Whitfield Road, Whitfield 3733 Road, Whitfield Whitfield Collect only dead fallen timber deadfallen only timber Collect Firearms are only permitted in permitted are only Firearms by following these guidelines these by following metres fromany watercourse metres for others to use, or torecycle others use, it for drained camp site at least site camp drained area around your campfire is is area around your campfire All native plants and animals native plants andanimals All instead aportablestove Use Wash upaway Wash from streams are protected by law. Please by law. Please are protected stoves) on days of ondays of Fire stoves) Total No (including fires forecasts. provided, bury your waste at bury your at waste provided, Dogs andother are not pets Dogs For further information further For Please don’t throw this park this park don’tPlease throw Help us your us after park Help look the park in accordance with accordance park in the to protect the fragile stream stream fragile the protect to note away. Keep it, return it away. it, note Keep for firewood and ensure the firewood andensure for material at a distance of for material a- lighting fire of Healthy ParksPeople above or near the tree tree aboveline or near the do not disturb any disturb in them do not hectares ofparklandavailable soul. So,withoverfourmillion least 100 waterfrom least m or North 128 Highett Mansfield St, 128 Highett The park in the park located The is Always check fi check Always to Victorians, whynotescape Please take your take rubbish Please cleared of all flammable of all flammable cleared your health,mind,bodyand Choose a firm, dry, well dry, a Choose firm, www.park Visiting aparkcanimprove or visit our website at our website or visit Where toilets are not Where toilets Hunting Regulations Hunting - East Total Fire Ban Total East Information Centre Centre Information Caring for the the for Caring Phone 131963 Phone environment home withyou home least 3 metres least Parks Vic Call 13 1963 Call s environment to aparktoday! .vic. Park Office Park Office camp sites sites camp especially especially re danger permitted gov.au District 3722 Ban. Ban. toria toria way 2 0 :

altitudes, with Tiger and Brown snake Copper seen Jacky L region The endangered Spotted Tree Frog lives thin The rare Powerful Owl also is f Cockatoo, Crimson Rosella and Brow Common bird species are the Gang-gang has Bandicoot Rat, Greater Glider, Wombat, and Lon g Mammals typical of the valley forests are th e Possums. Sugar Glider Brown andSwains mountaislopes n by Snow Gu m TheSubalpine between Gum forests grow on along the valley floors. Mountain Gum - McDonald, to riparian forests of Mann Gu a alpine herbfields of Mt Howitt, The and Bluff M The area contains arange of habitats, from the and animals Plants gold thein Howqua Valley in the 1860s. grazing commenced, followed by the discovery of European settlement began in the 1840s, when was highly valued for tools and weapons. the area that yielded the hard greenstone which Dividing Range. They also had several quarries in areas as major trade routes across the Great Aboriginal people used the King andHowqua past the In areas. affected fire in especially trails, and To assist with regeneration please keep to tracks temporarily the in interest of public safety. roadstrackssome and been have closed swept through the . As a result theDuring2006 summer of anum inFire the Alps www.tourismalliance.com.au (03) 9650 8399 or visit their website Contact area. (4WDing, walking, horseriding and rafting) in the A number of guides Tour lower heathy understorey. recently been found the in area.

down . . -head snakes are present at Reptilian residents include th Tourism Alliance for details on 1000 and 1400

. The end s,

licensedtour operators izard

widely found on the upper Mountain heath and woodlands dominated ome t are home

and ons angered Long Footed Poto ro

more shelteredsites

W Antechinus, Feathertailand

metres with agrassy or Brushtail and Ringtail ater ater o o

Skinks. Alpine mammals suchas ound ber of fires fires of ber

higher in thein area. e e run tours n n s s commonly commonly resident resident Thornbill

