Fire-affected parks remain closed as others reopen.

Before you leave home, check for park closures and download the VicEmergency app.

Wonnangatta Icon Drive

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

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

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.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    The Alpine National Park is CLOSED north of Briagolong, east of Arbuckle Junction including Mount Howitt to Wabonga and south of Abbeyard, west of the Great Alpine Road and to the west of Dargo – due to the Dargo Wonnangatta complex fires in the area

    Closed sites:
    - Howitt Road, Moroka Road, Tamboritha Road after Lost Plain, King Billy Track
    - Wonnangatta Valley including the Icon Drive from all approaches into the Valley
    - Mount Howitt carpark, Vallejo Gantner Hut, Macalister Springs and Mount Howitt Walking Track
    - Australian Alps Walking Track within the closure area
    - McMillans walking track
    - Howitt Hut
    - Bryces Gorge camping area
    - Moroka Road and Pinnacles Day visitor area, Horseyard Flat camping area, Mcfarlanes Saddle, Moroka Hut
    - Billy Goat Bluff Track
    - Blue Rag Range Track
    - All other roads and tracks in the closed areas of the Alpine National Park
    - Eaglevale and Talbotville camping areas (Grant Historic Area)
    - Mount Sarah Natural Features and Scenic Reserve
    Open areas
    Open areas include:
    -          Wellington Campsites on Tamboritha Road
    -          Wellington River Trailhead to Lake Tali Karng (the only access to Lake Tali Karng, Mcfarlanes Saddle closed)
    -          Thomastown Camping area, Kelly Hut, McMichaels Hut
    -          Alpine National Park beyond Hotham Heights to the north and to Omeo
    -          Avon Wilderness Park
    Stay informed
    • For updated information, visit the VicEmergency website, or call the hotline on 1800 226 226.
    • Download the VicEmergency app and know how to use it – create a watch zone for your home, work and loved ones to receive alerts within that watch zone.
    • Know your local emergency broadcaster and never rely on one source of emergency information.
    • Visit the CFA website for the latest information on Fire Danger Ratings.
    • Visit the BOM website to stay updated on weather forecasts and warnings.

    Attachments: 20260118_1000_MAC 25_NP_SF_Closures_A0P_135k_comp (7,759KB)

    The Alpine National Park is CLOSED east of Mt Buller, South of Mt Buffalo and West of Mt Hotham – due to the Dargo Wonnangatta complex fires in the area.

    Closed sites:
    • Beveridge Station and the Buckland Valley Camps
    • Australian Alps Walking Track and other walking tracks within the closure area, including all tracks accessing Mt Howitt, the Crosscut Saw, Mt Speculation, the Razor Viking, Barry Mountains and the Twins.
    • Wabonga Plateau and Howitt Plains
    • Park and forest access south of Lake Buffalo
    • Lake Cobbler and Lake Cobbler Road south from Bennies
    • Camp Creek
    • Riley's Hut
    • King Hut
    • Walking tracks to Mt Howitt and the Crosscut saw from the Howqua Valley
    • King Billy Track, east of King Billys
    Open areas:
    • The Bogong High Plains
    • Mt Feathertop and Mt Loch areas
    • Mt Bogong
    • Walking tracks between Falls Creek and Mt Hotham
    • Mt Buffalo
    • Visitor sites accessed from the Omeo Highway
    • Howqua Hills
    Stay informed
    • For updated information, visit the VicEmergency website, or call the hotline on 1800 226 226.
    • Download the VicEmergency app and know how to use it – create a watch zone for your home, work and loved ones to receive alerts within that watch zone.
    • Know your local emergency broadcaster and never rely on one source of emergency information.
    • Visit the CFA website for the latest information on Fire Danger Ratings.
    • Visit the BOM website to stay updated on weather forecasts and warnings.

    Attachments: 20260123_1730_MAC 25_ForestClosures_A3P (9,799KB)

  • Alpine National Park

    TRACK CLOSURE: Little Cobbler Track, Alpine National Park

    Due to the poor condition of the Little Cobbler Track, it is closed.  The track has suffered significant impacts from multiple flood and storm events that has left deep ruts that are not trafficable, making use of the track unsafe.

    There are multiple 4WD options for alternate routes between Lake Cobbler Road and Speculation Road areas.   Options include; 
    • via Cobbler Lake Track. Turn off Lake Cobbler Rd onto Cobbler Lake Track thru to Speculation Road.
    • via Wild Horse Gap Track. Turn off Lake Cobbler Rd onto Wild Horse Gap Track, turn onto Burnt Top Track and follow thru to Pineapple Flat. From Pineapple Flat take King Basin Road thru to Speculation Road.
    • via Basin Track. Turn off Upper Rose River Rd onto Basin Track, turn onto Burnt Top Track and follow thru to Pineapple Flat. From Pineapple Flat take King Basin Road thru to Speculation Road. 
    Please contact Parks Victoria on 13 19 63 if you need further assistance with journey planning in this area to assist with navigating around this closure.

    Cobberas, Ingeegoodbee and Macfarlane Flat Track closures.

    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. It is difficult to predict when planning approvals will be obtained to allow for repairs to commence. 
    Before visiting, visitors should check the Parks Victoria website for the latest information about their destination.

    Attachments: FAQs for Cobberas ingeegoodbee and mcfarlane tks (128KB)

  • 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.
     
    For more information about deer control to protect biodiversity, please visit this link.

    Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer

    Control operations (aerial shooting) targeting deer are planned for this area.  During operations parts of the Park will be closed to visitors. More information on closures will be posted a minimum of 4 weeks prior to commencement. 
     
    Visitors are advised to check the Change of conditions listing prior to arrival for up to date information and maps.
     
    For more information about deer control to protect biodiversity, please visit this link.

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.
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