plains & Feathertop)
    18-20 December 2023 (Bogong High Plains, Feathertop & Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains)
     
    The following tracks and visitor areas will be closed during the operation:
     
    FEATHERTOP:
    ·     MUMC Hut
    ·     Bon Accord Spur
    ·     Northwest Spur
    ·     East Ovens Track
     
    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 Fire Track
     
    DINNER PLAIN/DARGO HIGH PLAINS & HOTHAM
    ·     Mt Tabletop Walking Track
    ·     Mayford
    ·     Kings Spur
    ·     Longs Spur
     
    See attached map for details.
     
    For more information about the program and park closures, please visit this link.

    Attachments: Alpine National Park aerial shooting information (652KB)

    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.

    Bogong High Plains Road

    Following the landslide at Bogong Village the Bogong High Plains Road is now open however remediation work will continue into the foreseeable future to rectify the damage created by the landslide. Parks Victoria advises that all visitors check the Regional Roads Victoria and  Victoria's big build website for the latest traffic updates on closures or delays before visiting.
     https://regionalroads.vic.gov.au/map/north-eastern-improvements/bogong-high-plains-road-landslip 
    https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/mrpv/bogong-high-plains-road-landslip 

  • 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.

  • McNamara Hut (Buckety Plain) Camping Area (Bundara - Cobungra Remote and Natural Area, Alpine National Park)

    McNamara Hut (Buckety Plain) Camping Area (Bundara-Cobungra Remote and Natural Area, Alpine National Park

    A sink hole has appeared on Trap Yard Gap Track between the Bogong High Plains Road and the locked gate 500 m away from McNamara Hut camping ground in the Bundara Buckety Plain area. Trap Yard Gap Track has been closed to vehicles for their own safety and to maintain the integrity of the road. There is flagging/caution tape across the track where it exists the Bogong High Plains Road to highlight that the track should not be driven on. 

    McNamara Hut (Buckety Plain) Camping Area (Bundara-Cobungra Remote and Natural Area, Alpine National Park

    A sink hole has appeared on Trap Yard Gap Track between the Bogong High Plains Road and the locked gate 500 m away from McNamara Hut camping ground in the Bundara Buckety Plain area. Trap Yard Gap Track has been closed to vehicles for their own safety and to maintain the integrity of the road. There is flagging/caution tape across the track where it exists the Bogong High Plains Road to highlight that the track should not be driven on. 

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

    Davies Plain Track - 2.3 km track section currently closed due to flood damage

    A 2.3km section of Davies Plain Track, near Davies Plain Hut Camping Area within the Alpine National Park, is currently closed to all vehicles because of significant water damage and severe erosion, following recent flood and storm events in the area.  As a result of the temporary closure, Davies Plain Track is not a thoroughfare for vehicles between Tom Groggin and Charlies Creek Camping Area. There is currently no vehicle access to Davies Plain Hut or the adjoining camping area, pending further assessments and subsequent repairs. Nearest camping areas accessible to suitable 4WD vehicles on Davies Plain Track are Charlies Creek Camping Area to the south; and Buckwong Creek Camping Area to the north (near Tom Groggin). 

  • Willis Camping Area (Snowy River Heritage River, Alpine National Park)

    Flood and Storm Affected Areas

    Access to Willis Camping Area is currently closed due to recent storm and flood activity in the Area. Please see Vic Traffic website for details.

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

 
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