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.

    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.

    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.

    Nearby Events

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    Need to know

    Mansfield and Whitfield

    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.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Seasonal road closures 2020

      Some roads in this park are subject to seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. View the list of 2020 seasonal road closures for details and check the corresponding map numbers with the seasonal road closure 2020 index map for locations of the closures or visit the seasonal road closures page for more information.

    • Tali Karng (Alpine National Park)

      Tali Karng partial closure

      Due to fires in March 2019, many tracks are currently closed in the Tali Karng area. No access is currently available to Tali Karng itself, with only a section of the Wellington River walking track from the Tamboritha Road to the intersection of Chromite Mine vehicle track open. This section of the track was not fire affected, has been assessed by local rangers and is safe for public access

    • Alpine National Park

      Aerial shooting operation

      Parts of this park including Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains will be closed Monday 26 to Friday 30 October 2020.
      This is to ensure safe implementation of an aerial shooting program targeting deer and feral animals, to protect native species impacted by bushfires.
      The Australian Alps Walking Track and the Brabralung Trail, from Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain will remain open. The Dargo High Plains Road is closed. Access to Blue Rag Range Track (from 29 October) is from Basalt North Track only.
      See attached map for details.

      Attachments: Alpine National Park aerial shooting control area Oct 2020 (589KB)

      Deer control operation underway

      Deer control (ground shooting) is being undertaken in parts of the park, to protect native species impacted by bushfires. This operation poses no risk to visitor safety.

    • Mt Pinnibar (Alpine National Park)

      Site closures

      Some sites in the Upper Murray area of the Alpine National Park are closed until further notice as a result of the 2019-2020 bushfires. These sites include Mount Pinnibar, Glen Dart, Harrington's Track and 4WD tracks around the Mount Pinnibar, Wild Boar Range, Mount Gibbo and Tom Groggin areas.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Park partially closed

      Some sites within this park are closed until further notice due to the impacts of the 2019-2020 bushfire.

    • Mount Tingaringy (Alpine National Park)

      Feral Pig Ground Shooting Underway

      Feral pig (ground shooting) is being undertaken in the Alpine National Park during October 2020, to protect native species and communities in the area. This operation poses no risk to visitor safety. 

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