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
Dispersed camping in Alpine National Park
Hiking in Alpine National Park
Cross-country skiing
Hunting in Alpine National Park
Fishing
Horse riding
Bird watching
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
Facilities
When you're there
Wonnangatta Icon Drive
Need to know
Wonnangatta Icon Drive
Accessibility
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
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.Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer – Ingeegoodbee/Tingaringy areas
Parts of the Park will be closed during these dates while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.24-28 October 202228 November-2 December 20223-7 April 2023See attached map for more details.Attachments: Alpine National Park_Ingeegoodbee Tingaringy aerial shooting information (449KB)
Planned Aerial shooting operations targeting deer - Dinner Plain Dargo High Plains area
Parts of the Park will be closed during these dates while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.14-17 November 202221-24 November 20228-11 May 202329 May-1 June 20235-8 June 2023See attached map for details.Attachments: Dinner Plain_Dargo High Plains Aerial shooting information (517KB)
Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer - Feathertop
Parts of the Park will be closed during these dates while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.14-18 November 202221-25 November 20228-12 May 202329 May-2 June 20235-9 June 2023See attached map for details.Attachments: Feathertop Aerial Shooting Information (603KB)
Mt Pinnibar Track - deteriorated condition
Mt Pinnibar Track between Walkers Road and Tom Groggin Track has deteriorated significantly following recent storm and flood events.Visitors are advised to consider alternate routes until repairs can be carried out.Mt Beauty Area - Mountain Creek Track closed
Mountain Creek Track (near Mt Bogong) is closed to all vehicles due to significant storm and flood activity.The Mountain Creek Camping Area remains open and access to Mt Bogong via Staricase Spur Walking Track remains open for walkers.Bright / Myrtleford Area - Track Closures
The following tracks have been impacted by significant storm and flood events and are currently clsoed:
Mt Selwyn Road (between 5 ways and Canyon Track)
Mt Murray North TrackBogong High Plains Road is closed due to landslip
Bogong High Plains Road is closed due to landslip - there is no access to Falls Creek Village and Bogong High Plains trailheads. This should be considered if you planning to walk from other areas of the park and your walk finishes in Falls Creek or the trailheads nearby. There is no access to the Bogong High Plains from Mt. Beauty. The landslide is situated above Bogong Village and is moving slowly due to unprecedented rain. It is estimated that this road will be closed until at least February. Guests with reservations for the horse yards across the High Plains can still access the High Plains via Omeo Highway.Track closures due to flood impact
The following tracks are closed due to impact by storms and flood. Crews will assess and reopen when safe:The following tracks are closed due to impact by storms and flood. Crews will assess and reopen when safe:- Cobberas Track
- Ingeegoodbee Track
- Little Cobbler Track
- McFarlines
Flat Track
- Cobberas Track
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Davies Plain Hut & Camping Area (Alpine National Park)
Temporary closure of damaged section - Davies Plain Track, Alpine National Park
A 2.3km section of Davies Plain Track, near Davies Plain Hut Camping Area within the Alpine National Park, is currently closed to all vehicles because of significant water damage and severe erosion, following recent flood and storm events in the area.As a result of the temporary closure, Davies Plain Track is not currently a thoroughfare for vehicles between Tom Groggin and Charlie Creek Camping Area.There is currently no vehicle access to Davies Plain Hut or the adjoining camping area, pending further assessments and subsequent repairs. Nearest camping areas accessible to suitable 4WD vehicles on Davies Plain Track are Charlie Creek Camping Area to the south; and Buckwong Creek Camping Area to the north (near Tom Groggin).Attachments: Section closed to vehicles_Davies Plain Track (251KB)
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Paradise Falls (Alpine National Park)
Wabonga Track Closure
Wabonga Track in the Alpine National Park is currently closed between Paradise Falls Road and MacMillans Tracks.A large spring has opened up in the middle of the road creating a sink hole that presents a hazard to entering vehicles.The track will remain closed until conditions allow for road repairs. The track is expected to open in January 2023 -
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Ground shooting operations targeting deer
Ground shooting operations targeting deer will be undertaken in this Park from December 2022 to June 2023. The park will remain open for visitors during ground shooting operations.For more information about deer control to protect biodiversity, please visit this link.Ground shooting operations targeting deer
Ground shooting operations targeting deer will be undertaken in these Parks from December 2022 to June 2023.Some access restrictions may apply. Please observe local signage.Alpine National Park (Bogong High Plains, Mount Bogong, Dinner Plain, Dargo High Plains, Foothills and Southern Alps)Buchan Caves ReserveBurrowa-Pine MountainCape Conran Coastal ParkCabbage Tree Creek Flora ReserveErrinundra National ParkHowitt-Wellington PlainsLake Tyers State ParkMount Baw Baw National ParkMount Buffalo National ParkMount Mittamatite Regional ParkMount Mitta Mitta Flora ReserveMount Lawson State ParkMount Granya State ParkMountain Creek Education AreaPheasant Creek Flora ReserveWabba Wilderness ParkWilsons Promontory National Park -
Cobbler Lake Camping Area (Alpine National Park)
Lake Cobbler Road Maintenance Grading
Cobbler Lake Road is currently undergoing road grading maintenance works to repair weather event damage and to improve drive-ability. Works are expected to be fully completed before the end of the week.Delays can be expected but otherwise the road is open.
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