Fire-affected parks remain closed as others reopen.

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

Walking

A large river flows through green rugged bushland

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Mitchell River National Park

Mitchell River National Park is one of the jointly managed parks within Gippsland. The Joint Management agreement recognises the fact that the Gunaikurnai people hold Aboriginal Title and maintain a strong connection to Country. As custodians of the land, they are the rightful people who speak for their Country. These parks and reserves are cultural landscapes that continue to be part of Gunaikurnai living culture. For more information on Joint Management, please visit the Gunaikurnai Traditional Owner Land Management Board and the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation.

Den of Nargun Loop – 3.4km, 1.5 hours circuit

Starting at the Den of Nargun picnic area, walk through the rainforest gully. The stepping stones lead into the Den itself. Tradition has it the Nargun lives there, a fierce being, half human and half stone. Absorb the eerie atmosphere of the Den of Nargun from a safe distance. The Gunaikurnai people and Parks Victoria ask you to respect this special place by not entering the cave.

From there retrace your steps and continue down Woolshed Creek. The trail features another culturally significant site, Deadcock Den and the Bluff Lookout with views of the Mitchell River Gorge.

Please take plenty of drinking water when undertaking any walks or hikes. Beware of snakes.

Mitchell River Walking Track – 18km, 2 days one way

The walk starts at Angusvale and follows the Mitchell River as it winds its way down the gorge, ending at the Den of Nargun picnic area. Overnight camping is available at Billy Goat Bend which is located about half way along the walk. The walk offers spectacular views from the river to gorge top as well as plenty of birdwatching opportunities.

Old Weir Site Lookout (Glenaladale Weir) – 300m, 20 minutes return

Starting at an informal carpark where Old Weir Track crosses a tributary of Stony Creek, this short walk takes you to a lookout. The ruins of the Glenaladale Weir, constructed in 1881 are located at the junction of Stony Creek and the Mitchell River. Stone for the weir was quarried from the western side of the river.

Things To Do

 
The Mitchell River flows through the country side.

Cultural Heritage

Mitchell River National Park, on Brabralung Country, has a rich cultural history that tells of tribal conflict, ceremonies, food gathering, community life and local spirits.
The camping area at Angusvale in the Mitchell River National Park.

Camping at Mitchell River

Camp at Billy Goat Bend or Angusvale camping area, or along the Mitchell River Walking Track at one of the basic campsites.
Billy Goat Bend on the Mitchell River National Park.

Canoeing and rafting at Mitchell River

The Mitchell River offers short day trips or extended touring through the tranquil pools and turbulent rapids down to the Gippsland Lakes, with challenging Whitewater Grades III and IV rapids. July to December usually have the best flow, but please check river levels before you visit.

Horse riding in Mitchell River National Park

Horse riding is a great way to see the park and is permitted on roads and vehicle tracks open to the public. Horses are not permitted to remain overnight in the park unless prior approval has been obtained. Horse riders are asked to apply the horse rider’s code to ensure minimal impact, and to feed clean weed free food prior to arrival.
Three hunters silhouetted at sunset.

Hunting in Mitchell River National Park

Deer stalking is permitted in accordance with hunting regulations in the eastern section of the park from 15 February to 15 December. Hunting is also permitted south of Hortons Track on the eastern side of the National Park. Firearms are not permitted on the Western side of the Mitchell River.

How to get there

Walking

Heading west out of Bairnsdale on Main Street/Princes Highway/A1, turn right onto Bairnsdale-Dargo Road/C601 and follow for about 42 kilometres. You can turn right at Wallers Road and follow that to the end to reach the Den of Nargun picnic area. Forr access to Billy Goat Bend camping area, either turn left off Wallers Road and head north along Park Road, or turn right off the Bairnsdale-Dargo Road/C601 onto Billy Goat Bend Road, and follow the signs to the camping area.
Angusvale campground is located at the end of Mitchell River Road, further north along the Bairnsdale-Dargo Road/C601. Turn right off the C601 and follow the track for 16 kilometres.
To access the eastern side of the park, turn right off the C601 onto Lindenow-Glenaladale Road. Cross the bridge over the Mitchell River and turn left to stay on Lindenow-Glenaladale Road. Turn right at Weir Road and stay on it until you are continuing along Wattle Creek Road and see entry signs to the park.
To visit the Old Weir day visitor site, turn left off Weir Road onto Milton Park Road. Please be aware that the end of this road down into the day visitor site is rated as a Double-Black Diamond 4WD track, and is suitable for experienced four-wheel-drivers only. Visitors can access the site on foot - park your vehicle at the top of the hill and walk approximately one kilometre to the site. Please take plenty of water.

Walking

When you're there

Download the Mitchell River National Park visitor guide for more information about the park and a map.

Need to know

Walking

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.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

 

Driving in the park

All roads and tracks within the park are gravel, with the Mitchell River Road and Wallers Road being readily accessible for most vehicles. All other tracks would require a 4WD to navigate, with varying levels of experience required. Find more safety tips on our Safety in nature page.

 

Mitchell River National Park Joint Management Plan

Mitchell River National Park is on the Country of the Brabralung clan. The park has a rich cultural history that tells of tribal conflict, ceremonies, food gathering, community life and local spirits. The Gunaikurnai and Victorian Government Joint Management Plan provides a description of joint management strategies and actions that are specific to Mitchell River National Park.

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.

  • Rock Creek (Mitchell River National Park, Mitchell and Wonnangatta Rivers Heritage River)

    Angusvale Track/Horton’s Crossing Closure

    Angusvale Track/Horton’s Crossing Closure
     
    Due to storm events, the Angusvale Track past the Rock Creek Camp area has been subject to landslip. 
     
    This Landslip now prevents vehicles from accessing the ford crossing through the Mitchell River between Angusvale Track and Hortons Track. Please do not attempt to cross the river from Hortons Track as there is no access to the West side of the park from this point.
     
    The Rock Creek Camp area is still currently accessible via Angusvale Track/Mitchell Views Track of the Mitchell River Road.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Stay informed – Dargo Wonnangatta complex fire

    Please be advised the Dargo-Wonnangatta complex fire near Dargo is not yet under control, however there is no current risk to Mitchell River National Park.

    Emergency services, including vehicles and aircraft may still be working in the area.

    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.

  • Angusvale camping area (Mitchell River National Park, Mitchell and Wonnangatta Rivers Heritage River)

    Angusvale Campground is being upgraded to improve access and provide a better visitor experience for campers, hikers and paddlers.

    Further upgrades will be completed at Angusvale Camping Area to improve visitors camping experience and protect the environment. Upgrades will include new amenities, fencing and revegetation. This work will be delivered by Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC).

    Works are scheduled to begin at the end of January 2026, with material being stockpiled early January. During this period there will be trucks and plant working within the campground area and along Mitchell River Road.

    At times river access will be limited and the campground will be closed - check website for closures
    https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/mitchell-river-national-park
     
    As part of Stage One, roads and walking paths within the campground were constructed and upgraded to improve vehicle access around the campsite, define camping areas and day visitor areas better and improve pedestrian access around the campsite and to the Mitchell River.
    Stage Two upgrades will provide an even better camping experience with new amenities, revegetation and improved protection of the environment.
     
    Stage One of upgrades were funded by the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions as part of a $2.0 million program for upgrades to Far East Gippsland campgrounds. A further $1.2 million funding from Victoria's Great Outdoors will fund the Stage Two upgrades. 

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