Fire-affected parks remain closed as others reopen.

Before you leave home, check for park closures and download the VicEmergency app.

4wding in Howqua Hills and Alpine National Park

A silver 4WD crosses a shallow river, lined will small round rocks infront of backdrop of gum trees

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

Explore

4wding in Howqua Hills and Alpine National Park

Howqua Hills Historic Area

There are many four-wheel drive tracks to explore taking you further into the High Country. Take your pick from a number of great bases to explore the Alpine National Park and State Forest.

Visit Bluff and Lovick's Huts or head down to Pikes Flat, which can be accessed via 16 Mile Jeep Track. This is a difficult and relatively steep four-wheel drive track and is not recommended in wet weather. 

Bindaree Flat is located next to the Howqua River. It's a great camping spot with an old foresters hut. To get there, you can drive via Pikes Flat on 16 Mile Jeep Track or via Bluff Link Road, which is an easier four-wheel drive track. Complete the circuit by driving into the Mansfield State Forest along Bindaree Road, a two-wheel-drive road, to Bindaree Falls. It's just a short 10-minute walk to view the amazing falls. From Bindaree Falls, continue on to Craig's Hut, then return to Howqua Hills Historic Area via the circuit road and Howqua Track.

Drive to Cobbler Lake via King Hut and take in the amazing views across the Alps. A couple of kilometres before the lake, stop at the stunning Dandongadale Falls. Return on the Whitfield Road to Mansfield, ensuring you drop in at Powers Lookout on the way. Take the Bluff Track or Brocks Road and descend into the secluded Wonnangatta Valley. Uncover the history and heritage of the High Country while admiring the dramatic landscape. Along the way you'll find old mining town ruins, cattleman's huts and panoramic views.

Things To Do

 
Fry's Hut, Howqua Hills Historic Area

Bushwalking in Howqua Hills Historic Area and the Alpine National Park

Take in all the Howqua Hills and Alpine National Park has to offer with one of the many walks available. From short family walks to challenging hikes, there's a variety of walks to choose from.
A couple sit and look at a map next to their tent and car.

Camping in Howqua Hills Historic Area

These are several camping options along the banks of the Howqua River. The sites are free and no bookings are required. All sites are a great base for bushwalking, four-wheel driving, fishing and relaxing.
A man on a horse leads another horse across the Bogong High Plains.

Camping with your horse in the Howqua Hills

Fry’s Flat and Tunnel Bend are the designated horse camping sites located on the scenic river flats at each end of Howqua Hills Historic Area. They provide the opportunity for people to camp with their horses and explore the surrounding area on horseback.

How to get there

4wding in Howqua Hills and Alpine National Park

4wding in Howqua Hills

Need to know

4wding in Howqua Hills and Alpine National Park

4wding Safety

  • Please remember dogs are not permitted in the Alpine National Park.
  • Roads may become impassable in wet weather, even to 4WD vehicles. Please remember to stay on the roads and tracks as driving off-road is prohibited.  

Seasonal road closures

Much of the Alpine National Park is closed to vehicles during the winter months.  This is to prevent vehicle damage to our tracks and to protect the environment, as many of these tracks are under snow. 

Typically, seasonal closures are re-opened the Thursday before Cup weekend and close the Thursday after Queens Birthday weekend.  Please note, these dates may change for various tracks. Check the seasonal road closures page before you travel. 

Vehicles must be fully registered and drivers must have a licence. This includes motorbikes.  

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.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    The Alpine National Park is CLOSED east of Mt Buller, South of Mt Buffalo and West of Mt Hotham – due to the Dargo Wonnangatta complex fires in the area.

    Closed sites:
    • Beveridge Station and the Buckland Valley Camps
    • Australian Alps Walking Track and other walking tracks within the closure area, including all tracks accessing Mt Howitt, the Crosscut Saw, Mt Speculation, the Razor Viking, Barry Mountains and the Twins.
    • Wabonga Plateau and Howitt Plains
    • Park and forest access south of Lake Buffalo
    • Lake Cobbler and Lake Cobbler Road south from Bennies
    • Camp Creek
    • Riley's Hut
    • King Hut
    • Walking tracks to Mt Howitt and the Crosscut Saw from the Howqua Valley
    • King Billy Track, east of King Billys
    Open areas:
    • The Bogong High Plains
    • Mt Feathertop and Mt Loch areas
    • Mt Bogong
    • Walking tracks between Falls Creek and Mt Hotham
    • Mt Buffalo
    • Visitor sites accessed from the Omeo Highway
    • Howqua Hills
    Stay informed
    • For updated information, visit the VicEmergency website, or call the hotline on 1800 226 226.
    • Download the VicEmergency app and know how to use it – create a watch zone for your home, work and loved ones to receive alerts within that watch zone.
    • Know your local emergency broadcaster and never rely on one source of emergency information.
    • Visit the CFA website for the latest information on Fire Danger Ratings.
    • Visit the BOM website to stay updated on weather forecasts and warnings.

    Attachments: 20260129_1600_Forest_Park_Closures_A0P (12,358KB)

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