ALPINE NATIONAL PARK
The vast mountainous terrain of Alpine National Park – which stretches from central Gippsland up to Kosciuszko National Park in NSW – forms Victoria's largest national park and protects some of the rarest landscapes on the planet. From magical snow gum forests to the world's tallest flowering tree – the Alpine Ash – endangered mountain pygmy possums, alpine dingoes, Bogong moth, wildflower meadows and grassy high plains on exposed mountaintops; the life that survives in these rugged elevated pockets above the snowline is uniquely Australian, mesmerisingly beautiful and immensely fragile.
AKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
The section of Alpine National Park that falls within Bright & Surrounds spans part of the Countries of the Taungurung and Gunaikurnai Peoples to its west and the Dhudhuroa, Waywurru and Yaitmathang to its east.
We acknowledge the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of the Alpine National Park and recognise their ancient and continuing presence on these lands and their important roles as caretakers of these Countries.
We pay our respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
THE PARK
Alpine National Park in North East Victoria protects 646,000-hectares of country, including some of the highest reaches of the Great Dividing Range. The stunning Mount Bogong – Warkwoolowler in the Dhudhuroa language, meaning the place where people collect the bogong moth – reaches 1,986m, making it the highest mountain in Victoria. The park encompasses other well known mountains, including Mount Feathertop (1,922m) and Mount Hotham (1,861m) as well as rare alpine grasslands such as the Bogong High Plains (1,893m) near Falls Creek.
Alpine National Park is home to more than 1,100 native plant species, 12 of which only live within the park, including the Bogong daisy bush and silky daisy. It is also home to the critically endangered mountain pygmy-possum, the world's only marsupial to live exclusively in an alpine environment.
Alpine National Park doesn't include nearby Mount Buffalo (1,723m), which is a unique granite formation protected by Mount Buffalo National Park.
PARK ACCESS
From Bright & Surrounds, there are two main sealed roads that access the Alpine National Park: Bogong High Plains Road between Mount Beauty and Omeo and the Great Alpine Road between Harrietville and Omeo. Both roads make for very scenic drives with access to many walking trails along the way. Please note: the section of Bogong High Plains Road between Falls Creek and Omeo is closed during the snow season.
A number of walking trails can also be accessed from the valley floor and are popular with those looking to summit a mountain. These include The Staircase and Eskdale Spur trails to the summit of Mount Bogong from Mount Beauty, and Bungalow Spur and Bon Accord Spur trails to the summit of Mount Feathertop from Harrietville.
WHEN TO VISIT
Bursting with alpine wildflowers in summer or waist-deep in snow in winter, your experience will differ dramatically depending on the time of year you visit. The park's alpine camping areas and hiking trails are best enjoyed in the warmer months from November to May, with the wildflowers putting on stunning displays come January.
From June to October, snowfall is prevalent on the mountaintops and with it comes the opportunity to go skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing at Mount Hotham, Dinner Plain and Falls Creek. Venturing outside the resort areas during the snow season is not recommended for most individuals and should only be undertaken by those highly experienced in alpine survival.
Whatever time of year you visit, it's important to prepare for rapid weather changes and the possibility of snow.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN ALPINE NATIONAL PARK
1. Mount Bogong
Summit Victoria's highest mountain, Mount Bogong (1,986m), via Eskdale Spur or The Staircase.
2. Skiing & Snowboarding
Enjoy the snow and go skiing or snowboarding at Mount Hotham or Falls Creek.
3. Alpine Discovery Loop
In summer, drive the Alpine Discovery Loop for spectacular views, including from Danny's Lookout near Mount Hotham.
4. The Razorback
Walk The Razorback from Mount Hotham to Mount Feathertop.
5. High Country Huts
Visit some historic High Country Huts, like Wallaces Hut and Cope Hut near Falls Creek.
6. Camping
Go camping at one of the park's many campsites, such as JB Plain, Mountain Creek or Federation Hut.
