Wonnangatta Valley
25 km
distance
1h 15m
Contour time
3.0
difficulty
Unsealed
surface
Scenery
Victoria
The Wonnangatta Valley is one of the most remote accessible locations in Victoria. The valley is surrounded by the...
Road quality
Grade 3
Every segment scored on 40+ data signals.
Accessibility
Fully sealed
Best in 4WD. Peak season: Dec-Mar.
7-day forecast
High clearance 4WD required. Rough descent with rocky valley bottom. Satellite communications not optional. Check clearance before committing.
Recommended gear: Hi-lift jack, Snatch strap, Recovery boards, Satellite comms, Spare tyre.
The road
The descent into the Wonnangatta Valley is the most dramatic section of the Victorian High Plains Loop. The road drops from the plateau through tight forest track to the valley floor where Wonnangatta Station sits in an isolated river flat surrounded by mountains. The station has been part of Victorian High Country history since the 1870s cattle runs - and since 1918 when the two station managers were shot dead in what remains one of Victoria's most famous unsolved murders. The valley is genuinely remote. Satellite communications are not optional on this stage. The road is rough on the descent and rocky in the valley bottom.
The descent into the Wonnangatta Valley is the most dramatic section of the Victorian High Plains Loop.
Why this road
The region
The Wonnangatta Valley is one of the most remote accessible locations in Victoria. The valley is surrounded by the Alpine National Park and there is no through road - all access is via the Dargo High Plains or via the Licola Link to the south. The river flat at the station is the only cleared ground in the valley.
History
Wonnangatta Station achieved notoriety in 1918 when the station manager John Bamford and his employee James Barclay were found shot dead. No one was ever charged and the case remains unsolved - widely regarded as Victoria's most enduring cold case.
Before you go
No services in the valley. Satellite communications required. The descent is rough and some sections require care with approach angles. Allow a full day for the descent and valley exploration before the southern exit via Licola.
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Flag itWorth stopping for
Wonnangatta River camping
One of Victoria's most atmospheric campsites - isolated, forested and historically significant.
High plains wildflowers
The plateau above is best in January for alpine wildflowers before the descent.
Route
Start
High Plains Plateau
End
Wonnangatta Station
Gallery
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