Mansfield and Whitfield

Mansfield and Whitfield

Mansfield and Whitfield

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    Mansfield and Whitfield

    Alpine National Park

    See Victoria’s tallest waterfall, Dandongadale Falls, plunge 255 metres over a sheer cliff face and disappear into the Ross River below. Visit Paradise Falls, where a fine silver mist spills over a red conglomerate ledge or the quaint Little Falls nestled in a narrow fern-laden gully.
    Climb Mount Howitt where fine views of the Crosscut Saw, Mount Speculation and the Terrible Hollow unfold. The huge escarpments of The Bluff may seem forbidding, but natural breaks allow a fairly easy scramble to the top. Take in the views of wildflower-strewn plains and Lake Eildon and Mount Buller in the distance. The Australian Alps Walking Trail also makes its final journey through the Alpine National Park before meandering east towards Walhalla.

    Although accessible from various points within the Alpine National Park, you can access the iconic Wonnangatta Drive from Mansfield. This 4WD journey takes in the historic mountain huts, finding your way to the Wonnangatta Valley, the mysterious Wonnangatta Station and old goldmining town of Talbotville.

    Things To Do

     
    Three horseriders saddle-up a pack horse before the day's riding.

    Camping with your horse in Alpine National Park and Howqua Hills

    The Alpine National Park and Howqua Hills Historic Area provide a unique and stunning backdrop for multi-day horse rides.
    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 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.

    How to get there

    Mansfield and Whitfield

    Mansfield and Whitfield

    Facilities

    Carpark

    When you're there

    Siting just behind Lake Eildon, Mansfield and Whitfield provide the perfect introduction to the Alpine National Park. Explore The Bluff, Mount Howitt and the Wabonga Plateau through summer wildflower season or for the experienced skier, ski its remote slopes during winter.

    Many visitors enjoy exploring the historic huts in the area and camping in near by camping areas on the banks of the Howqua or King Rivers.

    The iconic Wonnangatta Four Wheel Drive is easily accessible from Mansfield and opens opportunities to explore the more remote corners of the park. Download the Mansfield and Whitfield Visitor Guide for more information about this part of the park.

    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, horse riding and four-wheel driving conditions. While the occasional sunny day can see daytime temperatures rise above 30°C, the nights are still cool.

    Need to know

    Mansfield and Whitfield

    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.

    Most access is via 4WD vehicle, some 2WD sites are Paradise Falls, Bennies Camping Area, Lake Cobbler, Upper Howqua Camping Area (dry weather only).

    A large portion of 4WD tracks are closed from the Thursday after the Queens Birthday long weekend in June, and generally reopen on the 1 November. Check with the local Parks Office for up to date information regarding track closures. 

    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.

     

    Alpine back country winter safety

    Safe backcountry travel in Victorian Alpine areas during winter requires training and experience.  You control your risk by choosing how, when and where you travel, and the activities you participate in.

    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 River Heritage River, Howqua Hills Historic Area)

      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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