The Alpine National Park is one of North East Victoria’s top locations for an “adventure lover’s dream.”
In the Alpine regions and central Gippsland of Victoria, Australia, is the Alpine National Park. The Alpine National Park stretches over the highest peak Mount Bogong and its associated grassland and woodlands of Bogong high plains, a Great dividing range, making it the largest national park.
Melbourne borders the national park in the southwest and northeast of the park with the New South Wales border, where it adjoins Kosciuszko National Park.
Alpine National Park is one of the eleven areas constituting the Australian Alps National Parks and Reserves in the National Heritage List of Australia. Parks Victoria preserves traditional owners’ tradition toward this land and water from its ancient and continuing presence.
Since Alpine National Park is a part of the traditional country of Taungurung and Gunaikurnai Peoples and they have a deep and continuing connection. More than 1100 native plants are there in the Alpine National Park, including the Bogong daisy bush and silky daisy.
It is also the home to the world-only marsupial, endangered mountain pygmy-possum that can live only in the Alpine environment and help the alpine dingoes survive in the environment.
Alpine National Park can be accessed by two main roads, Bogong High Plains Road and the Great Alpine Road, which gives you a very scenic drive.
Let us see what this Alpine National Park got us for vacation.
1. Alpine National Park Outdoor Activities
Alpine National Park offers the most memorable and excellent outdoor activities to enjoy the unforgettable alpine scenery.
Conquer Victoria’s highest peak, explore wildflower-draped landscapes and enjoy the diverse Landscape suitable for all.
If you love bushwalking, Alpine National Park has plenty of walking trails, including the famous ‘Australian Alps Walking Track’, which is 655km long, from Walhalla, Victoria, to the Australian Capital Territory.
Do bush camping around the Alpine National Park and enjoy the stunning alpine landscapes.
During the snow season, do cross-country skiing, have stunning views of snow-covered areas and run wild rapids on white water rafting.
Experience the world-class bike ride, do horse riding, fishing, and white water rafting trips or four-wheel driving.
2. Mount Bogong High Plains
Mountain Creek Road moves up to Mt Bogong, the highest mountain in Victoria, Australia, and is located in the Alpine National Park and a part of the victorian alps in the Great Dividing Range.
A perennial river called the ‘Big River’ separates the group of mountains from the Bogong high plains to the south.
It rises 1600meters above the nearby mountain peak ‘Mount Beauty’, thus making it one of the highest mountain peaks. Mt Bogong is very popular for backcountry skiing, mostly covered with snow during the snow season.
Mount Bogong is covered with tall Alpine Ash trees at the lower part and above 1300meters covered with woodland and open woodland of snow gums and above 1800meters occupied by grassland, shrubland and herb fields.
Additionally, it is home to numerous other threatened species, including smokey mice, owls, spotted tree frogs, and pygmy possums.
For hikers, there are so many routes up Mt Bogong, such as Granite Flat Spur, Long Spur, and Quartz Ridge, in which staircase spur and Eskdale spur are famous. You can access the trail from the valley floor for the staircase and Eskdale spur from the mount creek picnic area.
Eskdale spur is comparatively easier than the staircase spur, which has steep slopes. The staircase Spur is approximately 6 km from the summit. Bivouac Hut is a flat section in between and covers about 3 km; it is also a refuge camp, a perfect place for resting before reaching the summit.
The Eskdale Spur is an easy track if you travel in four-wheel driving and a long way if you decide to walk up from Mountain Creek. Michell Hut is in between, which provides a resting area, campsite and a refuge centre before reaching the destination.
Camping is safe below the tree line. Above the tree line in both Staircase Spur and Eskdale Spur are both exposed and will be covered with ice after 4 pm, particularly during winter.
3. Horseriding In Bogong High Plains
Want to camp with your horses? Bogong high plains are the best choice. Experience a unique horse ride during summer from 1st December to 30th April, a popular among the attractions.
There are various horse camps like Langfords West, Pretty Valley and Diamantina horse yards. Explore high plains, and enjoy the campsites and fire pits.
It is best to reserve a horse yard in advance during season time with no charging fee. To reserve, click here.
4. Camping
Alpine National Park provides camping opportunities to experience some of the stunning scenic beauties for experienced hikers and campers. Some camping areas are provided with basic amenities like toilets, fireplaces and picnic tables.
Be self-sufficient, carry warm cloth, and pack enough food, water, and all the necessary things. It is advised to carry a tent along. You can expect a deterioration in the climate without warning, gale-force winds and experience snow even in summer.
Camping is not advised during the snow season, but you can camp in the Mountain Creek camping area, which is open all year, located at the foot of Mount Bogong. This area is also provided with all the basic amenities like toilets, picnic tables and some trails with designated tents.
5. Mount Feathertop
Mount Feathertop is a part of the Australian Alps and is located in the Alpine National Park and the second-largest mountain, Victoria. It raises about 1922 meters and will be covered in snow from June to September. The snow remainings on the summit during spring look like feathers and hence the name Feathertop.
There are various routes to access Mount Feathertop, such as the Bon Accord Spur, North-West Spur, Bungalow Spur, North Razorback, South Razorback and Diamantina Spur.
The North Razorback trail is the easiest and shortest route, while walking on the South Razorback is popular during summer and skiing during winter.
There are two huts, namely the Federation Hut and Razorback Hut, which provide a resting area before reaching the summit. Pack warm clothing and carry adequate food while hiking to have a safe and adventurous trip.
