Status Update (March 2013) on Alpine National Park

[Solohike74]

I'm asking around for status updates from locals or those who've been there or in touch with DSE/Parks etc.

My interests are in accessibility and track conditions around Mt Bogong, Mt Feathertop (Bungalow Spur), Mt Howitt via Licola. Hopefully somethings opening up soon, or looks like I'm having to wait til winter for my backcountry stuff.

[Hallu]

Yup I'm wondering the same thing. Apparently the Licola/Mt Howitt area is open, Bogong too it seems, but not Feathertop or many areas near Mt Hotham.

[BillV]

I'm trying to get info on this too.......

[wander]

Looks to be open. Correction Howitt looks to be open, other areas you are asking about not so open.

See http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/alpine-national-park

And http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/566633/AlpineNP-fire-closures.pdf

[Hallu]

No, not Feathertop, it's pretty clear on the map.

[ryantmalone]

Heard from Parks today about Feathertop. Looking unlikely that Feathertop will be open for Labor Day.

As per the Parks Victoria website:

The following areas in Alpine National Park are closed due to fire: the area north of the Great Alpine Road around Mount Feathertop (includes all walking/vehicle tracks and visitor sites); the area south of the Great Alpine Road around Mount Hotham, the Dargo High Plains, Dinner Plain and Mt Selwyn (includes all walking/vehicle tracks and visitor sites); and the Buckland Spur Track, Top Crossing Track and Top Crossing Hut Camping Area in the vicinity of Lake William Hovell.

This should also give a better idea as to what areas are closed - http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/566633/AlpineNP-fire-closures.pdf

In simple terms;

Bogong: OPEN
Feathertop: CLOSED
Howitt: OPEN

That leaves plenty of areas though. I'll probably be at the Fainters this weekend.

[Hallu]

I'll be at Bogong the week after. First time for me in the Aussie Alps (well unless Baw Baw counts), I hope the weather will not let me down...

[Tortoise]

I'll be at Bogong the week after. First time for me in the Aussie Alps (well unless Baw Baw counts), I hope the weather will not let me down...

Hmm. One of the things I love about the Aussie Alps is the different moods you find - revisit places, very different experiences. I always felt a little ripped off if all I had on a trip was glorious blue skies. (Now i'm in Tassie, i'm rethinking that one )

I love the mist hanging in valleys, mountaintops peeking out, dramatic skies, surreal post-storm light, fresh snow, etc etc etc.

Having said that, hope you have a great trip, and enjoy those Aussie 'mountains' at least as half as much as i did.

[tcatchy]

Just a quick question on the Parks Victoria closed areas map - If you notice in the south there is an area closed off, does that mean access to Licola is closed off?

[ryantmalone]

Just a quick question on the Parks Victoria closed areas map - If you notice in the south there is an area closed off, does that mean access to Licola is closed off?

You've got restricted vehicle access on Licola Road at the moment due to debris on the road, and some road damage at Licola.

Not sure what they mean by "restricted", but to be safe, I'd keep an eye on the Vic Roads road closures page at http://alerts.vicroads.vic.gov.au/?intcmp=HPE01000

I'd also just give Vic Roads a buzz in the interim, they may be able to give you a better idea.

[tcatchy]

Cheers

[Hallu]

Mt Feathertop via the Razorback has reopened this week end.

[ryantmalone]

Mt Feathertop via the Razorback has reopened this week end.

Razorback and Diamantina tracks were open this weekend, however Tom Kneen (NW Spur), Bungalow and North Razorback are closed.

Water in the area would be very sketchy, viewed from where I was,looks like most of the mountain was dumped with fire retardant. Looks like it got hit pretty hard with the fires. North West spur is entirely burnt, as it a large majority of the North Razorback.

[Hallu]

What do you guys reckon would be the best car camping area around Feathertop/Bogong ? I intend to camp there this week end for 2 days, and I'm preferably looking for a calm and scenic spot (I don't mind if there isn't water, and pit toilets are fine). If you think the best spot is actually like a caravan park, then I don't mind paying 30 $ a night as long as it's better than the free ones. Thanks.

[ryantmalone]

What do you guys reckon would be the best car camping area around Feathertop/Bogong ? I intend to camp there this week end for 2 days, and I'm preferably looking for a calm and scenic spot (I don't mind if there isn't water, and pit toilets are fine). If you think the best spot is actually like a caravan park, then I don't mind paying 30 $ a night as long as it's better than the free ones. Thanks.

On the Bogong High Plains, you have a heap of great camping areas very close to the major attractions. Pretty Valley Hut is a great area to camp, very pretty and scenic, plus there are a few areas at the other end of the high plains, past Wallace and Cope Huts. Cant remember their names, but they are on most maps of the area.

If you want to feel like you are remote camping, and not afraid of a 500 meter walk with your camping kit, Cope Hut has a great little area above the hut with tent platforms available. Pretty sure that you can still camp at Wallace Hut too, but I'd clarify that with Parks Victoria first, very busy with tourists though.

Another great place is Mountain Creek, about 8kms out of Mt Beauty at the base of Mt Bogong. Definitely not central though, but a nice area to camp nevertheless.

All in all, plenty to choose from. My pick would be Pretty Valley though. Simply a stunning area.

[Hallu]

Great thanks for the tip. After giving it some thought though, I found a lodge at 60 $ / night, I'll be driving in the evening and I don't want to drive on small unsealed roads at night with a rental car. I'll probably try it next time once I'm familiar with the area.

[ryantmalone]

Nice work! Just worth noting, the Bogong High Plains road is now sealed, although the roads to Pretty Valley area are unsealed, but pretty decent.

[phillis]

parks victoria just put this on facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =1&theater with a link to their page saying:

'Places that were affected by the fires that have now re-opened are:

The spectacular Great Alpine Road from Harrietville to Mt Hotham
Mount Feathertop, the Bungalow Spur and the Razorback Track for some spectacular walking tracks
The recently upgraded Hotham-Dinner Plain Track for walkers and bike riders
For those wanting a four-wheel-drive adventure, the Wonnanagatta Valley is now open and accessible from the north from the Buckland and Buffalo Valleys
In the south, various tracks have re-opened on the Dargo High Plains.'


hoping to walk the razorback track to feathertop and stay beside the hut on the anzac day weekend. looking good so far!

[Watertank3000]

I am thinking of walking Razorback out to Feathertop next week - has anyone been out there since the fires? Is it all burnt? If so I might walk somewhere else in the Alps, I have a couple of nights. Any recommendations?