The rolling hills of Heyfield, Licola and Dargo give little indication of the spectacular gorges that dissect the south-east corner of the Alpine National Park. Moroka and Bryces Gorge hide impressive waterfalls, while Mount Howitt, the Wonnangatta Valley and Tali Karng make for scenic settings to cross-country skiing, hiking, horse riding, deer hunting and four-wheel driving adventures.
Lake Tali Karng hides deep in the mountains and is the only natural lake within the Victorian Alps. Held behind a rock barrier created thousands of years ago, the underground stream it feeds emerges at the infant Wellington River.
The Wellington River has 13 numbered campsites just north of Licola on the Tamboritha Road. Sites offer facilities such as toilets, fire places and picnic tables. You can enjoy camping under the shady trees with easy access to the river. The geology of the surrounding area is spectacular and makes for a memorable camping experience.
The spectacular Wonnagatta Valley lies among forbidding mountains accessible to adventurous walkers, four-wheel drive enthusiasts, horse riders and deer hunters. Follow the epic Wonnangatta Drive and discover the ruins of an old homestead near the confluence of the Conglomerate Creek and Wonnangatta River, cattlemen’s huts on the high alpine plains and Grants Historic Area which includes the large grassy Talbotville camping area, just beyond the boundaries of the Alpine National Park.
Bryce’s Gorge is arguably one of Victoria’s most spectacular natural features. Not too far from Guys Hut, there is little warning of its existence until the open plains and snowgum woodlands plunge abruptly into a deep abyss. Follow the Bryce’s Gorge Circuit Walk to see Pieman and Conglomerate Falls tumble over the rim of the gorge into a chasm below.
Climb to the top of Mount Howitt, breaking at Vallejo Garntner Hut. Heritage listed for its architectural values, the hut was built in 1970.
Things To Do
Tali Karng
Wonnangatta Icon Drive
Dispersed camping in Alpine National Park
How to get there
Heyfield, Licola and Dargo
Facilities
When you're there
Download the Parks Victoria visitor guide to get the most out of your Heyfield, Licola and Dargo visit.
The rolling hills and remote valley's hide some of the most beautiful landscapes in the state. The arduous Wonnangatta Drive meanders through the isolated landscapes of Wonnangatta Valley and brings to life the wonderful history of the region - from the ruins of old gold mining towns and cattleman's huts on the high plains to the unsolved murder-mystery of Wonnagatta Station.
Tali Karng sits comfortably among the mountains at the head of the Wellington River, while Bryce's and Moroka Gorge hide spectacular waterfalls, such as Conglomerate and Pieman Falls. The peaks of Mount Howitt, Mount Reynard and Snowy Bluff look out over the forbidden landscapes and remote wilderness areas of the Alpine National Park.
Other activities to note include:
- Wonnangatta Valley - interesting murder mystery lingers over the abandoned cattle station
- Grant Historic Area and the abandoned town of Talbotville now an amazing campground
- The beautiful Dargo and Howitt sub alpine landscapes
- Vehicle based camping along the Wellington River, Horseyard Flat and Thomastown
- The several historic cattleman's huts such as Howitt, Guys, Moroka, Kellys
- Vallejo Garntner Hut - heritage listed for its architectural values and surrounded by some of the most spectacular views in the Australian Alps.
- Bicentennial National Trail - iconic horse riding trail that crosses the Southern Alps and runs from Cooktown, Queensland to Healesville in Victoria 5,330km.
- The incredible hiking trails around Tali Karng, Bryces Gorge, Moroka Falls and Mount Howitt
- Epic four wheel drive experiences such as the Blue Rag Range and Billy Goat Bluff Tracks
When to go
The best time to explore the Alpine National Park on foot is between November and April. The mild summer temperatures found in the high altitudes of the Alpine National Park are the perfect retreat from its lower-lying counterparts and make for perfect hiking conditions. While the occasional sunny day can see daytime temperatures rise above 30°C, the nights are still cool.
Head towards the Mount Howitt and the Snowy Plains in summer when masses of wildflowers carpet the slopes – from Billy Buttons to Snow and Swamp Paper Daisies.
Need to know
Heyfield, Licola and Dargo
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.
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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Talbotville Historic Township Camping Area (Grant Historic Area)
Talbotville Historic Township Camping Area (Grant Historic Area) - Storm Damage
Talbotville Historic Township Camping Area (Grant Historic Area) has been impacted by recent storm events. Some trees within the Camping Area have become hazardous. For public safety affected areas of the Camping Area have been closed.