Snow Nosed Nosed

m m

Bush e e t t

. o o - Our Mountain Heritage Explore the Australian Alps Guides) Victoria’s National Parks Explorer’s Guide (See Publications) National Park by John Siseman (Pindari The Australian Alps TrackWalking Books Horseriding in the Alps Liaison Committee (New Holland Pre Australian by parks national Alps Australian the - The High Country - Wilderness and the Snowy - Alpine National Park p Jamieson Rivers 1:50,000 Watersheds of King, Howqua and Plateau1:50,000 Wabonga S.R &P.NBrookes maps: Source of Mount Cobbler and Powers Lookout c - BluffsValleys and VicM VicM Natmap 1:100,000 Buffalo 1:100,000Natmap Whitfield Maps the following maps and publications: For more details of the Alpine National Park see Other p VicM Wonnangat around Heyfield, Licola and Dargo in the around Mitta Mitta, Tallangatta andCorryong around Benambra, Buchan and Jindabyne around Bright, Mt Beauty and Koalas have beenre- Koalas ar tours and walks around Wabonga Plateau, ap 1:50,000 Howitt - ap 1:50,000 Buller - ap 1:50,000 Tamboritha -

- on Australian Printed

ons ublicati

the Rivers ta

-

Moroka area

Historic Area Historic

introduced Howquato Hills the introduced

ark

Stirling Sel made paper 100% recycled

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Moroka

and November 2011

Alpine ss)

parknotes respectand seasonalroad closures. and safety reasons.and safety during the colder, wetter months for environmental tracksManyand areroads closed seasonally Mt Cobbler and on through B and Little Cobbler Track winding below the cliffs of Road to King Billy Saddle and the Howitt Plains; Bluff, Square Head Ginny and Mt Lovick; Brocks Bindaree Roads below the escarpments of The the more popular ones being the Bluff Link - There are many 4WD trips in the area, some of youIf have a4WD Cobbler, in greater detail. area, along with Paradise Falls and Mount Alpine National Park. Other park notes cover this Valley to the Wabonga Plateau in the Lookout provides beautiful views across the upper Along the Mansfield - the impressive escarpment of The Bluff. Peaks Track)Walking and Refrigerator Gap below to continue as far as Eight Mile Gap (Eagles Although mining relics. numerous tranquil river flats, historic huts and beside the provides 2WD access to Howqua HillsHistoric Area (Sheepyard Flat) accessible in a2WD conventional vehicle. The Se 2WD By touring Car Melbourneor 40 approximately 200- This area of the Alpine National Park is situated thereGetting and getting around rivers mountain clear above towering escarpments and bluffs rocky impenetrable featuring landscapes in variety the Discover peaks. many from views panoramic with scenery alpine rugged spectacular most Victoria’s of some Enjoy Bluffs and Valleys Alpine National trips to Whitfield and the edge of the park. Mansfield and Myrtleford provide pleasant rural Highway (from Benalla). Roads from Benalla, Maroondah Highway (from ) or Midland The easiest access to Mansfield is via the or visitour website at www.parks.vic.gov.au For more information calltheParks Victoria Information Centre on13 1963 veral of the main attractions of the area are

steep and rough in sections it possibleis

- 60 km south of Benalla.

Please keep to formed roads 250 km north250 kmeast of Whitfield Road, Powers

ennies to Whitfield. to ennies

-

around Mansfield and Whitfield and Mansfield around

Park Park

know before you go Please keep to defined tracks and let someone a must.are experienced AAWT and other longer routes only is for the Tharwa, (near ). Bushwalking along the journeybetween (in Walhalla Gippsland) and (AAWT) passes through the area on its 650 km The long distance Australian Alps Walking Track only area. Speculation. Around Ganter Hut is afuel stove King Billies, Mt Howitt, Mt and Cobbler Mt can be undertaken to Mt McDonald, MtMagdala , Longer more challenging day and overnight hikes River at Bennies and at Powers Lookout. short walks to Paradise Falls, along the Rose Further north around Whitfield there are pleasant n near Bluff Hut or from the base of the escarpment Eight Mile Gap (day) and The Bluff, either from Hut beside the Howqua River, Eagles Peaks from historic Frys Hut from Sheepyard Flat, Ritchies Shorter family walks can be undertaken to the any of the walks informationsought should be before embarking on degree of bushwalking skill and stamina. are long, rough and challenging, requiring a suitable for day and weekend family walks. Others Au Some of the best mountain walking country in Walking ear Refrigerator Gap (day).

stralia foundis in the Alps. Some tracks are

- navigation and self sufficiency skills mentioned here.

