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 four-wheel drive climbs to the top of the Blue Rag Range Track.

    Wonnangatta 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

    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.

     

    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.

    Nearby Events

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    Need to know

    Heyfield, Licola and Dargo

    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

      Track closures - Alpine National Park (Eastern Alps)

      The following tracks in the Alpine NP (Omeo Management Area) are currently closed to all vehicles while condition assessments and repairs are being undertaken:
       
      Ingeegoodbee Track
      Cobberas Track
      MacFarlanes Flat Track

      Little Cobbler Track closed until further notice

      Little Cobbler Track in Alpine National Park is closed until further notice due to bridge safety concerns.

      Areas of Alpine National Park closed due to 2019/2020 fires

      Some tracks and areas in the Alpine National Park remain closed due to fire damage during the 2019/2020 bushfires. Please check the Fire affected parks  page for a full list of closures. 

      Aerial shooting operation underway

      Parts of the Alpine National Park  will be closed Monday 19 to Friday 23 April 2021.

      Deer control (ground shooting) - Alpine National Park (Bogong High Plains and surrounds)

      Parks Victoria will be continuing its deer control program on and around the Bogong High Plains from early-December 2020 to May 2021.


      The program will be carried out under strict conditions designed to ensure safe, effective, and humane practices are implemented.  A suitably qualified and experienced contractor has been engaged to deliver the work.

      All personnel involved will be working under the supervision of Parks Victoria staff. They will be readily identifiable and will act in accordance with all legal requirements to ensure the safe use of firearms.

      All activities will comply with the requirements set out by the Department of Health and Human Services regarding hygiene and physical distancing to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

      If you have any questions, or would like more information, please contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963.

      Attachments: Deer Control Area - ANP Bogong High Plains and surrounds (419KB)

    • 1st Beach (Marlo Coastal Reserve)

      Temporary track closures - Alpine National Park (Eastern Alps)

      Temporary track closures - Alpine National Park (Eastern Alps)

      The following tracks in the Alpine National Park (Omeo Management Area) are currently closed to all vehicles while condition assessments and repairs are being undertaken:
       
      Ingeegoodbee Track
      Cobberas Track
      MacFarlanes Flat Track

      These tracks are expected to remain closed for an extended period during 2021 while complex assessments are undertaken and options for repairs are evaluated. These tracks will remain closed for the summer and autumn/winter period of 2021. Parks Victoria will notify key stakeholders and update this information when the tracks are reopened.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Howitt Road condition

      Howitt Road is currently recommended for All Wheel Drive and Four Wheel Drive vehicles with sufficient clearance. Vehicles travelling on Howitt Road require attention to variations in the surface along the length of road between Arbuckle Junction and Howitt Car Park.

    • Bungalow Spur Walk (Alpine National Park)

      Carparking at Bungalow Spur Walking is now located at Tronah Reserve

      BUNGALOW SPUR CARPARK | Council has been working with the community, the Tronoh Reserve Committee of Management and Parks Victoria to facilitate suitable, safe parking for visitors to the popular Bungalow Spur Walking Track up Mount Feathertop.
      This week new signage will be visible to those visiting the walking track:
      - A series of permanent signs will designate the area immediately opposite the existing trailhead on Feathertop Track as a drop off zone only, designed for motorists to drop off and collect walkers and their equipment.
      - A temporary Variable Message Sign will be installed to direct motorists to a new carparking area in the Tronoh Reserve and limit vehicular traffic on Feathertop Track.
      The scope of the Alpine Better Places Harrietville Detailed Concept Design project includes carparking and trailhead facilities in the Tronoh Reserve, and interested members of the community are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft concept designs during the next community consultation planned in early 2021.
      For further information, please contact Council on 5755 0555 or info@alpineshire.vic.gov.au.

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