Fire-affected parks remain closed as others reopen.

Before you leave home, check for park closures and download the VicEmergency app.

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

    The Alpine National Park is CLOSED north of Briagolong, east of Arbuckle Junction including Mount Howitt to Wabonga and south of Abbeyard, west of the Great Alpine Road and to the west of Dargo – due to the Dargo Wonnangatta complex fires in the area

    Closed sites:
    - Howitt Road, Moroka Road, Tamboritha Road after Lost Plain, King Billy Track
    - Wonnangatta Valley including the Icon Drive from all approaches into the Valley
    - Mount Howitt carpark, Vallejo Gantner Hut, Macalister Springs and Mount Howitt Walking Track
    - Australian Alps Walking Track within the closure area
    - McMillans walking track
    - Howitt Hut
    - Bryces Gorge camping area
    - Moroka Road and Pinnacles Day visitor area, Horseyard Flat camping area, Mcfarlanes Saddle, Moroka Hut
    - Billy Goat Bluff Track
    - Blue Rag Range Track
    - All other roads and tracks in the closed areas of the Alpine National Park
    - Eaglevale and Talbotville camping areas (Grant Historic Area)
    - Mount Sarah Natural Features and Scenic Reserve
    Open areas
    Open areas include:
    -          Wellington Campsites on Tamboritha Road
    -          Wellington River Trailhead to Lake Tali Karng (the only access to Lake Tali Karng, Mcfarlanes Saddle closed)
    -          Thomastown Camping area, Kelly Hut, McMichaels Hut
    -          Alpine National Park beyond Hotham Heights to the north and to Omeo
    -          Avon Wilderness Park
    Stay informed
    • For updated information, visit the VicEmergency website, or call the hotline on 1800 226 226.
    • Download the VicEmergency app and know how to use it – create a watch zone for your home, work and loved ones to receive alerts within that watch zone.
    • Know your local emergency broadcaster and never rely on one source of emergency information.
    • Visit the CFA website for the latest information on Fire Danger Ratings.
    • Visit the BOM website to stay updated on weather forecasts and warnings.

    Attachments: 20260118_1000_MAC 25_NP_SF_Closures_A0P_135k_comp (7,759KB)

    The Alpine National Park is CLOSED east of Mt Buller, South of Mt Buffalo and West of Mt Hotham – due to the Dargo Wonnangatta complex fires in the area.

    Closed sites:
    • Beveridge Station and the Buckland Valley Camps
    • Australian Alps Walking Track and other walking tracks within the closure area, including all tracks accessing Mt Howitt, the Crosscut Saw, Mt Speculation, the Razor Viking, Barry Mountains and the Twins.
    • Wabonga Plateau and Howitt Plains
    • Park and forest access south of Lake Buffalo
    • Lake Cobbler and Lake Cobbler Road south from Bennies
    • Camp Creek
    • Riley's Hut
    • King Hut
    • Walking tracks to Mt Howitt and the Crosscut saw from the Howqua Valley
    • King Billy Track, east of King Billys
    Open areas:
    • The Bogong High Plains
    • Mt Feathertop and Mt Loch areas
    • Mt Bogong
    • Walking tracks between Falls Creek and Mt Hotham
    • Mt Buffalo
    • Visitor sites accessed from the Omeo Highway
    • Howqua Hills
    Stay informed
    • For updated information, visit the VicEmergency website, or call the hotline on 1800 226 226.
    • Download the VicEmergency app and know how to use it – create a watch zone for your home, work and loved ones to receive alerts within that watch zone.
    • Know your local emergency broadcaster and never rely on one source of emergency information.
    • Visit the CFA website for the latest information on Fire Danger Ratings.
    • Visit the BOM website to stay updated on weather forecasts and warnings.

    Attachments: 20260123_1730_MAC 25_ForestClosures_A3P (9,799KB)

  • Alpine National Park

    TRACK CLOSURE: Little Cobbler Track, Alpine National Park

    Due to the poor condition of the Little Cobbler Track, it is closed.  The track has suffered significant impacts from multiple flood and storm events that has left deep ruts that are not trafficable, making use of the track unsafe.

    There are multiple 4WD options for alternate routes between Lake Cobbler Road and Speculation Road areas.   Options include; 
    • via Cobbler Lake Track. Turn off Lake Cobbler Rd onto Cobbler Lake Track thru to Speculation Road.
    • via Wild Horse Gap Track. Turn off Lake Cobbler Rd onto Wild Horse Gap Track, turn onto Burnt Top Track and follow thru to Pineapple Flat. From Pineapple Flat take King Basin Road thru to Speculation Road.
    • via Basin Track. Turn off Upper Rose River Rd onto Basin Track, turn onto Burnt Top Track and follow thru to Pineapple Flat. From Pineapple Flat take King Basin Road thru to Speculation Road. 
    Please contact Parks Victoria on 13 19 63 if you need further assistance with journey planning in this area to assist with navigating around this closure.

    Cobberas, Ingeegoodbee and Macfarlane Flat Track closures.

    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. It is difficult to predict when planning approvals will be obtained to allow for repairs to commence. 
    Before visiting, visitors should check the Parks Victoria website for the latest information about their destination.

    Attachments: FAQs for Cobberas ingeegoodbee and mcfarlane tks (128KB)

  • 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.

    Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer

    Control operations (aerial shooting) targeting deer are planned for this area.  During operations parts of the Park will be closed to visitors. More information on closures will be posted a minimum of 4 weeks prior to commencement. 
     
    Visitors are advised to check the Change of conditions listing prior to arrival for up to date information and maps.
     
    For more information about deer control to protect biodiversity, please visit this link.

 
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