.

Further

Whitfield Road, Whitfield 3733 Road, Whitfield Whitfield Collect only dead fallen timber deadfallen only timber Collect Firearms are only permitted in permitted are only Firearms by following these guidelines these by following metres fromany watercourse metres drained camp site at least site camp drained area around your campfire is is area around your campfire All native plants and animals native plants andanimals All instead aportablestove Use Wash upaway Wash from streams are protected by law. Please by law. Please are protected stoves) on days of ondays of Fire stoves) Total No (including fires forecasts. provided, bury your waste at bury your at waste provided, Dogs andother are not pets Dogs For further information further For Help us your us after park Help look the park in accordance with accordance park in the to protect the fragile stream stream fragile the protect to for firewood and ensure the firewood andensure for material at a distance of for material a- lighting fire of Healthy ParksPeople above or near the tree tree aboveline or near the do not disturb any disturb in them do not hectares ofparklandavailable soul. So,withoverfourmillion North least 100 waterfrom least m or 128 Highett Mansfield St, 128 Highett The park in the park located The is Always check fi check Always to Victorians, whynotescape Please take your take rubbish Please cleared of all flammable of all flammable cleared your health,mind,bodyand Choose a firm, dry, well dry, a Choose firm, www.park Visiting aparkcanimprove or visit our website at our website or visit Where toilets are not Where toilets Hunting Regulations Hunting - East Total Fire Ban Total East Information Centre Centre Information Caring for the the for Caring Phone 131963 Phone environment home withyou home least 3 metres least Parks Vic Call 13 1963 Call s environment to aparktoday! .vic. Park Office Park Office camp sites sites camp especially especially re danger permitted gov.au District 3722 Ban. Ban. toria toria way 2 0 :

Possums. Brown andSwains www.tourismalliance.com.au (03) 9650 8399 or visit their website Contact area. (4WDing, walking, horseriding and rafting) in the A number of guides Tour Bandicoot Rat, Greater Glider, Wombat, and Lon g Mammals typical of the valley forests are th e Sugar Glider mountaislopes n by Snow Gu m TheSubalpine between Gum forests grow on along the valley floors. Mountain Gum - McDonald, to riparian forests of Mann Gu a alpine herbfields of Mt Howitt, The and Bluff M The area contains arange of habitats, from the and animals Plants gold thein Howqua Valley in the 1860s. grazing commenced, followed by the discovery of European settlement began in the 1840s, when was highly valued for tools and weapons. the area that yielded the hard greenstone which Dividing Range. They also had several quarries in areas as major trade routes across the Great Aboriginal people used the King andHowqua past the In areas. affected fire in especially trails, and To assist with regeneration please keep to tracks temporarily the in interest of public safety. roadstrackssome and been have closed swept through the Australian Alps. As a result theDuring2006 summer of anum inFire the Alps altitudes, with Tiger and Brown snake Copper seen Jacky L region The endangered Spotted Tree Frog lives thin The rare Powerful Owl also is f Cockatoo, Crimson Rosella and Brow Common bird species are the Gang-gang has heathy understorey. lower recently been found the in area.

down . . -head snakes are present at Reptilian residents include th Tourism Alliance Victoria for details on 1000 and 1400

. The end s,

licensedtour operators izard

widely found on the upper Mountain heath and woodlands dominated ome t are home

ons and angered Long Footed Poto ro

more shelteredsites

W Antechinus, Feathertailand

metres with agrassy or Brushtail and Ringtail ater ater o o

mammals suchas Skinks. Alpine ound ber of fires fires of ber

higher in thein area. e e run tours n n s s commonly commonly resident resident Thornbill

