Wonnangatta Icon Drive

Wonnangatta Icon Drive

Wonnangatta Icon Drive

Wonnangatta Icon Drive

Wonnangatta Icon Drive

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

    Explore

    Wonnangatta Icon Drive

    Alpine National Park

    A spectacularly scenic journey that draws four-wheel-drive tourers from all over Australia, Wonnangatta Icon Drive is a must-do for adventure-seekers in Alpine National Park. Take in the rich history and heritage of the High Country as you drive these rugged tracks.

    For those keen to get well off the beaten track, into mountain history, and onto some magnificent four wheel drive tracks, the Wonnangatta Icon Drive is one of the best four wheel driving experiences in Australia.

    Accessible only by 4WD, the breathtaking 222-kilometre loop takes you through Wonnangatta Valley, the Grant Historic Area, the remote community of Dargo, and up to the unmatched panoramas of the Alps offered by the Howitt and Dargo High Plains.

    Explore the remains of the pioneer miners and graziers, and discover the heritage huts built by mountain cattlemen in the early 20th century. Linger by 100m waterfalls, and breathe the high mountain air as you step out of the vehicle to stroll beneath Alpine Ash and over grassy alpine plains.

    Stop at the many lookouts and family walk locations to take in the glorious mountain scenery and learn more about the European history of the area, including the ruins of an old homestead near the confluence of the Conglomerate Creek and Wonnangatta River. Historic huts, bridges and campsites abound, and offer a glimpse into the hardship experienced by the pioneer settlers of the region (or, if you stop at the Loo With A View at Vallejo Gantner Hut, a meditative glimpse from a longdrop throne onto an improbably awesome view).

    You should allow two to three days for this drive, and remember that many tracks are rated Difficult – this is a tour for experienced four-wheel drivers. The whole loop is classified as Very Difficult in dry conditions, so be prepared.

    You'll need to take all you need for self-sufficient camping – check the Visitor Guide and 4WD Victoria's Wonnangatta Drive brochure [PDF] for more details on where to make camp.

    Things To Do

    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.
    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 ski tourers ascend a gully on Mount Bogong in the Alpine National Park

    Cross-country skiing

    In winter, skiing is popular in the Lost Plain - Holmes Plain area. More experienced skiers can explore the extensive, remote open snow plains, particularly the Snowy and Howitt Plains. You may need a 4WD vehicle to access the areas along the Tamboritha Road. Expect a relatively arduous walk to reach skiable snow past the season road closure on Howitt Road.
    Three hunters silhouetted at sunset.

    Hunting in Alpine National Park

    Sections of the Alpine National Park and Avon Wilderness Park are regarded as world class for Sambar Deer stalking.
    Two friends fish off the back a boat on a misty morning on Lake Eildon.

    Fishing

    In quiet lakes and gently flowing rivers, in the pounding surf or in the depths beneath your boat – the waters of Victoria’s parks and reserves offer some prize catches.
    Two women ride horses along a dirt path in the You Yangs Regional Park.

    Horse riding

    Explore the landscape on horseback to appreciate the solitude and peace of the natural environment. Victoria's parks offer a variety of horse riding experiences.
    Father and son bird watching on boardwalk

    Bird watching

    From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot.

    How to get there

    Wonnangatta Icon Drive

    There are several access routes to join the drive. The most popular entry points are:

    • From Heyfield through Licola
    • From Dargo
    • From Myrtleford or Porepunkah
    • From Mansfield
    Wonnangatta Icon Drive

    Facilities

    Toilets
    Carpark

    When you're there

    Download the Visitor Guide and 4WD Victoria's Wonnangatta Drive brochure for more information.

    Wonnangatta Icon Drive

    Need to know

    Wonnangatta Icon Drive

    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.

    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 - Alpine National Park (Eastern Alps)

      The following tracks in the Alpine NP (Omeo Management Area) are currently closed to all vehicles while condition assessments and repairs are being undertaken:
       
      Ingeegoodbee Track
      Cobberas Track
      MacFarlanes Flat Track

      Planned Aerial shooting operations - Feathertop area

      Parts of this Park will be closed from Monday 7th – Friday 11th March, Monday 28th March – Friday 1st April and Monday 23rd – Friday 27th May 2022.

      See attached map for details.

      Attachments: ANP_Feathertop aerial shooting Information (744KB)

      Planned Aerial shooting operations - Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains area

      Parts of this Park will be closed from Monday 7th – Thursday 10th March, Monday 4th – Friday 8th April and Monday 23rd – Friday 27th May 2022.

      See attached map for details. 