7. Alpine Crossing
Hike the 37km Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing.
8. Horseback Adventure
Enjoy an alpine horse riding adventure like in the days of old.
9. Brabralung Trail
Enjoy the views on a bike ride along the gravel Brabralung Trail between Dinner Plain and Mount Hotham, or cross-country ski it in winter.
10. Offroading
Explore the park's tracks by 4WD or dirt bike.
Alpine Wildflowers Walks
RARE AND BEAUTIFUL
PREPARE FOR ANYTHING
From snow to bushfires, floods and gale-force winds, the weather in the High Country can be fierce and change rapidly. Always check conditions before venturing out, ensure your equipment is working and carry adequate food, water and warm clothing. Importantly, download the VicEmergency and the Emergency Plus apps to your phone.
Notify someone of your plans before you set out. Many parts of the High Country have poor or no mobile phone coverage. In remote areas, emergency beacons and satellite devices are recommended for your safety.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Our region is sensitive to human presence. We are privileged to have endangered animals such as platypus, pygmy possums and alpine dingoes surviving in our environment. Your behaviour has a direct impact on our flora and fauna. When driving or riding, stay on formed roads and don't cut new lines. Protect our wildlife and the beauty of our environment by taking all rubbish with you.
Never light a fire on a Total Fire Ban day. When fires are permitted, always extinguish your campfire completely before leaving. Enjoy our outdoors, and remember, leave no trace.
EXPERIENCES YOU'LL LOVE
Myrtleford Town Bicycle Tour
Discover the charming village of Myrtleford with your own resident guide, sharing history, insights and the best local secrets. Bring your own bike or you can even hire bikes from them. They have regular and electric bikes available.This experience is…
Bright Guided Mountain Bike Ride
A perfect way to see the best of Bright! All Terrain Cycles’ experienced instructors will take you on terrain best suited to your ability and fitness, riding trails to maximise fun and high fives. Our guides are first aid qualified…
Labour Day Long Weekend Escape – Bogong Horseback Adventures
Join Bogong Horseback Adventures three day Packhorse Adventure and experience a truly Australian experience. Get a little saddle grease on your trouser seat this Labour day long weekend. Travelling the High country with Packhorses provides a balance between our living…
Bogong in a Day
Guided by Falls Creek Guides Embark on an expertly guided ascent of Mt Bogong (1,986m), Victoria’s highest peak, with Falls Creek Guides. This challenging yet rewarding hike takes us via the Eskdale Spur, offering spectacular alpine views, high-country history, and…
All Terrain Cycles – Bright
Located in the heart of Bright, All Terrain Cycles is only minutes from the mountain bike trails, rail trail and mountain road climbs. This premium store offers bike hire, tours, skills coaching, retail sales, local riding knowledge and expert advice.…
Mount Buffalo Beginners Abseiling
Looking to challenge the family, friends or yourself without jumping in the deep-end? Have a go at the beginners abseiling. It is fun, challenging and rewarding all at once. With a variety of sites ranging from eight metres – 35…
Hedonistic Hiking’s Sunset Dinners on Mount Buffalo
Hedonistic Hiking offers a series of Sunset Dinners on Mount Buffalo, on selected evenings during the summer months. Close to Bright in north east Victoria, this beautiful granite mountain is home to a number of unique plants and wildlife and…
New Years Eve Pack Horse Adventure
Welcome the New Year with an unforgettable experience. This Mount Bogong expedition features great landscapes, bush camps, spectacular riding terrain, great horses and local food and wine. Journey onto the High Country via East Kiewa and Timms Spur taking in…
CAMPING
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ALPINE
Experience the beauty of our rare Australian alpine environment on a night out under the stars.
ADVENTURE
LIVE LIFE ON THE EDGE
From cliff-top picnics to caving, kayaking and rock climbing, get to know the mountains from a different angle.