- Please obey all Exclusion Fencing and Warning Signage
- Do not camp under trees. -
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
Before visiting, Visitors should always check the Parks Victoria website for the latest information about their destination.Planned Burning along the Benambra Corryong Road at Pheasant Creek 3rd - 10th May 2024
In the Alpine National Park, DEECA's Tambo team is conducting a planned fuel reduction burn along the Benambra Corryong Road near Pheasant Creek. This is part of a significant burning operation and will proceed in this are on Friday 3rd May 2024 and will be patrolled for the following week.Traffic control will be in place.Staying informed - How can I find out about a burn near me?Sign up to receive free automated SMS and email notifications about any upcoming FFMVic and CFA planned burns at the Forest Fire Management Victoria website.Call - For information and advice on campground bookings and cancellations contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963.For general planned burn information you can also contact The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226Smoke and Your Health
You may see and smell smoke from planned burns. For advice on how this may impact your health, visit EPA Victoria.Dial 000 IN AN EMERGENCYAttachments: Benambra_PheasantCreekLMB_BaseOpsMapA1.MapBook (5,236KB)
Bogong High Plains Road
Following the landslide at Bogong Village the Bogong High Plains Road is now open however remediation work will continue into the foreseeable future to rectify the damage created by the landslide. Parks Victoria advises that all visitors check the Regional Roads Victoria and Victoria's big build website for the latest traffic updates on closures or delays before visiting.https://regionalroads.vic.gov.au/map/north-eastern-improvements/bogong-high-plains-road-landsliphttps://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/mrpv/bogong-high-plains-road-landslipAmbyne Settlement Road - Very Poor Condition, Limited Access to Alpine National Park east of the Snowy River
Ambyne Settlement Road passes through private property and links Ambyne Road with Ambyne Track, Amboyne Boundary Track and Blackguard Gully Track. This road provides one of the few access routes into and out of the Alpine National Park on the eastern side of the Snowy River.Recent severe storms caused local flash flooding in the Ambyne Valley and have resulted in parts of Ambyne Settlement Road becoming severely damaged with washed out creek crossings in several areas.Visitors need to be advised that access into and out of the Alpine National Park via Ambyne Settlement Road is currently very difficult and should only be attempted by experienced drivers with high clearance 4WDs and recovery equipment.There are no alternate, publicly accessible routes nearby which provide access through the private property in the Ambyne Valley.Attachments: Map - Ambyne Settlement Rd - Very Poor Condition (1,400KB)
Restricted Access at Eastern end of Spring Saddle Track
The eastern end of Spring Saddle Track has restricted access due to machinery continuing to clear soil as part of the Bogong Village landslip remediation works. The track is open to pedestrian traffic but not vehicles and no Park visitors will be able to enter the works site at the Eastern end of Spring Saddle Track. There is signage explaining the restrictions at the Spring Saddle Track Fainter Fire Trail intersections.Mt Pinnibar Track - poor track conditions
Mt Pinnibar Track, between Walkers Road and Tom Groggin Track, has developed sections of significant and deep track erosion following flood and storm events.While the track remains open it is recommended that only experienced drivers in well equipped 4WD vehicles attempt this track in dry conditions.All visitors are advised to consider alternate routes to the summit of Mt Pinnibar until repairs can be carried out.Ground shooting operations targeting Feral Pigs Eastern Alps from 15 April 2024.
Ground operations (ground shooting) targeting Feral Pigs are undertaken across the Eastern Alps, and include areas to the west and north of Suggan Buggan, west of Wulgulmerang, and east of Cobberas and Brumby. The Park will remain open to visitors during operations.
This work is to be carried out dusk to dawn from:
* 15 to 26 April, and
* 29 May to 15 June 2024.Attachments: Flyer for feral pig control FINAL (165KB)
Road Conditions – Tamboritha and Howitt Roads
Tamboritha and Howitt Roads in the Foothills and Southern Alps area of the Alpine National Park are currently recommended for all wheel drive and four wheel drive vehicles with sufficient clearance and appropriate tyres. Road maintenance works have been completed on sections the Tamboritha and Howitt Roads in summer 2024, however some road surfaces conditions remain poor.Vehicles travelling on the these roads require attention to variations of the surface condition.Allow more time for your journey and always drive to the conditions. - Cobberas Track
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Pinnacles Lookout Day Visitor Area (Pinnacle Ck - East Branch Natural Catchment Area, Alpine National Park)
Pinnacles toilet CLOSED until further notice
The drop toilet located at the Pinnacles lookout is closed until further notice due to maintenance requirements. The closest alternative toilet is at Horseyard Flat, Alpine National Park.
We apologise for any inconvenience. -
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). -
Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Temporary closure of Bennies and surrounding tracks for Planned Burn
Planned burning operations are scheduled in this park which will result in the temporary closure of the following sites and tracks:- Bennies Camping Area- Bennies Day Visitor Area- Bennies Lane- Cherry Tree Track- Wild Horse Gap Track- Lake Cobbler Track- Stockyard Track- Burnt Top Track- Upper Rose River TrackThe sites and tracks listed above will be closed from the time a burn is approved for ignition until the area is declared safe. Ignition of the burn is scheduled from Thursday 2nd May 2024, subject to favourable weather. Check the status of the current planned burns at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au. -
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)
Water availability at Federation Hut & Mt Feathertop
The water tank at Federation Hut is currently empty and will not replenished until significant rainfalls.The nearby springs have also slowed up, so hikers should consider taking their own water with them and not be fully reliant on those springs.