      Attachments: ANP_Dinner Plain Dargo High Plains aerial shooting informat (490KB)

      Partial track closure - Besford Track, Alpine NP

      A severely water damaged section of Besford Track, within the Alpine National Park north of Benambra, is closed to all vehicles. There is no through access for vehicles on Besford Track between the Benambra-Corryong Road and Deep Creek Track.

      Early seasonal road closures 2022

      The following roads in the Alpine National Park are subject to early seasonal road closures.

      From 1 May 2022: Golden Ridge Track (Map 34D), King Spur Track (Map 34D), Long Spur Track (Map 34D), Shepherds Creek Track (Map 34D), and Kelly Lane (Map 34I).

      From 7 May 2022: Davies Plain Track (Maps 34F and 34G), and Kings Plain Track (Map 34F).

      From 16 May 2022: Bluff Track (Map 34A).

      See Map 34A: Alpine National Park (West A), Map 34D: Alpine National Park (Central), Map 34F: Alpine National Park (North East), Map 34G: Alpine National Park (East), and Map 34I: Alpine National Park (South West) for locations of the closures.

      Visit the seasonal road closures page for more information.

      Planned aerial shooting operations - Tom Groggin area

      Parts of this park will be closed from Monday 23rd – Friday 27th May 2022.
       
      See attached map for details.
       

      Track Closure

      Mount Wellington and Moroka Range Tracks are closed due to four-wheel drive track maintenance works.

      Planned Aerial shooting operations - Bogong High Plains and Foothills area

      Parts of this Park will be closed from Monday 23rd – Friday 27th May 2022.
       
      See attached map for details.
       

      Attachments: Park closure - Bogong High Plains - May 2022 (644KB)

      Foothills & Southern Alps 4WD Track Maintenance


      Extensive roading maintenance work has commenced across vast areas of the Southern Alps. Works are occurring on various tracks in State Forest and the Alpine National Park north of Licola and will continue while conditions allow. We wish to inform visitors that the four-wheel drive network remains open, but you may encounter delays. Please contact the Heyfield Office for specific local information as machines will be moving throughout the landscape.

      Traffic Delays - Howitt Road

      Traffic delays will occur on Howitt Road near Dimmicks Lookout on the 24th and 25th of May. Excavation works are being undertaken to repair a section of the road. Visitors should consider an alternative route on these dates or expect delays.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Deer Control (ground shooting) operation underway

      Deer control is being undertaken in this park from October 2021 to June 2022. Some localised access restrictions may apply. Find out more about this program. 

    • Frys Flat Camping Area (Howqua Hills Historic Area, Howqua River Heritage River)

      Vehicle access to Frys Flat Horse Yards

      The Howqua Hills Track between Sheepyard Flat South and Frys Flat currently requires 4WD capability and may not be suitable for the use of floats and trailers to transport horses into this area.  It is recommended that visitors inspect the track prior to crossing to ensure that they are comfortable with the condition of the track and have the ability to cross safely. 

      Parks Victoria are currently negotiating various approvals and permits required to undertake the necessary repair and maintenance to restore this section of track. 

      If you still wish to book and camp at Fry’s Flat with your horse, there are alternate methods of accessing the area.  You can:

      • Walk/ride horses in from Howqua Hills track (100-200m)
      • Walk/ride horse in from Martin/Fern or Spring street (across the river)

      Alternative camping areas with vehicle-accessible horse yards available for booking nearby are also found at: 

      • Tunnel Bend, Howqua Hills Historic Area (up to 10 horses, dogs permitted).
      • 7-mile Flat, Alpine National Park (up to 20 horses, no dogs permitted)
      • King River Hut, Alpine National Park (up to 20 horses, no dogs permitted)
      • Lovicks Hut (up to 20 horses, no dogs permitted) 

      For further information, please contact the Mansfield office on 03 5733 1200 and ask to speak to one of the PV Rangers. 

    Similar Trails

     
    A 4WD climbs to the top of the Blue Rag Range Track.

    Victoria's Iconic 4WD Adventures

    With Victoria's Iconic 4WD Adventures, you can experience six of the very best four wheel drive touring routes, with tracks for everyone from the experienced driver to the relative novice.
    A Land Rover Defender attempts a river crossing in the Alpine National Park.

    4WD

    Enjoy a range of short and long 4WD trips in Victoria's parks. From the desert or mountains, to the rainforest or snow, 4WD tracks cater for all levels of skill and expertise.
    A couple stop on the side of the Great Ocean Road to take a picture.

    Long drives

    Venture out on a regional road trip with some of Australia's most scenic drives taking you to its most spectacular natural attractions.
    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
    X
    By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
    Confirm