6. Falls Creek To Hotham Alpine Crossing
Do you like long hikes? Then check this hike from falls creek to Hotham alpine, crossing through the Alpine National Park. It is a 3-day hike covering 37kms and 2000m above sea level along with the view of stunning mountain ridges, towering alpine ridgelines through lush river valleys and a walk through the tangled snow gum forests and high grassy plains.
The hike starts at Heathy Spur car park, Alpine National Park and ends in Mt Loch Carpark, Mt Hotham. You can camp near the two historic huts, Wallace Hut and Cope Hut. Pack warm clothing and carry adequate food and water to have a safe and memorable trip.
Let’s see how you can plan your things out here for hiking.
Day 1
Travel a 14 km trail starting from Falls Creek through the Alpine National Park to reach the Cope Hut. On the way, you can enjoy the wildflower meadows, look at the Heathy spur and spend time at the historic huts.
Day 2
Travel 14 km from Cope Hut to reach Dibbins Hut; along the way, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mount Feathertop and stunning views from pole 333.
Day 3
Start from Gibbins Hut and travel 9 km along the trail to reach the final destination Mt Hotham and refresh yourself. Highlights of day 3 include beautiful Derricks Hut and abandoned Quintet Mine.
7. Paradise Falls
Another attraction of the Alpine National Park is Paradise Falls. You can walk along the well-maintained track to the viewpoint of these 31-meter falls, best in early summer and spring. The stepped track is 500 meters long, and you can make use of the picnic tables and toilets available
8. Omeo And Mitta Mitta
The Mitta Mitta river runs through the heart of the Alpine National Park, stretching from Lake Dartmouth to Anglers Rest, a favourite place for water sports activities. You can go camping, fishing and four-wheel driving. There is an exciting history of Mount Wills and Omeo.
9. Wonnangatta Valley
One of the best places for a four-wheeler drive in victoria is the Wonnangatta Valley, a part of Alpine National Park. It is a popular off-road destination and can be reached only by horse riding, four-wheeler, dirt bike, or walk.
Head along the Wellington River and the view of snow plains are stunning along the way to Wonnangatta Valley.
10. Lake Tali Karng
A deep, highland lake in the Alpine region, Australia, Lake Tali Karng is a natural lake. Water from ‘Snowden Falls’ feeds the lake. There are large grassy areas at the west end of the lake, but camping is discouraged. Alternatively, you can camp at the Nyimba Campsite, which has all the basic facilities.
You can access this beautiful lake only by foot through the long, steep track, which is 24.5 km long. Hiking on this trail can take up to 9 hours and will be challenging. The good thing is that it is open throughout the year and can be visited anytime.
11. Bryce’s Gorge Circuit Walk
Bryce’s Gorge is an easy circuit walk, in the Alpine National Park, covering about 8km total. This trail has so much to offer for a walk including the impressive view of Piemen and Conglomerate Waterfalls.
12. Lake Cobbler
To the south of Whitefield along the ‘Lake Cobblers Road’ is Lake Cobbler, which can be accessed from upper Rose River Road only by four-wheel drive. Beautiful Dandongadale Falls is visible on the drive.
It is a popular destination for camping at night, picnicking and fishing. Take a walk to the nearby Mt Cobbler to enjoy the beautiful scenery, and several walking trails are around the lake.
13. Dandongadale Falls
Victoria’s highest fall is the Dandongadale Falls in the Alpine National Park, which is 255 meters long. Camping and Hiking can be done around the area. This place can be accessed by four-wheel drive, and the road may be closed during winter.
14. The Sentinels
This scenic point is just 4km away from the Miller’s Hut and can only be accessed by four-wheel drive. Spectacular views of the mountain ranges are visible from The Sentinel’s Lookout.
Drive south along the Miller’s Hut to reach the Gable End Track, and the views are pretty impressive.
Nearby Attractions
Kosciuszko National Park
Kosciuszko National Park is contiguous with the Alpine National Park. Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak and Cambramurra, the highest town in Australia, are within the park. Best recreation place to spend the weekend doing cross-country skiing, and snowboarding, making use of thrilling walking and mountain bike trail.
High Plains and Khancoban offer horse riding, and Upper Murray and lower snowy rivers are the best places for fishing and paddling. After a long day, relax at the riverside campground.
Mount Beauty
Mount Beauty is a small town in the Alpine Shire, a junction of the Kiewa Valley Highway and Bogong High Plains Road. This place offers a variety of thrilling activities like mountain biking, hiking, skiing, bushwalking, fishing and much more.
Overall, Alpine National Park gives you a memorable experience and makes you lose yourself in the spectacular nature, unforgettable Alpine lookouts and more than that. Visit this High country to have some amazing experiences.
Whatever the season you visit the high country, always be prepared to experience rapid climate changes, unexpected snowfall, gale force winds or bushfires. Make sure to carry all the necessary things, and do check out the Parks Victoria page for recent updates.
Some trails may be closed due to bad weather or for maintenance; plan the trip accordingly. Ensure you download the map and the emergency app VicEmergency and Emergencyplus on your phone.
It is a privilege that Alpine National Park is home to some of the endangered species, so help them by keeping the environment clean. Respect and protect wildlife.
So wait no more to enjoy this adventurous and fun-filled place filled with nature and recharge yourself.
