Wonnangatta Icon Drive

A Four Wheel Drive sits on a dirt track with a sunset highlighting the mountains in the background.

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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

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.

  • Moroka Hut and Camping Area (Alpine National Park)

    Moroka River Pedestrian Bridge CLOSED until further notice

    The Moroka River pedestrian bridge is closed until further notice due to being assessed as structurally unsound. 

    Access to Moroka Hut is via the Moroka Range Walking Track (4WD only). 

  • Alpine National Park

    Eastern Alps track closures due to storm and flood damage

    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:
    • Cobberas Track
    • Macfarlane Flat Track
    • Ingeegoodbee Track
     The tracks are likely to remain closed to motor vehicles until detailed site assessments have been completed. Assessments and repair works are not expected to be completed until late 2024 / early 2025.
     
    Before visiting, Visitors should always check the Parks Victoria website for the latest information about their destination.

    Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer – Bogong High Plains, Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains and Feathertop

    Parts of the Alpine National Park will be closed during the following dates while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.
     
    18-22 November 2024
    3-7 February 2025
    3-7 March 2025
     
    The following tracks and visitor areas will be closed during the operation:
     
    CLOSED—Mt Feathertop
    ·         MUMC Hut
    ·         Bon Accord Spur
    ·         Northwest Spur
    ·         East Ovens Track
    ·         All other tracks remain open 
    CLOSED—Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains
    ·         Mt Tabletop Walking Track
    ·         Mayford
    ·         Kings Spur
    ·         Long Spur
    ·         All other tracks remain open
    CLOSED—Bogong High Plains
    ·         Moncrieffs Gap Track
    ·         East Kiewa Fire Track
    ·         Cranky Charlie Track
    ·         Roper Spur Track
    ·         Big River Fire Track (off BHP Road)
    ·         Spring Saddle Track
    ·         Arthur Track
    ·         Mt Arthur Fire Trail
    ·         Red Fox Track
    ·         Black Possum Spur Track
    ·         Junction Spur Track
    ·         All other tracks remain open
     
    Visitors are advised to check the Change of conditions listing prior to arrival for up to date information and maps.
     
    For more information about the program please visit this link.

    Attachments: Alpine NP aerial ops information sign (2,025KB)

    Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer – Eastern Alps, Ingeegoodbee, Tingaringy, Tom Groggin

    Parts of the Alpine National Park will be closed while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken (See attached map for details).
     
    The closures will apply during the following dates:
     
    11-15 November 2024
    10-14 February 2025
     
    Visitors are advised to check the Change of conditions listing prior to arrival for up to date information and maps.
     
    For more information about the program please visit this link.

    Attachments: Alpine NP East Alps_Tom Groggin aerial shooting info (1,387KB)

    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
    • Dingo Hill Track will remain closed beyond seasonal closure date of Oct 31st 2024
    • 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.

    Tamboritha Road - bridge bypasses


    Work is currently underway to replace the two bridges on lower Tamboritha Road. As such, bypasses for both bridges have been established. Vehicles of various class that could pass over the bridges, are still able to utilise and negotiate the bypasses.
    Please comply with road safety signage when driving through the construction area.
    The work is expected to be completed by the end of December 2024. 

    King Billy Track - Low clearance

    A section of King Billy Track has low clearance due to a large tree over the track. The tree is approx. 4km from the top of Howitt Road/King Billy Track intersection.

    Vehicles over 2.4m will be unable to proceed under the tree.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

    Aerial shooting operations targeting deer (partial Park closures)

    The following Parks will have some areas closed while aerial shooting operations are undertaken. Popular visitor sites, walking trails and campgrounds are generally excluded from treatment areas and will remain open to visitors. More information and maps with details on access restrictions be posted here in the coming weeks. Please check the Change of Conditions listing prior to arrival for up to date information.  
     
     11-15 Nov 2024
    ·      Alpine National Park (Eastern Alps, Ingeegoodbee, Tingaringy & Tom Groggin)
    ·      Snowy River National Park (north)
     
    18-22 Nov 2024
    ·      Alpine National Park (Bogong High Plains, Mt Bogong, Feathertop & Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains)
     
    9-13 Dec 
    ·      Snowy River National Park (south)
    ·      Croajingolong National Park
    ·      Cape Conran Coastal Park 

    3-7 Feb 2025
    ·      Alpine National Park (Bogong High Plains, Mt Bogong, Feathertop)
    ·      Mt Buffalo National Park
    ·      Mt Mittamatite Regional Park
    ·      Wabba Wilderness Park
    ·      Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park

    10-14 Feb 2024
    ·      Alpine National Park (Eastern Alps, Ingeegoodbee, Tingaringy & Tom Groggin)
    ·      Snowy River National Park (north)
     
    3-7 Mar 2025
    ·      Alpine National Park (Bogong High Plains, Mt Bogong, Feathertop & Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains) 

    For more information on Parks Victoria's deer control program visit this link. 

    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.

  • Mt Pinnibar Summit (Alpine National Park)

    Mt Pinnibar Track Partials Closure

    Due to the poor condition of Mount Pinnibar Track two sections of the track  are closed. The closure is necessary due condition of the track, with sections of deep ruts and exposed bedrock making both approaches unsafe. The condition of the northern approach (which is badly rutted) is further exacerbated in wet weather and in these times it poses a real risk of significant incident due to the steep gradients. The two closures are between Walkers Road and Mount Pinnibar summit, and between Mount Gibbo Track and Tom Groggin Station. Alternative access to the Mt Pinnibar summit is via Tom Groggin Track, Shady Creek Upper Track and Mount Gibbo Track. 
     

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Track Closure - Long Spur Track - Alpine National Park

    Long Spur Track in the Alpine National Park is currently CLOSED from the intersection of King Spur Track for public safety. The area has been subject to widespread Storm Damage. 

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A Land Rover Defender attempts a river crossing in the Alpine National Park.

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