Snow Nosed Nosed

m m

Bush e e t t

. o o Alps Liaison Committee (New Holland Pre Australian by parks national Alps Australian the Explore the Australian Alps Guides) Australia Victoria’s National Parks Explorer’s Guide (See Publications) National Park by John Siseman (Pindari The Australian Alps TrackWalking Books Horseriding in the Alpine National Park - Our Mountain Heritage - Wilderness and the Snowy - The High Country - Source of Mount Cobbler and Powers Lookout c - Valleys and Bluffs Alpine National Park p Jamieson Rivers 1:50,000 Watersheds of King, Howqua and Plateau1:50,000 Wabonga S.R &P.NBrookes maps: VicM VicM VicM Natmap 1:100,000 Buffalo 1:100,000Natmap Whitfield Maps the following maps and publications: For more details of the Alpine National Park see Other p Wonnangat around Heyfield, Licola and Dargo in the around Benambra, Buchan and Jindabyne around Bright, Mt Beauty and Omeo around Mitta Mitta, Tallangatta andCorryong - beenre have Koalas ar tours and walks around Wabonga Plateau, ap 1:50,000 Howitt - ap 1:50,000 Tamboritha - ap 1:50,000 Buller -

- on Australian Printed

ons ublicati

the Rivers ta

-

Moroka area

Historic Area Historic

introduced to the Howqua Hills Hills Howqua the to introduced

ark

Stirling Sel made 100% recycled paper made recycled 100%

- C - n

wyn wyn otes

ar touring guide to

Moroka

and August 2012

Alpine ss)

parknotes respectand seasonalroad closures. reasons.and safety during the colder, wetter months for environmental tracksManyand areroads closed seasonally Mt Cobbler and on through B and Little Cobbler Track winding below the cliffs of Road to King Billy Saddle and the Howitt Plains; Bluff, Square Head Ginny and Mt Lovick; Brocks Bindaree Roads below the escarpments of The the more popular ones being the Bluff Link - There are many 4WD trips in the area, some of youIf have a4WD Cobbler, in greater detail. area, along with Paradise Falls and Mount Alpine National Park. Other park notes cover this King River Valley to the Wabonga Plateau in the Lookout provides beautiful views across the upper Along the Mansfield - the impressive escarpment of The Bluff. Peaks Track)Walking and Refrigerator Gap below to continue as far as Eight Mile Gap (Eagles Although mining relics. numerous tranquil river flats, historic huts and beside the Howqua River provides 2WD access to Howqua HillsHistoric Area (Sheepyard Flat) accessible in a2WD conventional vehicle. The Se 2WD By touring Car trips to Whitfield and the edge of the park. Mansfield and Myrtleford provide pleasant rural Highway (from Benalla). Roads from Benalla, Maroondah Highway (from Melbourne) or Midland The easiest access to Mansfield is via the Melbourneor 40 approximately 200- This area of the Alpine National Park is situated thereGetting and getting around rivers mountain clear above towering escarpments and bluffs rocky impenetrable featuring landscapes in variety the Discover peaks. many from views panoramic with scenery alpine rugged spectacular most Victoria’s of some Enjoy Bluffs and Valleys Alpine National or visitour website at www.parks.vic.gov.au For more information calltheParks Victoria Information Centre on13 1963 veral of the main attractions of the area are

steep and rough in sections it possibleis

- 60 km south of Benalla.

