Lake Tali Karng - Tamboritha Road and Mt Margaret is a 42km, grade 5 hike located in the Alpine National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 3 days to complete.
Hike overview
Lake Tali Karng is a hidden jewel nestled deep in the mountains of Gippsland, fed by snow-melt 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.
One of the most difficult routes to Lake Tali Karng. Start from the Tamboritha Road approx 4km from Licola. From there climb over Mount Margaret to the Dolodrook River where there is a campsite and water. From here it is another 3.5 km to the Wellington River via Brady Pinch Track, then on to the Lake. Horses are not permitted at the Lake or on the Clive Lanigan and Gillios Tracks.
Return via the same route.
First people
The first occupiers of this area were the Gunaikurnai tribe, most likely member of the Brayakaulung clan. Evidence of their presence can be found in many places, from stone quarries, stone tools and flake scatters, to a system of ancient pathways. Aboriginal people guided many European explorers and gold miner through the mountains along these pathways - pathways which eventually formed the basis of some of today's road and track network.
Tali Karng is a sacred place to the Gunaikurnai and in keeping with their law, aboriginal people are forbidden to go there. Although Johnny Snowden, an aboriginal stockman wouldn't visit the lake, he guided his employer Edward Riggall near the lake and showed him where it lay.
Camping and facilities
Walkers should respect the Gunaikurnai people of Gippsland by not camping at the lake itself. Nyimba Camp has been provided as the recommended campsite above the lake at the southern end of the Wellington Plains. Below the lake there are numerous informal campsites at the base of the Valley of Destruction and along the Wellington River. It is a good day walk from Nyimba Camp to Tali Karng and return without heavy packs.
Tali Karng is a fuel stove only area and no fires are permitted within a 1km radius of the lake. Fires are permitted within fireplaces at Nyimba campsite (near Riggall Old Hut site) at the southern end of the Wellington Plains. Fires are also permitted within fireplaces at informal campsites along the Wellington River. Fires must not be left unattended and should be extinguished with cold water until embers are cold to the touch.
Firewood supplies are limited especially in the alpine and sub alpine areas, so the use of camping stoves is preferred.
There are no toilet facilities at the lake. There are toilet facilities at the Nyimba Camp and Nigothoruk Creek nearby is a source of water.
The best time to visit is November through to April. Always carry and know how to use a map and compass and be prepared that weather conditions can change rapidly in alpine areas. Snowfalls can be experienced at any time of the year and water can be extremely scarce, so always be prepared with:
- warm clothing
- wind and waterproof jacket
- gloves, hat, sunglasses and strong footwear
- first aid kit and sunscreen
- energy food and water
- compass and relevant topographical map
Before you go, let someone know where you are going, and when you expect to return. Also, please keep your group small (4 - 8 people) and complete your details in the intentions book at the trail heads. Larger groups must register with Parks Victoria's Heyfield office. Call 13 1963 for details.
Respect for culture
Aboriginal people are tolerant of non-indigenous people visiting Tali Karng as long as they treat the area with respect. When people camp at the lake however, to aboriginal people it is disrespectful, like someone camping in a cathedral. To show respect for the Gunaikurnai people of Gippsland, please treat the area with care as you pass by the lake.
Rather than camping at the lake, please camp at Nyimba Camp near Riggalls Old Hut Site at the southern end of the Wellington Plains or below the lake in the Valley of Destruction along the Wellington River. It is a good day walk from Nyimba Camp to Tali Karng and return without heavy packs.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 1084 m
Min elevation: 234 m
Total climbing: 2894 m
Total descent: -2894 m
Trail features
- Rough Trail
- Undefined Trail
- Lakes
- Rivers
- Alpine Region
- Steep Terrain
- Off Trail
- River Crossings
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Untreated Water
Trail location
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Getting there
Starting at McFarlane's Saddle on the Moroka Rd, the walk across the Wellington Plain to Nyimba Camp and Riggall Old Hut site is approximately 9km on a gentle gradient. Walkers with 4WD vehicles may choose to start their walk at Millers Hut. From Millers Hut it is approximately one hour walk to Nyimba Camp. From Nyimba Camp to Tali Karng via Gillios Track is about 4.5km with a descent of almost 600m and will take the average walker about two hours with light packs (allow 2.5 - 3 hours for the return walk uphill, climbing almost 600m).
Riggall Spur Track and Echo Point Track provide an alternative route between Nyimba Camp and Tali Karng. The distance is a little longer but on a slightly easier grade.
The route to Tali Karng from the south leaves the Tamboritha Road and follows the Wellington River Walking Track then either Clive Lanigan Track (through Valley of Destruction) or via Riggall Spur Track and Echo Point Track to the lake. This route includes some 16 river crossings so use care and do not attempt to cross if river levels are high following recent rain.
The difficult route to Tali Karng via Mount Margaret is unmaintained and poorly defined for much of its length between Tamboritha Road and Dolodrook River. Remote navigation skills are required and thick vegetation makes progress slow. From the Dolodrook River it follows a 4WD track past the Chromite Mine then Brandy Pinch Track to join the Clive Lanigan Walking Track below the Valley of Destruction.
Horse riders can use Wellington Plains, Millers Hut, Riggall Spur and Echo Point Tracks. Horses are not permitted within 200m of the Lake and a horse-yard is provided on Echo Point Track. Horses are not permitted on the Clive Lanigan or Gillios Walking Tracks and Wellington River Walking Track is currently unsuitable for horses.
Gallery
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About the region
The Alpine National Park is a national park located 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.
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Let someone know
Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Fill in an online trip intentions form to privately send important details about your adventure to your emergency contact. They can then inform emergency services if you don’t return on time.
Acknowledgement of Country
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.
0 Reviews on “Lake Tali Karng - Tamboritha Road and Mt Margaret (42km)”
This is one of my favourite hikes – and the lake a simply stunning and refreshing place to be
Was just about to tag you Lucy Bee Rachel Pullen ?
You keen Chris Colman Jake Colman Joe Murphy?
Yep I want to-do the 4day ish one
Ur way better than that I’m packing 2min noodles
Tristan Beard will probably take you up on that! We have a wedding at Licola at the end of March so will be taking advantage of the week before smashing some high country gems.
Tim Leed
Tom Cullum Warren Maynard Jules Bomb
wait which Tali trail did you have? apparently this is one of hte more difficult ones
you and me both haha, still, if we did it as a 3 or 4 day trip we could baby the shit out of it
This weekend?
Trav Edwards yeh for sure:) just working out and route and date ? will keep you in the loop
When?
Would I lie to you Manna McLeod ??
Wanna do it again Monet Emert
yea let’s just use our kids to carry it for us ?
Shayne Gillings
Only 12.5km round trip from Millers Hut… Chantelle Waters, Jim Spiers, John Williams I want to do this sometime in 2017…
Such a great spot/hike!
Hey Darren this is a great hike but I wonder if it should be mentioned that there is no camping within 1km of the Lake and that it has a strong indigenous connection.