Tali Karng

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Tali Karng

Alpine National Park

Tali Karng is a hidden jewel nestled deep in the mountains of Gippsland, fed by snowmelt waters of the Wellington Plains. Accessible only by walking track, this tranquil lake is sacred to the Gunaikurnai people. Please treat the area with respect, and do not camp at the lake.

The trip to Tali Karng is an adventurer's dream. Three walking tracks lead to the lake, ranging from 13km to 20km one-way. Whichever you take, you'll need to be fit and experienced, and have everything you need for a full day's walk on hand (see the Visitor Guide for more details). 

Each of the tracks offers a different landscape to experience. Trek across Wellington Plains or ford the Wellington River. The remoteness of the area makes it a magnificent camping spot.

Make camp at Nyimba Camp near the southern end of the Wellington Plains walking track, or below the lake in the Valley of Destruction. Nyimba Camp has toilets and fireplaces. 

Tali Karng 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 150m below in the Valley of Destruction.

The first people to call this area home were the Gunaikurnai people, most likely members of the Brayakaulung clan. Aboriginal people guided many European explorers and gold miners through the mountains along well-used pathways, which now form some of today's road and track network. 

Tali Karng is a sacred place to the Gunaikurnai and in keeping with their law, Aboriginal people are forbidden to go there. 

Aboriginal people do not oppose non-indigenous people visiting Tali Karng as long as they treat the area with respect. Camping at the lake is disrespectful, so please treat the area with care as you pass by the lake and camp elsewhere. 

 

Things To Do

This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:

Two women follow the path through scrub up Mt Bogong with mountain views in the distance.

Hiking in Alpine National Park

Explore some of Australia's best mountain walking around Mount Bogong, including the Staircase, Eskdale Spur and a variety of other day hikes and family walks.
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.
Three friends enjoy a picnic on the grass in front of the historic Wallace Hut.

Alpine Discovery Days

Learn about this beautiful and unique region, the historical significance of the Alpine huts, and the stunning natural ecosystem surrounding them from trained Volunteer Park Guides. Alpine Discovery Days run on selected days during the summer school holidays and over the Easter long weekend.

How to get there

Tali Karng

The nearest town is Licola. To get there, take Princes Highway to Traralgon, turn off to Heyfield and on to Licola. 

Need to know

Tali Karng

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

    Road Closures - Cobberas Track, Macfarlane Flat Track, Ingeegoodbee Track

    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. A timeframe for reopening is currently unavailable.
    • Cobberas Track
    • Macfarlane Flat Track
    • Ingeegoodbee Track
     The tracks are likely to remain closed to motor vehicles until detailed site assessments have been completed, repairs undertaken and the road conditions are deemed safe for motor vehicle access.
     
    Before visiting, Visitors should always check the Parks Victoria website for the latest information about their destination.

    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
    • 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.

  • 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.

Explore Alpine National Park

 
Three friends stop for a quick drink late in the afternoon on their walk from Hotham to Falls Creek.

Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing

One of Victoria's icon walks, the 37km Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing (FHAC) is a 3 day/2 night walk through the Alpine National Park, linking the resort villages of Falls Creek and Mt Hotham.
Two friends walk along the Brabralung Trail near Dinner Plain in the Alpine National Park.

Brabralung Trail

Enjoy a pleasant walk or cycle through Snow Gum woodland and open snow plains. Starting at the Hotham General Store and finishing at Dinner Plain Village, the trail is never far from the Great Alpine Road.
Two people walk along the Razorback towards Mt Feathertop in the Alpine National Park.

Mount Feathertop

Stunning Alpine landscape with Victoria's second highest peak, Mt Feathertop towering above Harrietville in the Ovens Valley.
A wide view of Lake Cobbler under a blue sky.

Lake Cobbler

Nestled in Alpine Ash and Gums is Lake Cobbler, where you can find camping and day visitor areas, hut and toilet facilities, and abundant wildlife. The overflow from this lake feeds Dandongadale Falls on the Cobbler Plateau. Adventurous hikers can find the head of the hiking trail to the summit of Mount Cobbler nearby.
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.
Two women walk towards the summit of Mt Bogong in the Alpine National Park.

Mount Bogong

At 1986 metres, Mt Bogong is the highest peak in Victoria and attracts hikers and skiers.
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