Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the raw beauty of Victoria's Alpine National Park with the challenging 13.3km First Falls and Moroka Gorge hike. Starting and ending at Horseyard Flat, near the quaint town of Licola (319km from Melbourne), this Grade 4 trail will take you through serene Snowgum woodland, across wetlands and along the captivating Moroka River. The highlight is the majestic First Falls, best viewed from a rock platform. This hike requires good fitness levels, experience in undefined routes, and appropriate gear for remote walking. Be prepared for steep slopes and, weather permitting, some rock hopping near the waterfalls.

Length:

13.3km

Duration:

6 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 1034m

Min elevation: 785m

Total Ascent: 172m

Start: Horseyard Flat

End: Horseyard Flat

Alpine National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Licola

From state capital: 319km

Latitude: -37.48307519

Longitude: 146.9815459

Overview

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Hike overview

The First Falls and Moroka Gorge hike commences at Horseyard Flat. The track crosses a footbridge over the Moroka River before meandering through Snowgum woodland and crossing wetlands on boardwalks. Then it follows the river downstream for 3km to the First Falls. A rock platform provides an ideal viewing point to enjoy the rushing Moroka River plunging into a deep pool. Retrace your steps to Horseyard Flat.

Beyond First Falls there is no track and the route is unmarked. The slopes are steep, with cliffs, logs and regrowth making it very difficult. Descending to the gorge is possible for self-reliant walkers who are experienced in undefined routes. Good levels of fitness are required for steep descents/ascents and ensure you are well equipped for remote walking. Progress to reach the main gorge at Lumican Gully is slow but full of interest. (12km, allow 8-10 hours return).

There is no formal track beyond this point but following the river downstream brings you to three spectacular waterfalls and the narrow gorge proper (dry weather only). This involves some rock hopping and should not be attempted when the river is high.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Walk map and GPX file
First Falls & Moroka Gorge Hike (13.3km)

Total distance: 6663 m
Max elevation: 1034 m
Min elevation: 785 m
Total climbing: 172 m
Total descent: -390 m

Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Alpine National Park.

Horseyard Flat is on the banks of the Moroka River, 30 km east of Arbuckle Junction down Moroka Rd.

Drive to Licola and at the road junction near the bridge take the Tamboritha Road (don’t cross the bridge). You will drive past bush camp sites before the road will turn into a dirt road. 48km from Licola you will reach the Arbuckle Junction, turn east and follow Moroka Rd for another 30km to Horseyard Flat on the banks of the Moroka River.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

The Alpine National Park is a national park in the Central Highlands and Alpine regions of Victoria, Australia. The 646,000-hectare national park is located northeast of Melbourne. It is the largest National Park in Victoria, and covers much of the higher areas of the Great Dividing Range in Victoria, including Victoria's highest point, Mount Bogong at 1,986 metres and the associated subalpine woodland and grassland of the Bogong High Plains. The park's north-eastern boundary is along the border with New South Wales, where it abuts the Kosciuszko National Park.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Benalla, Bright, Dinner Plain, Falls Creek, Harrietville, Hotham Heights, Mansfield, Mitta Mitta, Mount Beauty, Mount Hotham, Myrtleford, Omeo, Porepunkah, Tawonga South, Wangaratta

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Alpine National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Reviews
First Falls & Moroka Gorge Hike (13.3km)

11 Reviews on “First Falls & Moroka Gorge Hike (13.3km)”

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Jason Pink

How long is it from horse yard to first falls?

03/01/2021, 09:57

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Sam Stephenson

Derena Carroll

11/11/2019, 16:42

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Acknowledgement of Country

First falls & moroka gorge hike (13. 3km)

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
First Falls & Moroka Gorge Hike (13.3km)