Grade 4

Lake Tali Karng: Hidden Lake Circuit Hike (31km)

Alpine National Park

Victoria

31km

2 days

Grade 4

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Trail summary

Quick overview: Experience the challenging 31km Lake Tali Karng trail, a hidden jewel in the mountains of Gippsland, Victoria. This Grade 4 (Hard) hike, achievable over 2 days, starts at McFarlane Saddle Carpark and traverses the stunning landscape of Wellington Plains, offering panoramic views from Mount Wellington. Unwind at the unique Tali Karng, the only natural lake within the Victorian Alps, before returning via the scenic Spion Kopje Walking Track. Remember to pack warmly for the very cold lake waters, fed by Snowden and Nigothoruk Creeks and snowmelt from Wellington Plains.

Hike overview



Trail features


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Lake Tali Karng: Hidden Lake Circuit Hike (31km)


Getting there

Lake Tali Karng: Hidden Lake Circuit Hike (31km)


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Access conditions


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.

About the region


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Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

Reviews

Lake Tali Karng: Hidden Lake Circuit Hike (31km)


1 Review on “Lake Tali Karng: Hidden Lake Circuit Hike (31km)”

Overall rating
  • Fantastic overnight hike. Tough and steep with limited water. We were fortunate we had plenty with us and managed to find a bit running in the creek.

  • We did it as 2 day hike, Macfarlane’s to Wellington river. Pretty tough going along the steep section down to the lake. Day 2 heading to Wellington river was difficult at first, the trail went parallel to Barrier creek for a good distance, but never came close. Just a series of hills and valleys crossing dry creek beds. Once it started crossing the river, it was much more scenic and pleasant. BTW, the road was rough but fine for our Camry. The biggest challenge was moving to the side to avoid 4×4’s who own the road, and don’t want to move the side in case they hit some rough bits!

  • Did this hike over 2 days. Started on the 1st March 2021.

    From the trail start to Nyimba camp sight is pretty easy. trail is slightly overgrown and a few downed trees in a couple spots. But pretty easy to navigate. The camp sight has had a fire recently so the toilet facilities are no longer there.

    From the camp to the lake, watch out for spider webs across the path. We descended down to the lake via Gillos track. It gets very steep towards the lake!

    Riggal Spur track was our way out, its an old 4wd track with some large fallen trees in spots and rather overgrown too. It is steep in some sections, but not as steep as the decent to the lake. Its a longer walk but possibly a gentler way out.

    Very Nice lake. Take plenty of water and be prepared for the hike out.

  • This is completely unsubstantiated, but the fella working at the general store in Licola told me the track described in this post is now closed, and the only access up to the lake is the Wellington River track. I didn’t go up to McFarlane’s saddle to check this, just walked up the river instead.

    The river track is fine, the water was only ankle to shin deep for the 16 river crossings, but the path through the Valley of Destruction is pretty overgrown. Gaiters wouldn’t be a bad idea.

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Gear to consider


What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.

Explore safe


Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe

Acknowledgement of Country

Lake tali karng: hidden lake circuit hike (31km)

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.