Heyfield, Licola and Dargo

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    Heyfield, Licola and Dargo

    Alpine National Park

    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

     
    The majestic Lake Tali Karng.

    Tali Karng

    Tali Karng is a hidden jewel nestled deep in the mountains of Gippsland, fed by snowmelt waters of the Wellington Plains. Accessible only by foot, it is known as the ‘hidden lake’.
    A Parks Victoria 4WD parked in front of a sunset over the mountains in Alpine National Park

    Wonnangatta Icon Drive

    Embark on an epic 222km 4WD trip through the scenic Wonnangatta Valley and over the vast high plains.
    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.

    How to get there

    Heyfield, Licola and Dargo

    Heyfield, Licola and Dargo

    Facilities

    Lookout

    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.

    • Alpine National Park

      Partial track closure - Besford Track, Alpine NP

      A severely water damaged section of Besford Track, within the Alpine National Park north of Benambra, is closed to all vehicles. There is no through access for vehicles on Besford Track between the Benambra-Corryong Road and Deep Creek Track.

      Seasonal road closures 2022

      Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate from after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. Visit the seasonal road closures page for maps and more information.

      Mt Selwyn Road partial closure

      A partial closure of the Mount Selwyn Road exists between the Mount Selwyn 5 Ways (its intersection with Walsh's Track and the Buffalo Range Track) and the Canyon Road intersection.  This section of track has become severely degraded due to the wet conditions and presents a risk visitor safety, water quality and further damage to the track surface.  Selwyn Creek Road is the preferred alternative for travelling between the Buckland Valley and Tea Tree Range

      Planned aerial shooting operations – Tom Groggin/Mt Pinnibar area

      Parts of this Park will be closed during these dates while aerial shooting operations are undertaken.
       
      14-18 November 2022
      21-24 November 2022
      8-12 May 2023
      29 May-2 June 2023
      5-9 June 2023
       
      See attached map for details. 

      Attachments: Alpine National Park_Tom Groggin Aerial shooting info sign (396KB)

      Planned aerial shooting operations – Ingeegoodbee/Tingaringy areas

      Parts of this Park will be closed during these dates while aerial shooting operations are undertaken.
       
      24-28 October 2022
      28 November-2 December 2022
      3-7 April 2023
       
      See attached map for details. 

      Attachments: Alpine National Park_Ingeegoodbee Tingaringy aerial shooting information (449KB)

    • Paradise Falls (Alpine National Park)

      Wabonga Track Closure

      Wabonga Track in the Alpine National Park is currently closed between Paradise Falls Road and MacMillans Tracks.

      A large spring has opened up in the middle of the road creating a sink hole that presents a hazard to entering vehicles.

      The track will remain closed until conditions allow for road repairs. The track is expected to open in January 2023 

    • Frys Flat Camping Area (Howqua Hills Historic Area, Howqua River Heritage River)

      Vehicle access to Frys Flat Horse Yards

      The Howqua Hills Track between Sheepyard Flat South and Frys Flat currently requires 4WD capability and may not be suitable for the use of floats and trailers to transport horses into this area.  It is recommended that visitors inspect the track prior to crossing to ensure that they are comfortable with the condition of the track and have the ability to cross safely. 

      Parks Victoria are currently negotiating various approvals and permits required to undertake the necessary repair and maintenance to restore this section of track. 

      If you still wish to book and camp at Fry’s Flat with your horse, there are alternate methods of accessing the area.  You can:

      • Walk/ride horses in from Howqua Hills track (100-200m)
      • Walk/ride horse in from Martin/Fern or Spring street (across the river)

      Alternative camping areas with vehicle-accessible horse yards available for booking nearby are also found at: 

      • Tunnel Bend, Howqua Hills Historic Area (up to 10 horses, dogs permitted).
      • 7-mile Flat, Alpine National Park (up to 20 horses, no dogs permitted)
      • King River Hut, Alpine National Park (up to 20 horses, no dogs permitted)
      • Lovicks Hut (up to 20 horses, no dogs permitted) 

      For further information, please contact the Mansfield office on 03 5733 1200 and ask to speak to one of the PV Rangers. 

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Planned deer control operations - Eastern Region

      Planned deer control operations - Eastern Region
       
      Deer control operations (ground and aerial) will be carried out across the following parks and reserves between October 2022 and June 2023. 
       
      • Alpine National Park
        • Mount Bogong & Bogong High Plains
        • Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains
        • Feathertop
        • Foothills and Southern Alps
        • Ingeegoodbee/Tingaringy
      • Buchan Caves Reserve
      • Cabbage Tree Creek Flora Reserve
      • Cape Conran Coastal Park
      • Coopracambra NP
      • Croajingolong NP
      • Errinundra NP
      • Lake Tyers State Park
      • Baw Baw NP
      • Mount Buffalo NP
      • Snowy River NP
      • Upper Murray - Wabba Wilderness, Burrowa Pine NP, Mt Mittamitite
      • Wilsons Prom NP
       
      More information on temporary park closures for aerial shooting operations will be provided in the coming weeks
       
       For more information on deer control to protect native species visit parks.vic.gov.au.

     
    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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