Wonnangatta Icon Drive

A Four Wheel Drive sits on a dirt track with a sunset highlighting the mountains in the background.

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Wonnangatta Icon Drive

Alpine National Park

A spectacularly scenic journey that draws four-wheel-drive tourers from all over Australia, Wonnangatta Icon Drive is a must-do for adventure-seekers in Alpine National Park. Take in the rich history and heritage of the High Country as you drive these rugged tracks.

For those keen to get well off the beaten track, into mountain history, and onto some magnificent four wheel drive tracks, the Wonnangatta Icon Drive is one of the best four wheel driving experiences in Australia.

Accessible only by 4WD, the breathtaking 222-kilometre loop takes you through Wonnangatta Valley, the Grant Historic Area, the remote community of Dargo, and up to the unmatched panoramas of the Alps offered by the Howitt and Dargo High Plains.

Explore the remains of the pioneer miners and graziers, and discover the heritage huts built by mountain cattlemen in the early 20th century. Linger by 100m waterfalls, and breathe the high mountain air as you step out of the vehicle to stroll beneath Alpine Ash and over grassy alpine plains.

Stop at the many lookouts and family walk locations to take in the glorious mountain scenery and learn more about the European history of the area, including the ruins of an old homestead near the confluence of the Conglomerate Creek and Wonnangatta River. Historic huts, bridges and campsites abound, and offer a glimpse into the hardship experienced by the pioneer settlers of the region (or, if you stop at the Loo With A View at Vallejo Gantner Hut, a meditative glimpse from a longdrop throne onto an improbably awesome view).

You should allow two to three days for this drive, and remember that many tracks are rated Difficult – this is a tour for experienced four-wheel drivers. The whole loop is classified as Very Difficult in dry conditions, so be prepared.

You'll need to take all you need for self-sufficient camping – check the Visitor Guide and 4WD Victoria's Wonnangatta Drive brochure [PDF] for more details on where to make camp.

Things To Do

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.
Two women follow the path through scrub up Mt Bogong with mountain views in the distance.

Hiking in Alpine National Park

Explore some of Australia's best mountain walking around Mount Bogong, including the Staircase, Eskdale Spur and a variety of other day hikes and family walks.
Two ski tourers ascend a gully on Mount Bogong in the Alpine National Park

Cross-country skiing

In winter, skiing is popular in the Lost Plain - Holmes Plain area. More experienced skiers can explore the extensive, remote open snow plains, particularly the Snowy and Howitt Plains. You may need a 4WD vehicle to access the areas along the Tamboritha Road. Expect a relatively arduous walk to reach skiable snow past the season road closure on Howitt Road.
Three hunters silhouetted at sunset.

Hunting in Alpine National Park

Sections of the Alpine National Park and Avon Wilderness Park are regarded as world class for Sambar Deer stalking.
Two friends fish off the back a boat on a misty morning on Lake Eildon.

Fishing

In quiet lakes and gently flowing rivers, in the pounding surf or in the depths beneath your boat – the waters of Victoria’s parks and reserves offer some prize catches.
Two women ride horses along a dirt path in the You Yangs Regional Park.

Horse riding

Explore the landscape on horseback to appreciate the solitude and peace of the natural environment. Victoria's parks offer a variety of horse riding experiences.
Father and son bird watching on boardwalk

Bird watching

From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot.

How to get there

Wonnangatta Icon Drive

There are several access routes to join the drive. The most popular entry points are:

  • From Heyfield through Licola
  • From Dargo
  • From Myrtleford or Porepunkah
  • From Mansfield
Wonnangatta Icon Drive

Facilities

Toilets
Carpark

When you're there

Download the Visitor Guide and 4WD Victoria's Wonnangatta Drive brochure for more information.

Wonnangatta Icon Drive

Need to know

Wonnangatta Icon Drive

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.

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 due to flood impact

    The following tracks are closed due to impact by storms and flood. Crews will assess and reopen when safe:The following tracks are closed due to impact by storms and flood. Crews will assess and reopen when safe:
    • Cobberas Track
    • Ingeegoodbee Track
    • Little Cobbler Track
    • McFarlines Flat Track

    Wabonga and McMillan's Track closures for repairs and maintenance

    Wabonga 4WD track will be closed from the intersection of Paradise Falls Rd to Basin Track intersection, and McMillan's Track will be closed from Burrowes Rd to Wabonga track for the period 25th September to 15th December inclusive.
    The closure is to allow for important track repairs, culvert and bridge installations to support fire fighting access and response.
    If the works are completed prior to the 15th December the track will be re-opened.

    Alternative access to the Wabonga Plateau area can be via Long Spur, Basin Track, Top Crossing, or Burnt Top once the Seasonal Road closures have ended on the 2nd November.

    Mt Murray Track North closure

    Due to track damage and poor track condition resulting in a risk to visitors, environmental damage and further track damage, Mt Murray Track North is currently closed.
     
