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

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.

  • 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.

    Track & visitor site closures - Wellington River & Tali Karng area due to fire

    Due to current bushfire in the Licola area of the Alpine National Park, the following tracks and visitor sites are closed.

    All walking tracks in the Tali Karng Network
    ·       Wellington Plains Walking Track
    ·       Gillios Walking Track
    ·       Riggal Spur Walking Track
    ·       Clive Lanigan Walking Track
    ·       Wellington River Walking Track
    ·       Echo Point Walking Track

    Four-wheel drive tracks
    ·       Mt Margaret Track
    ·       B1 Track
    ·       Chromite Mine Track
    ·       Brandy Pinch Track
    ·       Mt Wellington & Millers Hut Track (under seasonal closure)
    ·       Mount Hump Track (MVO)
    ·       Staircase Track (MVO)
    ·       Mt Hump South Track (MVO)

    Visitor Sites
    ·       Tali Karng & Nyimba Camp
    ·       Millers Hut

  • 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.

    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. 

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

    Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer

    The following parks will be closed while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken:
     
    11-15 Nov 2024
    ·         Alpine National Park (Eastern Alps, Ingeegoodbee, Tingaringy & Tom Groggin)
     
    18-22 Nov 2024
     
    3-7 Feb 2025
    ·         Alpine National Park (Bogong High Plains, Mt Bogong, Feathertop)
    ·         Mt Buffalo National Park
    ·         Mt Mittamatite (Mitta Mitta) Regional Park
    ·         Wabba Wilderness Park
    ·         Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park
     
    3-7 Mar 2025
    ·         Alpine National Park (Bogong High Plains, Mt Bogong, Feathertop, Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains, Howitt, Wellington & Snowy Plains)  
     
    More information will be posted here prior to operations commencing. 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.

    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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