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
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
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
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.
3-7 March 202524-28 March 2025The 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 openCLOSED—Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains· Mt Tabletop Walking Track· Mayford· Kings Spur· Long Spur· All other tracks remain openCLOSED—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 TrackAll 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 (3,436KB)
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.Tali Karng access
Access to Tali Karng is open from the Northern end starting at McFarlane Saddle via Nyimba Camp and down to Tali Karng.Access from Tali Karng to the South and out to Tamboritha Road is closed.Closures include:- Riggall Spur – south of the Echo Point intersection- Clive Lanigan Walking Track- Wellington River Walking TrackFoothills & Southern Alps Closures
Please be aware of the following closures and changes to site conditions in areas within the Southern Alps due to recent fires.While heavy machinery works are still being carried out on roads and tracks, we ask that you adhere to traffic management instructions to ensure safe movement of all vehicles.Closures include:- Mt Margaret Walking Track- Burgoyne Track- B1Track- Chromite Mine Track- Brandy Pinch track- Mt Margaret Track- The Sentinels Track- Gable End Track- Zeka Spur Track- Dry River Walking Track - National Trail segment -
Dry River Camping Area (Mitchell and Wonnangatta Rivers Heritage River, Alpine National Park)
Dry River Walking track closed
The Dry River Walking Track (National Trail) between Howitt Hut and the Wonnangatta Valley is closed due to bushfire.
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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. -
Federation Hut (Alpine National Park)
Federation Hut water availability
The water tank at Federation Hut is currently empty and until there is significant rain, there will be no water in the tank.Non-potable water is still available at the spring off Bungalow Spur Walking Track near the Old Feathertop Hut site and at the spring on the Northwest Spur/Tom Kneen Walking Track between the Razorback Walking Track and MUMC Hut.
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