    Alternate route is Selwyn Creek Road - Mt Murray Logging Road.
     
    In the interest of visitor safety, this road is closed until further notice until track repairs can be undertaken.

    Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer – December 2023

    Parts of the Alpine National Park will be closed during these dates while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.
     
    11-15 December (Bogong High Plains & Feathertop)
    18-20 December 2023 (Bogong High Plains, Feathertop & Dinner Plain/Dargo High Plains)
     
    The following tracks and visitor areas will be closed during the operation:
     
    FEATHERTOP:
    ·     MUMC Hut
    ·     Bon Accord Spur
    ·     Northwest Spur
    ·     East Ovens Track
     
    BOGONG HIGH PLAINS:
    ·     Moncrieffs Gap Track
    ·     East Kiewa Fire Track
    ·     Cranky Charlie Track
    ·     Roper Spur Track
    ·     Big River Fire Track (off BHP Road)
    ·     Spring Saddle Track
    ·     Arthur Track
    ·     Mt Arthur Fire Trail
    ·     Red Fox Track
    ·     Black Possum Spur Track
    ·     Junction Spur Fire Track
     
    DINNER PLAIN/DARGO HIGH PLAINS & HOTHAM
    ·     Mt Tabletop Walking Track
    ·     Mayford
    ·     Kings Spur
    ·     Longs Spur
     
    See attached map for details.
     
    For more information about the program and park closures, please visit this link.

    Attachments: Alpine National Park aerial shooting information (652KB)

    Mt Pinnibar Track - deteriorated condition

    Mt Pinnibar Track – deteriorated condition

    Mt Pinnibar Track between Walkers Road and Tom Groggin Track has deteriorated significantly following recent flood and storm events.

    Visitors are advised to consider alternate routes to the summit of Mt Pinnibar until repairs can be carried out.

    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-landslip 
    https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/mrpv/bogong-high-plains-road-landslip 

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Mt Selwyn Road closure

    Mount Selwyn Road is closed between the intersections of Five Ways and Canyo Road between May 2023 till approximately December 2023 due to significant road works being undertaken on this section of road.

    Alternate routes are Dingo Creek Tk - Great Diving Range Tk - Mt Selwyn Rd, Selwyn Creek Rd - Great Driving Range Tk - Mt Selwyn Rd or Selwyn Creek Rd - Tea Tree Range Rd - Mt Selwyn Rd or Walshs Tk - East Buffalo Rd - West Humffray Rd - Selwyn Tk. - Please check seasonal road closures prior to departure as these might affect your vogue.

    In the interest of visitor safety this road is closed between May 2023 till approximately December 2023.

  • McNamara Hut (Buckety Plain) Camping Area (Alpine National Park, Bundara - Cobungra Remote and Natural Area)

    McNamara Hut (Buckety Plain) Camping Area (Bundara-Cobungra Remote and Natural Area, Alpine National Park

    A sink hole has appeared on Trap Yard Gap Track between the Bogong High Plains Road and the locked gate 500 m away from McNamara Hut camping ground in the Bundara Buckety Plain area. Trap Yard Gap Track has been closed to vehicles for their own safety and to maintain the integrity of the road. There is flagging/caution tape across the track where it exists the Bogong High Plains Road to highlight that the track should not be driven on. 

    McNamara Hut (Buckety Plain) Camping Area (Bundara-Cobungra Remote and Natural Area, Alpine National Park

    A sink hole has appeared on Trap Yard Gap Track between the Bogong High Plains Road and the locked gate 500 m away from McNamara Hut camping ground in the Bundara Buckety Plain area. Trap Yard Gap Track has been closed to vehicles for their own safety and to maintain the integrity of the road. There is flagging/caution tape across the track where it exists the Bogong High Plains Road to highlight that the track should not be driven on. 

  • Davies Plain Hut & Camping Area (Alpine National Park)

    Davies Plain Track - 2.3 km track section currently closed due to flood damage

    A 2.3km section of Davies Plain Track, near Davies Plain Hut Camping Area within the Alpine National Park, is currently closed to all vehicles because of significant water damage and severe erosion, following recent flood and storm events in the area.  As a result of the temporary closure, Davies Plain Track is not a thoroughfare for vehicles between Tom Groggin and Charlies Creek Camping Area. There is currently no vehicle access to Davies Plain Hut or the adjoining camping area, pending further assessments and subsequent repairs. Nearest camping areas accessible to suitable 4WD vehicles on Davies Plain Track are Charlies Creek Camping Area to the south; and Buckwong Creek Camping Area to the north (near Tom Groggin). 

  • Willis Camping Area (Alpine National Park, Snowy River Heritage River)

    Flood and Storm Affected Areas

    Access to Willis Camping Area is currently closed due to recent storm and flood activity in the Area. Please see Vic Traffic website for details.

  • 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.
     
    For more information about deer control to protect biodiversity, please visit this link.

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