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.

  • Pinnacles Lookout Day Visitor Area (Pinnacle Ck - East Branch Natural Catchment Area, Alpine National Park)

    Pinnacles toilet CLOSED until further notice

    The drop toilet located at the Pinnacles lookout is closed until further notice due to maintenance requirements. The closest alternative toilet is at Horseyard Flat, Alpine National Park. 
    We apologise for any inconvenience. 

  • Talbotville Historic Township Camping Area (Grant Historic Area)

    Talbotville Historic Township Camping Area (Grant Historic Area) - Storm Damage

    Talbotville Historic Township Camping Area (Grant Historic Area) has been impacted by recent storm events. Some trees within the Camping Area have become hazardous. For public safety affected areas of the Camping Area have been closed. 
    - Please obey all Exclusion Fencing and Warning Signage
    - Do not camp under trees. 

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Temporary closure of Bennies and surrounding tracks for Planned Burn

    Planned burning operations are scheduled in this park which will result in the temporary closure of the following sites and tracks:

    - Bennies Camping Area
    - Bennies Day Visitor Area
    - Bennies Lane
    - Cherry Tree Track
    - Wild Horse Gap Track
    - Lake Cobbler Track
    - Stockyard Track
    - Burnt Top Track
    - Upper Rose River Track

    The sites and tracks listed above will be closed from the time a burn is approved for ignition until the area is declared safe. Ignition of the burn is scheduled from Thursday 2nd  May 2024, subject to favourable weather. Check the status of the current planned burns at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au. 

  • Alpine National Park

    Planned Burning along the Benambra Corryong Road at Pheasant Creek 3rd - 10th May 2024

    In the Alpine National Park, DEECA's Tambo team is conducting a planned fuel reduction burn along the Benambra Corryong Road near Pheasant Creek. This is part of a significant burning operation and will proceed in this are on Friday 3rd May 2024 and will be patrolled for the following week.
     
    Traffic control will be in place.
     
    Staying informed - How can I find out about a burn near me?
     
    Sign up to receive free automated SMS and email notifications about any upcoming FFMVic and CFA planned burns at the Forest Fire Management Victoria website.
     
    Call - For information and advice on campground bookings and cancellations contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963.
     
    For general planned burn information you can also contact The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226
     
    Smoke and Your Health
    You may see and smell smoke from planned burns. For advice on how this may impact your health, visit EPA Victoria.
     
    Dial 000 IN AN EMERGENCY

    Attachments: Benambra_PheasantCreekLMB_BaseOpsMapA1.MapBook (5,236KB)

    Eastern Alps track closures due to storm and flood damage

    The 4x4 tracks in the Eastern Region are an iconic part of Victoria and an important focal point for many people. With a large number of visits per year, they are very popular for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, mountain biking and four-wheel driving.
    Unfortunately, sometimes we must close infrastructure in the interests of public safety and environmental protection.

    The following tracks have been significantly damaged by storms and floods and are currently closed to motor vehicles to ensure public safety and environmental protection:
    • Cobberas Track
    • Macfarlane Flat Track
    • Ingeegoodbee Track
     The tracks are likely to remain closed to motor vehicles until detailed site assessments have been completed. Assessments and repair works are not expected to be completed until late 2024 / early 2025.
     
    Before visiting, Visitors should always check the Parks Victoria website for the latest information about their destination.

    Road maintenance - Tamboritha Road

    Road maintenance is currently underway on Tamboritha Road in the Foothills & Southern Alps area of the Alpine National Park.  There will be an increase in Truck movements and equipment operating along Tamboritha Road between Bennison Gravel Pit and Arbuckle Junction. 

    Please be aware traffic management is in place with possible delays. Always adhere to signs and please drive carefully and to the conditions.

    Restricted Access at Eastern end of Spring Saddle Track

    The eastern end of Spring Saddle Track has restricted access due to machinery continuing to clear soil as part of the Bogong Village landslip remediation works.  The track is open to pedestrian traffic but not vehicles and no Park visitors will be able to enter the works site at the Eastern end of Spring Saddle Track. There is signage explaining the restrictions at the Spring Saddle Track Fainter Fire Trail intersections. 

    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 

    Ground shooting operations targeting Feral Pigs Eastern Alps from 15 April 2024.

    Ground operations (ground shooting) targeting Feral Pigs are undertaken across the Eastern Alps, and include areas to the west and north of Suggan Buggan, west of Wulgulmerang, and east of Cobberas and Brumby.  The Park will remain open to visitors during operations.

    This work is to be carried out dusk to dawn from:
    * 15 to 26 April, and
    * 29 May to 15 June 2024.

    Attachments: Flyer for feral pig control FINAL (165KB)

    Mt Pinnibar Track - poor track conditions

    Mt Pinnibar Track, between Walkers Road and Tom Groggin Track, has developed sections of significant and deep track erosion following flood and storm events.
    While the track remains open it is recommended that only experienced drivers in well equipped 4WD vehicles attempt this track in dry conditions.
    All visitors are advised to consider alternate routes to the summit of Mt Pinnibar until repairs can be carried out.

    Road Conditions – Tamboritha and Howitt Roads

    Tamboritha and Howitt 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. Road maintenance works have been completed on sections the Tamboritha and Howitt Roads  in summer 2024, however some road surfaces conditions remain poor. 

    Vehicles travelling on the these roads require attention to variations of the surface condition. 

    Allow more time for your journey and always drive to the conditions.

  • Moroka Hut and Camping Area (Alpine National Park)

    Moroka River Pedestrian Bridge CLOSED until further notice

    The Moroka River pedestrian bridge is closed until further notice due to being assessed as structurally unsound. 

    Access to Moroka Hut is via the Moroka Range Walking Track (4WD only). 

  • 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.

  • Federation Hut (Alpine National Park)

    Water availability at Federation Hut & Mt Feathertop

    The water tank at Federation Hut is currently empty and will not replenished until significant rainfalls.

    The nearby springs have also slowed up, so hikers should consider taking their own water with them and not be fully reliant on those springs.

    Water tank at Federation Hut is currently empty.

    The water tank at Federation Hut is currently empty and will not be replenished until significant rainfalls.
     
    The nearby springs have also slowed up, so walkers should consider taking their own water with them and not be fully reliant on those springs in case they do stop flowing.

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A Land Rover Defender attempts a river crossing in the Alpine National Park.

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A couple stop on the side of the Great Ocean Road to take a picture.

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