Please keep to formed roads 250 km north250 kmeast of Whitfield Road, Powers

ennies to Whitfield. to ennies

-

around Mansfield and Whitfield and Mansfield around

Park Park

know before you go Please keep to defined tracks and let someone a must.are experienced AAWT and other longer routes only is for the Tharwa, (near Canberra). Bushwalking along the journeybetween (in Walhalla Gippsland) and (AAWT) passes through the area on its 650 km The long distance Australian Alps Walking Track only area. Speculation. Around Ganter Hut is afuel stove King Billies, Mt Howitt, Mt and Cobbler Mt can be undertaken to Mt McDonald, MtMagdala , Longer more challenging day and overnight hikes degree of bushwalking skill and stamina. are long, rough and challenging, requiring a suitable for day and weekend family walks. Others Au Some of the best mountain walking country in Walking River at Bennies and at Powers Lookout. short walks to Paradise Falls, along the Rose Further north around Whitfield there are pleasant n near Bluff Hut or from the base of the escarpment Eight Mile Gap (day) and The Bluff, either from Hut beside the Howqua River, Eagles Peaks from historic Frys Hut from Sheepyard Flat, Ritchies Shorter family walks can be undertaken to the any of the walks informationsought should be before embarking on ear Refrigerator Gap (day).

stralia foundis in the Alps. Some tracks are

- navigation and self sufficiency skills mentioned here.

.

Further

Cross country skiing Huts

Cross country skiing on the Bluff or Cobbler Plateau is There are many old huts throughout the area, built by for the experienced only, due to both the remoteness of early graziers, privately for recreation (especially fishing) the area and required navigation and skiing skills. A or by the former Forestry and Lands departments. 4WD vehicle is necessary to access both areas and Frys Hut (built in 1930s) is typical of the distinctive bush even then a relatively arduous walk may be architecture employed by Fred Fry, a well known local encountered. identity. He lived a solitary existence for many years in , and to a lesser extent, offers the Howqua Hills area, prospecting and packing supplies a range of cross country trails more suitable for for government agencies and fishermen. He built other inexperienced or family groups. Both these areas are huts along the Howqua Valley, including Ritchie’s, outside the Alpine National Park and managed by the Mt Pickering’s, Gardner’s and Bindaree Huts. Buller Mt Stirling Resort Management Board. Please help us to look after the huts by: On horseback • not leaving food in huts - this encourages rodents and spread of disease There are many opportunities to explore and enjoy the mountains and valleys of the Alpine National Park on • leave the hut in the same condition as you would like horseback, particularly in the Howqua Valley. Restricted to find it times and group sizes apply so please refer to the Alpine • use a fuel stove for cooking - many huts have burnt National Park - Horseriding park note or call 13 1963 for down due to carelessness with open fires. further details and special conditions. Wilderness Fishing The AAWT traverses the Razor - Viking Wilderness, a The Howqua, King and Rose Rivers together with Lake large area of remote, undisturbed land with little (which is not in the park) provide good evidence of European occupation. fishing opportunities. Check your Fishing Guide for trout There is no vehicle access into or within the Razor - seasons and freshwater cray regulations and ensure that Viking Wilderness. Likewise, there are no signposts or you hold a current Victorian fishing licence. walking track markers. Here visitors need to be self- Setting up camp reliant, meeting nature on its own terms.

There are numerous ideal sites in the area for dispersed Take care! bush camping without facilities, however please do not Mountain roads are often unsealed, narrow and winding. drive over vegetation to set up your camp. Take care as roads may be slippery at any time of the For bushwalkers year. Deeper into the park many roads are suitable only Dispersed camping is allowed however please ensure for experienced four wheel drivers. you are at least 20 metres from any lake, river or stream. When driving through the park please remember: Refer to the camping guidelines listed in the ‘Caring for the environment’ section on the back page. • check road and track conditions before setting out on 13 1963 For car based campers • vehicles, including trail bikes, are restricted to formed Sites with facilities are: roads. Vehicles must be fully registered and drivers • Sheepyard and Frys Flats, and several other flats licensed. upstream along the Howqua River All visitors, especially walkers, should realise that • Bluff Hut (4WD - seasonally closed road) weather conditions can change rapidly in alpine areas. Snowfalls can be experienced in the alpine area at any • Bennies camping area beside the (2WD time of the year and water can be extremely scarce, so access) always be prepared with: • Lake Cobbler (4WD access recommended - very • warm clothing rough 2WD past Bennies) • wind and waterproof jacket • Pineapple Flat (4WD access) • gloves, hat, sunglasses and strong footwear • King Hut (4WD access) • first aid kit and sunscreen All campers should be fully self sufficient with food, water and camping equipment. Always carry a tent. Huts • energy food and water are for emergency use only. • compass and relevant topographical map

