Traveller safety information

Walks: Mount St Gwinear, Mount Erica and the Baw Baw Alpine Village are ideal bases for bushwalking. At Mount St Gwinear take in the view across the Thomson and Aberfeldy River valleys from View Point, then continue on to open, grassy plains and the headwaters of North Cascade Creek. From Mount Erica, take the short Beech Gully Nature Walk, or walk to Mushroom Rocks along the Australian Alps Walking Track. Further information on bushwalking in the Australian Alps is available here.

The long-distance Australian Alps Walking Track from Walhalla to the ACT crosses the plateau. Feeder tracks from Mount St Gwinear and the Baw Baw Alpine Village link to the track.

Hunting: Restricted deer stalking is only permitted in accordance with hunting regulations within a specific area of the park. Visit the hunting page for further information.

Ski touring: The park is ideal for ski touring and has a variety of marked trails to suit the skills of skiers. Trails can be followed from the St. Gwinear car park onto the plateau or further to the Baw Baw Alpine Resort. Only experienced skiers should undertake extended trips. Basic facilities such as toboggan slopes and toilets are available at the St Gwinear car park.

Rafting and Canoeing: The Thomson River downstream of the Thomson Dam offers some of the best white water rafting in Victoria. Several commercial tour companies conduct rafting tours of the river all year round.

Fishing: Recreational fishing is popular at several places along the Aberfeldy River, Thomson River and Tyers River.

• Car parks at Mount St Gwinear, Mount Erica, Thomson Dam and the Baw Baw Ski Village. Toboggan Hire and Kiosk facilities operate at St Gwinear during the snow season
• Camping grounds at Aberfeldy River and Eastern Tyers River and Walhalla Township (only basic facilities are provided).
• A variety of accommodation in Erica, Rawson, Walhalla and the Latrobe Valley.
• Ski hire and chain hire is available at Erica, Rawson and several outlets in the Latrobe Valley.
• The Baw Baw Alpine Village offers winter accommodation and ski hire.

The words Baw Baw are said to be an Aboriginal term for 'echo', although another possible origin of the name is from the words Bo Bo, used on early maps and said to mean 'big' in an Aboriginal language. The mountain was explored by the botanist Baron von Mueller in 1860 and the area declared a national park in 1979.

1907 is the centenary of the Baw Baw Walking Track from Warburton to Walhalla, which traversed the Baw Baw Plateau. Part of the track still exists as a section of the Alpine Walking Track but much of the rest is inaccessible or has disappeared.

Aboriginal Traditional Owners
Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, the Gunai - Kurnai identify the Baw Baw National Park as their Traditional Country.
Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria .

As well as the more common wombats, echidnas, possums, lyrebirds and cockatoos, the park is home to the endangered Leadbeaters Possum and Baw Baw Frog.

• Dogs and other pets are not permitted.
• Firearms are only permitted in the park according to hunting regulations. Please refer to the hunting page.
• Please keep to roads and tracks.
• Use a gas or fuel stove instead of lighting a fire. The Baw Baw Plateau is a "Fuel Stove Only" area. No fires are permitted.
• All native plants and animals are protected.

• Watch out for logging trucks on forest roads.
• Chains must be carried in winter.
• Let someone know of your plans before setting out on a walk; carry water and warm clothing (weather changes can be sudden and dangerous).
• Be self-sufficient with drinking water. Carry it in and/or know how to make untreated water safe for drinking. For more information contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or visit the Department of Human Services Better Health website www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au .

The Park is best accessed from the Latrobe Valley via the towns of Traralgon or Moe. Signposted roads direct you to the townships of Erica and Rawson.

• From here follow the Thomson Valley Road 11 km to the Mount Erica car park turnoff, or continue to the Mount St Gwinear turn off. The approach to St Gwinear is along 13 km of winding gravel road. Care must be taken and chains are required in winter. The Thomson Dam and Aberfeldy River are accessed from this same road.
• Signs at Erica and Rawson direct visitors to the historic township of Walhalla .

The Baw Baw plateau can be accessed via the Baw Baw Alpine Resort. Beyond Tanjil Bren the road is narrow, winding and rough in places as it climbs to the village.

Annual Parks Passes and Multi Day Parks Passes are available for Baw Baw National Park. These can save entry fee costs for regular users, local residents and interstate visitors. Further information is available here.

• Bunyip State Park
• Walhalla Historic Area
• Morwell National Park
• Mount Worth State Park