Wonnangatta Icon Drive

Wonnangatta Icon Drive

Wonnangatta Icon Drive

Wonnangatta Icon Drive

Wonnangatta Icon Drive

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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

      Mt Pinnibar Track - deteriorated condition

      Mt Pinnibar Track between Walkers Road and Tom Groggin Track has deteriorated significantly following recent storm and flood events.
      Visitors are advised to consider alternate routes until repairs can be carried out.

      Early seasonal road closures 2023

      Early seasonal road closures apply to areas within and tracks bordering the Alpine National Park from 1 May 2023. See MapshareVic for locations of the closures. Visit the seasonal road closures page for more information.

      Alpine National Park- Planned aerial shooting operations targeting deer

      Parts of the Park will be closed during these dates while aerial shooting operations targeting deer are undertaken.

      Areas include Mt Bogong, Bogong High Plains, Dinner Plain, Dargo High Plains and Feathertop. 
       
      29 May-2 June 2023
      5-9 June 2023
       
      See attached map for more details. 

      Attachments: Alpine NP Aerial Shooting Information (685KB)

      Road Conditions – Howitt, Tamboritha and Moroka Roads.

      Howitt, Moroka and Tamboritha Roads in the Foothills and Southern Alps area of the Alpine National Park are currently recommended for all wheel drive and four wheel drive vehicles with sufficient clearance and appropriate tyres as move into the cooler months. Road maintenance works have been completed on sections the Howitt and Moroka Roads in summer 2023. Vehicles travelling on the Howitt, Tamboritha (unsealed section) and Moroka Roads require attention to variations of the surface condition. Allow more time for your journey and always drive to the conditions.

    • 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.

    • Talbotville Historic Township Camping Area (Grant Historic Area)

      McMillans Rd - Grant Historic Area - Currently recommended for 4WD/AWD Vehicles

      Due to current road repair works, Four Wheel Drive and All Wheel Drive vehicles are recommended when travelling on McMillans Rd - Grant Historic Area. Delays can be expected while works are being undertaken. Please obey all Traffic Management signs and give way to heavy machinery. Allow more time for your journey and always drive to the conditions. Reconsider the need to tow caravans.

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

      Early seasonal closure for Davies Plain Track and Kings Plain Track, Alpine National Park

      Kings Plain Track and Davies Plain Track between Buckwong Creek Camping Area (at Tom Groggin) and Charlies Creek Camping Area are seasonally closed to all vehicles from 1 May to 30 November inclusive. Sections of Davies Plain Track north of Buckwong Creek Camping Area (at Tom Groggin) and south of Charlies Creek Camping Area are seasonally closed to vehicles between the 2nd Thursday in June and the Thursday before Melbourne Cup day.

      Attachments: Davies Plain Track seasonal closure section_1 May - 30 Nov (258KB)

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

      Ground shooting operations targeting deer

      Ground control operations targeting deer will be undertaken in these Parks and Reserves from December 2022 to December 2023. These areas will remain open to visitors during operations.
       
      Alpine National Park (Bogong High Plains, Mount Bogong, Dinner Plain, Dargo High Plains, Foothills and Southern Alps)
      Buchan Caves Reserve
      Burrowa-Pine Mountain
      Cape Conran Coastal Park
      Cape Liptrap Coastal Park
      Cabbage Tree Creek Flora Reserve
      Errinundra National Park
      Lake Tyers State Park
      Lakes National Park
      Baw Baw National Park
      Mount Buffalo National Park
      Mount Mittamatite Regional Park
      Mount Mitta Mitta Flora Reserve
      Mount Lawson State Park
      Mount Granya State Park
      Mountain Creek Education Area
      Pheasant Creek Flora Reserve
      Wabba Wilderness Park
      Wilsons Promontory National Park

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

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