Cross country skiing Huts

Cross country skiing on the Bluff or Cobbler Plateau is There are many old huts throughout the area, built by for the experienced only, due to both the remoteness of early graziers, privately for recreation (especially fishing) the area and required navigation and skiing skills. A or by the former Forestry and Lands departments. 4WD vehicle is necessary to access both areas and Frys Hut (built in 1930s) is typical of the distinctive bush even then a relatively arduous walk may be architecture employed by Fred Fry, a well known local encountered. identity. He lived a solitary existence for many years in Mount Stirling, and Mount Buller to a lesser extent, offers the Howqua Hills area, prospecting and packing supplies a range of cross country trails more suitable for for government agencies and fishermen. He built other inexperienced or family groups. Both these areas are huts along the Howqua Valley, including Ritchie’s, outside the Alpine National Park and managed by the Mt Pickering’s, Gardner’s and Bindaree Huts. Buller Mt Stirling Resort Management Board. Please help us to look after the huts by: On horseback • not leaving food in huts - this encourages rodents and spread of disease There are many opportunities to explore and enjoy the mountains and valleys of the Alpine National Park on • leave the hut in the same condition as you would like horseback, particularly in the Howqua Valley. Restricted to find it times and group sizes apply so please refer to the Alpine • use a fuel stove for cooking - many huts have burnt National Park - Horseriding park note or call 13 1963 for down due to carelessness with open fires. further details and special conditions. Wilderness Fishing The AAWT traverses the Razor - Viking Wilderness, a The Howqua, King and Rose Rivers together with Lake large area of remote, undisturbed land with little William Hovell (which is not in the park) provide good evidence of European occupation. fishing opportunities. Check your Fishing Guide for trout There is no vehicle access into or within the Razor - seasons and freshwater cray regulations and ensure that Viking Wilderness. Likewise, there are no signposts or you hold a current Victorian fishing licence. walking track markers. Here visitors need to be self- Setting up camp reliant, meeting nature on its own terms.

There are numerous ideal sites in the area for dispersed Take care! bush camping without facilities, however please do not Mountain roads are often unsealed, narrow and winding. drive over vegetation to set up your camp. Take care as roads may be slippery at any time of the For bushwalkers year. Deeper into the park many roads are suitable only Dispersed camping is allowed however please ensure for experienced four wheel drivers. you are at least 20 metres from any lake, river or stream. When driving through the park please remember: Refer to the camping guidelines listed in the ‘Caring for the environment’ section on the back page. • check road and track conditions before setting out on 13 1963 For car based campers • vehicles, including trail bikes, are restricted to formed Sites with facilities are: roads. Vehicles must be fully registered and drivers • Sheepyard and Frys Flats, and several other flats licensed. upstream along the Howqua River All visitors, especially walkers, should realise that • Bluff Hut (4WD - seasonally closed road) weather conditions can change rapidly in alpine areas. Snowfalls can be experienced in the alpine area at any • Bennies camping area beside the Rose River (2WD time of the year and water can be extremely scarce, so access) always be prepared with: • Lake Cobbler (4WD access recommended - very • warm clothing rough 2WD past Bennies) • wind and waterproof jacket • Pineapple Flat (4WD access) • gloves, hat, sunglasses and strong footwear • King Hut (4WD access) • first aid kit and sunscreen All campers should be fully self sufficient with food, water and camping equipment. Always carry a tent. Huts • energy food and water are for emergency use only. • compass and relevant topographical map