Wonnangatta Valley

The road

The Wonnangatta River valley is one of the most remote accessible places in Victoria. The journey in from Licola drops steeply through sub-alpine ash into the valley floor - a sudden change from the exposed high country to sheltered river flats with old-growth river red gums. Wonnangatta Station at the valley floor was a cattle station murdered-mystery location in 1918 - the two men who lived there were shot, their bodies not discovered for months, and the case was never solved. The ruins of the station homestead are still visible. The valley is part of the Alpine National Park but the station ruins are an interpretive site. The river crossings in the valley are the main technical challenge - four crossings of the Wonnangatta River, each shallow in summer but rising fast after storms. The track continues north from the station to Crooked River and eventually connects to other High Country routes.

The region

The Alpine National Park covers the Victoria-NSW mountain border and the Wonnangatta valley sits near its western edge. Licola is a small town at the park's western boundary with a general store, a caravan park and the only fuel for 100km in most directions. The Macalister River valley below Licola is popular for fishing and camping.

Before you go

Fuel in Licola - essential, as there is no fuel in the valley or beyond. No phone coverage in the valley floor. The descent track is single lane with no passing opportunities. Check the creek levels before going in spring and early summer - the snowmelt can make the crossings impassable. Never attempt after heavy rain.

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