Alpine National Park: Victoria's High Country Playground

Explore Victoria's majestic Alpine National Park: Hike, ski, discover unique flora & fauna, and immerse yourself in high country history.

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Alpine National Park

Victoria's largest national park, the Alpine National Park, protects the state's highest mountains and a diverse range of alpine environments. It's an adventure-lover's paradise, offering everything from challenging hikes and thrilling ski runs to serene wildflower meadows and historic huts. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or tranquil natural beauty, the park provides an unforgettable high country experience.

A brief summary to Alpine National Park

Mountain Creek Rd, Tawonga, Victoria, 3699, AU
+61131963
Visit website

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially when hiking. Pack layers and check the forecast before you go.
The best time to see wildflowers is during the warmer months (November to May), with January offering stunning displays.
During the snow season, entry fees may apply to Falls Creek, and some roads may be closed.
If camping, be self-sufficient with food, water, and camping equipment, and be aware of fire restrictions.
Consider visiting historic huts like Wallaces Hut and Cope Hut near Falls Creek to experience the park's cultural heritage.

Getting There

Driving

Access to the Alpine National Park varies depending on the specific area you wish to visit. From Melbourne, you can reach the park via several routes, including the Maroondah Highway to Mansfield or the Hume Highway to Wangaratta. The Great Alpine Road and Bogong High Plains Road are scenic routes that provide access to different sections of the park. Keep in mind that some roads, especially those leading to higher elevations, may be closed during the snow season. There are no entry fees for the Alpine National Park itself, but some resorts within the park, like Falls Creek, may require a resort entry permit during winter. Parking is available at various trailheads and campgrounds throughout the park, but availability can be limited, especially during peak season. Be sure to check road and track conditions before you go.
Public Transport

While public transport directly into the Alpine National Park is limited, you can take a train or bus to nearby towns like Bright, Mount Beauty, or Mansfield and then arrange for local transport or tours to access the park. From Melbourne, you can take a train to Lilydale and then a bus to Mansfield. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Melbourne to Mount Buller, which is located near the park. From these towns, you can hire a car, join a tour, or use local shuttle services to reach specific destinations within the park. Costs for public transport to these gateway towns vary depending on the distance and mode of transport, but expect to pay around $30-$70 for a one-way trip from Melbourne. Local shuttle services or taxis within the towns will incur additional costs, typically around $10-$30 for a short trip.

Discover more about Alpine National Park

The Alpine National Park, sprawling across 646,000 hectares in northeastern Victoria, is a majestic landscape sculpted by time and the elements. As Victoria's largest national park, it encompasses the highest reaches of the Great Dividing Range, offering a diverse tapestry of alpine and subalpine environments. Here, you'll find everything from snow-capped peaks and rugged escarpments to vast grassy plains and the headwaters of many of Victoria's major rivers. The park's history is rich and varied, reflecting both Aboriginal heritage and European settlement. For thousands of years, Aboriginal people traversed the alpine region, gathering for ceremonies and feasting on nutritious bogong moths. European pastoralists arrived in the 1830s, followed by gold miners in the 1850s, each leaving their mark on the landscape. Today, remnants of historic huts and mining settlements stand as reminders of the park's past. The Alpine National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. In winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to resorts like Falls Creek and Mount Hotham, while cross-country skiers explore the park's more remote trails. As the snow melts, the park transforms into a wonderland of wildflowers, attracting hikers, four-wheel drivers, and nature lovers. Popular activities include summiting Mount Bogong, Victoria's highest peak, exploring the Bogong High Plains, and visiting historic huts scattered throughout the park. The park boasts an incredible array of flora and fauna, with over 1100 native plant species. Many of these plants are specially adapted to survive the harsh alpine climate, and some, like the Bogong daisy-bush and silky daisy, are found nowhere else in the world. The park is also home to a diverse range of animal species, including over half of Victoria's land bird species and 40% of its mammal species.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

The Horn Lookout

45.0 km

Discover breathtaking views at The Horn Lookout in Mount Buffalo National Park, a must-see destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers in Victoria.

Hume & Hovell Monument Myrtleford

61.9 km

Explore the Hume & Hovell Monument in Myrtleford, a historical tribute set in Victoria's stunning landscapes, ideal for history buffs and nature enthusiasts.

Kiewa River

62.3 km

Explore the picturesque Kiewa River in Victoria, Australia, perfect for outdoor adventures and serene relaxation amidst stunning landscapes.

Connors Hill lookout

63.2 km

Discover breathtaking views and rich history at Connors Hill Lookout, a must-visit destination along the Great Alpine Road in Victoria.

