• Powers Lookout Scenic Reserve

  • Powers Lookout Scenic Reserve

  • Powers Lookout Scenic Reserve

  • Powers Lookout Scene Reserve

  • Powers Lookout Scenic Reserve

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Powers Lookout Scenic Reserve

Powers Lookout Scenic Reserve is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Taungurung Peoples. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.

Situated along the Mansfield‐Whitfield Road, Powers Lookout Scenic Reserve provides sweeping panoramas of the surrounding mountain and valley landscape. Just a short drive from Whitfield, the reserve is very popular for day trippers. Visit for magnificent views, walks to suit all abilities, and a unique link to Australian bush ranger history.

This rocky escarpment high above the King Valley was the hideout of Harry Power, a notorious but 'gentlemanly' bushranger of the 1860s. Power reputedly befriended a young Ned Kelly before leading him into a life of crime from which there appeared to be no turning back. On the run from the law for 8 years, Power used the location of the reserve as a hideout and vantage point. Nevertheless, it was here that he was eventually captured by police.

Today, Powers Lookout provides day visitors with a beautiful view of the King Valley, as well as opportunities to spot some of the area's iconic wildlife including Superb Lyrebirds and Wedge-Tailed Eagles.

There are two lookout points where you can take in the spectacular scenery of the landscape below.

The first lookout is located at the car park, and is an all-accessible platform. From here, you can take in the breathtaking views over the Wobonga Plateau to the alpine peaks in the distance.

The second lookout is accessed via a short walk with a series of ladders, stairs and walkways that takes you through caves and rocky formations to a viewing platform at the northern-most point of the outcrop. With all the twists and turns along the way, it's easy to imagine why Power chose this site for a hideout.

There is also a 20-minute return walk to Harry’s Watering Hole. Situated on the southwest side of the car park is a little path leading down to a spring that trickles amongst more caves. Here it's said that legendary bushranger Harry Power would take his horses down for a drink of water. More stories of Harry Power, his exploits and final demise are detailed on the information board here. You'll also find picnic tables, fireplaces, a shelter with a fireplace and two toilet blocks.

Things to do in the area

Stringybark Creek at Stringybark Camping Reserve.

The Kelly Tree & Stringybark Camping Reserve

Located on the Tatong-Tolmie Road 29km from Powers Lookout, this interpretive boardwalk takes you through the events of a shootout between Ned Kelly's gang and members of the Mansfield police.
A woman hikes to the top of Mt Cobbler with spectacular views of the High Country in the background.

Mount Cobbler Walk

Enjoy a beautiful walk to Mount Cobbler and take in amazing views from the top of the mountain. The track is relatively steep and recommended for physically fit walkers.
Looking over Lake Cobbler, Alpine National Park

Cobbler Lake Camping Area

This camping spot is a great base for experienced walkers to tackle Mt Cobbler or visit the nearby Dandongale Falls.
Two women sit beside the ephemeral Paradise Falls located near the headwaters of the King River in the Alpine National Park.

Paradise Falls

Paradise Falls cascade 31 metres and are most spectacular in spring, early summer or after rain. The walk to the viewing platform is a well‐made stepped track perfect for all ability levels.
A wide view of Lake Cobbler under a blue sky.

Lake Cobbler

Nestled in Alpine Ash and Gums is Lake Cobbler, where you can find camping and day visitor areas, hut and toilet facilities, and abundant wildlife. The overflow from this lake feeds Dandongadale Falls on the Cobbler Plateau. Adventurous hikers can find the head of the hiking trail to the summit of Mount Cobbler nearby.

Powers Lookout Scenic Reserve

This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:

Echidnas
Koalas
Kangaroos
Lyrebirds
Wallabies
Wedge-tailed eagles
Wombats

Tours and adventure experiences in parks

One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.

There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.

Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more. 

Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.

Find a Licensed Tour Operator

How to get there

Powers Lookout Scenic Reserve

Powers Lookout Scenic Reserve is located on the Mansfield-Whitfield road, Whitlands, 70km from Wangaratta through the King Valley and 49km from Mansfield. The last 3km of the trip via Powers Lookout Road is unsealed but accessible by 2WD.

Please note that there is no access from Powers Lookout Road to Upper King River Road. To reach Upper King River Road, you'll need to travel via Whitfield and Cheshunt.

Powers Lookout Scenic Reserve

When you're there

Download the Alpine National Park visitor guide for more information about Powers Lookout Scenic Reserve.

Related Sites

When to go

Escape the heat amongst tall leafy trees with a picnic.

Need to know

Powers Lookout Scenic Reserve

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.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

Safety

Visitors are please asked to stay to the designated walking track for your safety due to unstable rocks falling and damage to native vegetation.

How we keep it special

Please note that camping is not permitted at the Powers Lookout Scenic Reserve. You can find some excellent free and 2WD accessible camping spots nearby at Edi Cutting, Bennies, Stringybark Camping Reserve and Dandongadale that are accessible all year round.

For 4WD and camping during the warmer months, check out the Upper King River, Sandy Flat, Top Crossing and Buckland Spur areas. Note that these areas are subject to seasonal road closures.

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