Trail summary

6,077 Total

Quick overview: Discover the hidden jewel of Gippsland, Lake Tali Karng in Victoria's Alpine National Park. Starting and ending at Wellington River Bridge, this challenging 37km return hike offers a 2-day adventure through diverse terrains and breathtaking scenes of the Wellington Plains. The hike, grade 4 in difficulty, is a thrilling journey past the Valley of Destruction and up Clive Lanigan Track, revealing the lake's unique origins from a massive rock slide around 1500 years ago. Note that the 16 river crossings can be hazardous after heavy rains. The nearest town, Licola, is a handy base just 266km from the CBD.

Length: 37km

Duration: 2 days

Grade 4 (Hard)

Style: Return

Start: Wellington River Bridge

End: Wellington River Bridge

Location: Alpine National Park

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Licola

From state capital: 266km

Latitude: -37.511040726646186

Longitude: 146.64698302745822

Hike Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

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Reviews

Hike overview

Lake 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.

This route to Lake Tali Karng begins at the third bridge over the Wellington River, about 22 km north of Licola. The route follows the Wellington River upstream for 17 km, crossing the river 16 times. These crossings may be hazardous if the river level is high. Continue past Riggall Spur Track to Clive Lanigan Track which climbs steeply through the Valley of Destruction and on to the Lake. A slightly longer alternative route is via Riggall Spur Track up to Echo Point. From here it is a 1 km walk down to the Lake.

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.

Trail features

Rough Trail
Undefined Trail
Lakes
Rivers
Alpine Region
Rock Scrambling
Steep Terrain
Off Trail
River Crossings
Scenic Viewpoints
Untreated Water

Map and GPX file

Lake Tali Karng: Wellington River & Clive Lanigan Track (37km)

Total distance: 36800 m
Max elevation: 1084 m
Min elevation: 369 m
Total climbing: 1274 m
Total descent: -1274 m

Download file: Lake%20Tali%20Karng%20Wellington%20River%20and%20Clive%20Lanigan%20Track.gpx

Getting there

Lake Tali Karng: Wellington River & Clive Lanigan Track (37km)

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.

Get directions

Access conditions

2WD Access
Winding Road
Small Car Park
Untreated Water

Photo gallery

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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

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.

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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: Wellington River & Clive Lanigan Track (37km)

3 Reviews on “Lake Tali Karng: Wellington River & Clive Lanigan Track (37km)”

Overall rating

Methni Dassanayake

Did this hike over the long weekend (3 days). Camped after ~10km in a casual campsite by the river on day 1, walked to the lake and back to the campsite on day 2, and returned on day 3. The weather conditions were extremely dry and the river crossings were really easy due to the very low water levels. I recommend doing a circuit through the Valley of Destruction and walk back through the Echo Point track which would be relatively easy if you have bad knees like mine (Echo point track is a steep uphill from the lake: 887m to 1100m, but the rest is comparatively easy to walk downhill due to the gradual decline on a gravel road as oppose to the steep downhill on a rocky track in the Valley of Destruction). Challenging but beautiful and rewarding hike.

24/03/2022, 05:23

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1. Lucy Bee
  
  Gemma Green ???
  
  09/05/2019, 11:50
  
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2. Rachel Pullen
  
  get me there! Loved that hike! All time favourite!
  
  09/05/2019, 17:59
  
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3. Allister Wade
  
  Hiked in to Riddels Spur Camp to setup camp, up to Tali Karng the next morning, back to camp via Echo Point Track and Riddels Spur Track then returned to car park same day arriving about 7pm.
  
  Great track conditions, disappointing to see so many blackberries around and march flies a real pest (what do they do when no humans are around??)
  
  Lake was amazing great for a paddle to cool off. Definitely recommend doing this hike.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:23
  
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  1. Deb Kahn
    
    Tali Karng is still closed due to the damage suffered during the bushfires earlier in the year. Parks Vic are unsure when it will reopen.
    
    09/05/2019, 09:01
    
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  2. Gemma Green
    
    Who’s keen? Lucy Bee Rachel Pullen Joe Murphy Jake Colman Chris Colman ??
    
    09/05/2019, 10:19
    
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  3. Carolyn Bennett
    
    Late November or early December. Or late autumn
    
    09/05/2019, 19:17
    
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  4. Kev McGennan
    
    Jewel in the alps.
    
    09/05/2019, 19:25
    
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  5. Sheree McKenzie
    
    Rebecca Fogarty ???
    
    09/05/2019, 22:14
    
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  6. Aaron Cardy
    
    Kristy Hope Arvaj yes please ?
    
    09/05/2019, 22:22
    
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  7. Nick Wright
    
    I wouldnt consider the Wellington traverse until after Christmas. Got caught out a few weeks back with rising fast flowing waters to high thigh/ waist deep.
    
    24/03/2022, 05:23
    
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  8. Gyan Khand Thakuri
    
    Nepal is best destination for travel and trekking. If some body wish to come in Nepal for take experience of Himalaya you are welcome. I and my team we are serving different varieties of trekking in Nepal for all trekking region.
    
    24/03/2022, 05:23
    
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  9. Mark Chen
    
    Wellington Plains – climate conditions can change in minutes.
    
    24/03/2022, 05:23
    
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  10. Graham Sexton
    
    wow
    
    24/03/2022, 05:23
    
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  11. Gyan Khand Thakuri
    
    http://www.fb.com/alltrekkersteam
    
    24/03/2022, 05:23
    
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Kristy Hope Arvaj

Aaron Cardy

09/05/2019, 22:10

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Carolyn Bennett

Anita, Sheree, Rebecca

09/05/2019, 17:47

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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

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Acknowledgement of Country

Lake tali karng: wellington river & clive lanigan track (37km)

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.

Trail summary