Bluff Hut

67.5 km

Discover the charm of Bluff Hut in Mount Buller, Victoria—your serene alpine escape awaits amidst stunning mountain views and rich heritage.

High Country Scenic Tours

93.1 km

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Victoria's High Country with personalized tours featuring local wildlife and delicious homemade snacks.

Huon Hill Lookout

95.8 km

Discover the stunning panoramic views and tranquil hiking trails at Huon Hill Lookout, a scenic escape in Bandiana, Victoria.

Leatherbarrel Creek campground

99.8 km

Discover Leatherbarrel Creek Campground in the heart of Kosciuszko National Park for a tranquil camping experience surrounded by nature's beauty.

Unmissable attractions to see

Mount Cope

7.0 km

Explore the breathtaking views and scenic trails of Mount Cope, a must-visit tourist attraction in Falls Creek, Victoria, for nature lovers and adventurers.

Danny's Lookout

9.4 km

Experience breathtaking panoramic views at Danny's Lookout in Hotham Heights, Victoria - a scenic gem for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Fainter Falls

16.4 km

Experience the stunning beauty of Fainter Falls in Victoria's High Country, a must-visit natural wonder for tourists and nature lovers alike.

Blue Rag Range Trig Point

20.7 km

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Blue Rag Range Trig Point - a must-visit destination in Victoria's high country for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Wonnangatta Station

43.6 km

Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Wonnangatta Station, a hidden gem in Victoria's wilderness, perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Dandongadale Falls

53.6 km

Explore the breathtaking Dandongadale Falls in Wabonga, a stunning natural wonder perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Bindaree Falls

62.3 km

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Bindaree Falls, a must-visit scenic spot in Mount Buller, Victoria, where nature's wonders await.

Craig’s Hut

62.8 km

Experience the breathtaking views and rich history at Craig's Hut, an iconic landmark in Victoria's High Country that beckons adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Paradise Falls

70.0 km

Explore the breathtaking Paradise Falls in Cheshunt, Victoria, one of Australia's tallest waterfalls surrounded by stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.

National Alpine Museum Australia

71.1 km

Discover the rich heritage of skiing and alpine culture at the National Alpine Museum Australia in Mount Buller. A must-visit for winter sports enthusiasts!

The Bluff

71.1 km

Discover stunning panoramas and serene nature at The Bluff, a must-see tourist attraction in Mount Buller, Victoria.

Murmungee Lookout

75.4 km

Explore Murmungee Lookout for breathtaking views of Victoria's stunning landscapes. A perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Powers Lookout

76.3 km

Discover the serene beauty of Powers Lookout in Whitlands, Victoria, where breathtaking views of the high country await every visitor.

Mitchell River National Park

78.7 km

Discover dramatic gorges, lush rainforests, and Aboriginal legends in East Gippsland's Mitchell River National Park.

Asylum Ghost Tours - Beechworth

80.7 km

Explore the haunted history of Beechworth at Asylum Ghost Tours, where thrilling stories and eerie experiences await every visitor.

Essential places to dine

High Country Cafe

36.7 km

Discover delicious take-away options at High Country Cafe in Omeo – your perfect stop for fish and chips, pizza, and more!

The Red Stag Restaurant

45.8 km

Experience delightful family dining at The Red Stag Restaurant in Eurobin, Victoria – where great food meets fun for all ages!

Provenance

82.1 km

Experience the pinnacle of fine dining at Provenance in Beechworth, where seasonal flavors meet artistic culinary creations.

Brown Brothers Restaurant

90.1 km

Experience exquisite dining at Brown Brothers Restaurant in Milawa, where local flavors meet stunning vineyard views for an unforgettable culinary journey.

Miss Amelie

98.4 km

Experience the essence of Europe in Wodonga at Miss Amelie – where culinary art meets exceptional service.

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Country Collectables

34.6 km

Explore Country Collectables in Bright, where unique kitchen supplies meet charming gifts and local craftsmanship.

White Box Rise Shopping Centre

96.1 km

Explore the White Box Rise Shopping Centre in Wodonga for an unforgettable shopping and dining experience in Victoria, Australia.

The Stable Door

98.0 km

Explore The Stable Door in Wodonga for authentic western apparel and unique gifts that embody the spirit of the Australian outback.

Pour Mes Amis Wodonga - HELLO DARLING

98.2 km

Explore Pour Mes Amis Wodonga, your go-to gift shop for unique candles, clothing, jewelry, and homewares in the heart of Wodonga.

Made By Me Market