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:
Hiking in Alpine National Park
Dispersed camping in Alpine National Park
Alpine Discovery Days
How to get there
Tali Karng
When you're there
Need to know
Tali Karng
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.
Safety in nature
To ensure that you and your companions stay safe, always remember that the natural environment can be unpredictable. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.
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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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.
Explore Alpine National Park
Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing
Brabralung Trail

Mount Feathertop

Lake Cobbler
Paradise Falls
