Tali Karng – Alpine National Park Visitor Guide Tali Karng is a hidden jewel nestled deep in the mountains of Gippsland, fed by snowmelt waters of the Wellington Plains. The lake is believed to have been formed about 1500 years ago when a massive rock slide collapsed into the valley damming the waters of Nigothoruk Creek above Wellington River. The water runs underground from the lake to emerge as the infant Wellington River 150m below in the Valley of Destruction. Welcome to Country Tali Karng via Mt Margaret – Grade 5, 20km each The first occupiers of this area were the Gunaikurnai people, most way, 10 hours to the lake, 9 hours back. likely member of the Brayakaulung clan. Aboriginal people guided This is an unmaintained, unmarked self‐sufficient walk. Sections of many European explorers and gold miners through the mountains this walk contain thick vegetation and walkers attempting this track along well used pathways, which eventually formed some of today’s must be experienced in navigation and emergency first aid. road and track network. Start from the Tamboritha Road, approximately 4 km from Licola. Tali Karng is a sacred place to the Gunaikurnai and in keeping with Climb over Mt Margaret to the Dolodrook River where there is a their law, Aboriginal people are forbidden to go there. campsite and water. From here, it is another 3.5 km to the Aboriginal people do not oppose non‐indigenous people visiting Tali Wellington River via Brandy Pinch Track, then on to the lake. Karng as long as they treat the area with respect. Camping at the Camping lake is disrespectful to Aboriginal people, so please treat the area with care as you pass by the lake and camp elsewhere. Camping is available at Nyimba Camp near at the southern end of the Wellington Plains walking track or below the lake in the Valley of Getting there Destruction along the Wellington River. Please do not camp at the The nearest town is Licola. To get there, take Princes Highway to lake. It is a day walk from Nyimba Camp to Tali Karng and return Traralgon, turn off to Heyfield and on to Licola. without heavy packs. Things to see and do Fires are permitted in fireplaces at Nyimba camp. Tali Karng is a fuel stove only area and no fires are permitted within a 1km radius of Walking the lake. There is a toilet at Nyimba Camp and Nigothoruk Creek Tali Karng is accessible via walking tracks, each offering a different nearby is a potential source of water. Be prepared with plenty of type of landscape. Choose the easier 13km (each way) walking track, food and water before setting off on any long‐distance walk. or the longer, more challenging route – either way, you need to be fit and self‐sufficient. Be prepared and stay safe Tali Karng is in the West & South Gippsland fire district. Bushfire Tali Karng via Wellington Plains – Grade 4, 13km each safety is a personal responsibility. Anyone entering parks and forests way, 4 hours to the lake, 5 hours back. during the bushfire season needs to stay aware of forecast weather This is the easiest route to the lake, which begins at McFarlane conditions. Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Saddle Carpark on the Moroka Road, 60 km from Licola. The walk Ban at www.emergency.vic.gov.au, on the VicEmergency follows a well‐defined track across Wellington Plains for 9 km to smartphone app or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226. Nyimba Camp before reaching Gillios Track branching off to the No fires may be lit on Total Fire Ban days. On Code Red Fire Danger south. This track is about 4 km long, and although steep, is well Rating days this park will be closed for public safety. Check the latest graded down to the lake. conditions at www.parks.vic.gov.au or by calling 13 1963. For emergency assistance call Triple Zero (000). If there is a green Tali Karng via Wellington River & Clive Lanigan Track emergency marker sign near you, read the information on the – Grade 4, 17km each way, 7 hours to the lake, 6 marker to the operator. hours back. Firewood supplies are limited, so the use of camping stoves is This route begins at the third bridge over the Wellington River, preferred. Do not leave fires unattended. Extinguish fire with water. about 22 km north of Licola (sealed road). The route follows the Weather conditions can change rapidly in alpine areas. Snowfalls Wellington River upstream for 17 km, crossing the river 16 times. can happen at any time of the year. Always be prepared with: These crossings may be hazardous if the river level is high. Continue • warm clothing, including wind and waterproof jacket past Riggall Spur Track to Clive Lanigan Track, which climbs steeply • gloves, hat, sunglasses and strong footwear through the Valley of Destruction and on to the Lake. A slightly • first aid kit and sunscreen longer alternative route is via Riggall Spur Track up to Echo Point. • energy food and water From here it is a 1 km walk down to the lake. • compass and relevant topographical map Before you go, let someone know where you are going, and when you expect to return. Please keep your group small (4 ‐ 8 people). Parks Victoria Phone 13 1963 www.parks.vic.gov.au Alpine National Park Tali Karng M OROKA AD McFarlanes RO ACK TR Saddle G N K I AL W K C A R r T e iv R Bennison AD O G R Carey State Forest N Lookout I K K r L C S e A N iv A R LA R W a T IL r k CM o Mount T e S r u M iv o r N Wellington t R A o I M n AM ITH V T R A A 1634m B L M O O O P ROK A W G Nyimba A N P TR E K L rey N L a Camp O Wellington River I C T N N TU G G O R T T Camping Area O I N T N L G O L N E I N K L R C W L IV A E R E R R T i W r v e D K v e i C R I r M V W A T E I W e C R D H A L l LL O T K G li S R S N n PU IO E A I g P LL on G T O I v t G R A I I G K N o R n n T R T A C o C K t H T K Tali R R g C T A H Millers O A Karng Alpine National C n C R M T K i A M N l I T l M M P I Park Hut e T C A L G K IV N B E E I W C The Sentinels O R Y K A R G D L R N A I N A I TH A L G W T River A A A Lookout R N M R E I T N B E Do lo M T d R r ok Avon Wilderness a o Rive c A r a C Park l K is te r T R R O A A K C C K D TRA G I N R ALK i W v T e RE r A MAR G MT Camping area Lookout Main road 4WD track Minor river Alpine National Park Toilets Stable Sealed road Vehicle management Other park only Picnic table Historical hut Unsealed road Seasonal road closure Public land Parking Walking track Major river www.parks.vic.gov.au Disclaimer: Parks Victoria does not guarantee that this data is without flaw of any kind and therefore disclaims all 0 4 8 Kilometres liability which may arise from you relying on this information. Cartography by Parks Victoria November 2016. For mobile App search for Avenza PDF Maps .