Anglers Rest Walking Track
The project
This project is being delivered on the Traditional Lands of the Gunaikurani, Jaithmatang and Dhudhuroa people.
The Anglers Rest area is located in Alpine National Park, in Victoria's High Country. An adventure-lover's dream, the popular park draws many visitors from across the state who are keen to hike some of the state's highest mountain ranges and enjoy the beautiful Mitta Mitta River.
With the number of visitors increasing, we're undertaking a project to formalise the Anglers Rest Walking Track and install a barrier at the lookout to keep visitors safe.
The 5 km loop walking track will be a grade 3 walk, suitable for a wide range of people to enjoy. Minimal works will be required to formalise the walking track, such as drainage works and re-benching at points. The track will leave from the Anglers Rest Camping Area and follow the Cobungra River, before climbing through a eucalypt forest to a spectacular lookout. The lookout, perched atop a rocky crag, provides great views up the Mitta Mitta river and alpine peaks.
Sitting atop a 40 m vertical cliff face, the lookout will have a barrier installed to ensure visitor safety.
The project is an outcome of the Greater Alps National Parks Management Plan. The plan was developed in 2016 in consultation with Traditional Owners, the community and stakeholders like the Alpine Advisory Committee and the Environment and Scientific Advisory Group. It helps to prepare for the future of the park and looks at everything from environmental and cultural values to recreation opportunities - ensuring the park can stay healthy, safe, and open for many years to come.
The plan recommended investigating formalising the Tombstone (Anglers Rest) walking track, considering the area’s environmental and cultural values, and set a goal to ensure local communities benefit from walker-related visitation with a specific call to investigate opportunities at Anglers Rest.
View from the top of the proposed lookout on the Anglers Rest Walking Track.
Project timeline
Subject to on-ground and industry conditions, works will be completed by early to mid-2026. This timeline will be updated as the project progresses.
Project benefits
Visitors and community
The area is popular with visitors and locals, many of who are attracted to the great river-based recreational experiences of the park, including rafting, kayaking and fishing.
There are currently limited walking opportunities in the area. The project will help to improve the park's track networks and river access points - ensuring visitors can make the most of their time in this impressive natural setting.
Project funding
This project has been funded by Parks Victoria, Friends of the Mitta, East Gippsland Shire Council, East Gippsland Community Foundation and the North East Catchment Management Authority.
Environment and Cultural Heritage management
An Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan has been approved for this project, along with all other environmental and regulatory permits.
Who are we working with?
To deliver the project, we’re working with the East Gippsland Shire Council, North East Catchment Management Authority, Friends of the Mitta, and the Department of Environment Energy and Climate Action - East Gippsland District. We’re also working with stakeholders to ensure the project is designed to meet the needs of the community.
Traditional Owners have been engaged by a Heritage Advisor to contribute to the approved Cultural Heritage Management Plan.
We are also working with outdoor education groups who use the park to ensure the project meets their needs.
Access changes
The walking track will be opened once works are complete - forecasted for mid-2026. Before visiting any park, you should check the relevant park page to understand any Change of Conditions.
Staying updated
Contact the Parks Victoria information number 13 1963 or email info@parks.vic.gov.au with any queries.
FAQs
What is the project?Parks Victoria is undertaking works to the Anglers Rest Walking Track at Alpine National Park to provide an improved walking track opportunity. This includes formalising the informal track and installing a safety barrier and steps at the lookout to keep visitors safe.
Why are we formalising the walking track and installing a safety barrier in the area?
With the number of visitors to Alpine National Park’s Anglers Rest Walking Track increasing, we’re formalising the track and installing a barrier to keep visitors safe.
The project is also an outcome of the Greater Alps National Parks Management Plan. Parks Victoria developed the plan in 2016 in consultation with Traditional Owners, the community and stakeholders like the Alpine Advisory Committee and the Environment and Scientific Advisory Group. The plan helps to prepare for the future of the park and looks at everything from environmental and cultural values to recreation opportunities - ensuring the park can stay healthy, safe, and open for many years to come. The plan recommends investigating formalising the Tombstone (Anglers Rest) walking track, considering the area’s environmental and cultural values. The Management Plan also has a goal to ensure local communities benefit from walker-related visitation with a specific call to investigate opportunities at Anglers Rest.
What work has been undertaken on the project so far?
Parks Victoria has completed a feasibility study to understand the safety risks posed by the walking track and lookout and risks and benefits associated with formalising the track. Concept plans for the track and railing have now been developed.
A Cultural Heritage Management Plan has also been developed and approved for the project. Walking track works will commence shortly including drainage and re-benching works along with the design and installation of the safety barrier and steps.
Will the safety barrier blend in with the environment?
We understand the special natural environment of the area and will work with contractors to ensure the designs for both the walking track and safety barrier are developed to suit the surrounding environment and meet Australian Standards. The impact of the safety barrier on river users will be minimal.
Will this stop outdoor education programs from undertaking activities (eg: for abseiling)?
Outdoor Education Groups have been consulted and will be invited to participate in the design process. A gate, or similar structure, will be installed to facilitate access to groups for abseiling and keys will be provided.
Who are we working with on the project?
Parks Victoria would like to acknowledge the support and contributions of the Friends of the Mitta, the East Gippsland Shire Council, North East CMA and the East Gippsland Community Foundation. We’ll continue to work with community and tourism to develop visitor opportunities as the project progresses.
Parks Victoria has also consulted with a wide range of local businesses, outdoor education, community and tourism groups both in Omeo and more broadly. This has occurred between 2022 and 2023. Each identified group has been contacted, received details of the project, and had an opportunity for input. Feedback from this engagement has helped to inform the progress of the project.
When will the project start and end?
Works on the safety barrier and steps will commence shortly as well as walking track works including drainage and re-benching. The project is expected to be complete by early to mid-2026.
Will there be any access changes during works?
Once works on the walking track near the camping area and road commences, it will be closed to prevent visitors' access until safety railing and signage are installed. Visitors should always check the Parks Victoria website before visiting for the latest information about their destination.
Will we have to pay to access the walking track and will there be a gate to the walking track entrance?
No, the walking track can be used by anyone at any time. No fees will be charged.