Woollybutt Loop (6km)

The Alpine National Park stretches across 646,000 hectares of rugged beauty in Victoria’s high country, northeast of Melbourne. It’s the largest national park in the state, encompassing much of the Great Dividing Range, including Victoria’s highest peak, Mount Bogong, which rises to 1,986 metres. The park’s northeastern edge meets the border of New South Wales, connecting with Kosciuszko National Park to form a vast and continuous alpine environment. These high plains, snow gum woodlands, and river valleys hold a rich mix of natural wonder, history, and cultural significance.

This is a place that rewards time and curiosity. Whether you’re hiking across windswept ridgelines, cycling along twisting mountain trails, or following old stock routes once used by cattlemen, the Alpine National Park offers experiences that feel deeply tied to the landscape. During the warmer months, the grassy plains burst with wildflowers and the cool air carries the scent of snow gums. In winter, the region transforms again, drawing backcountry skiers and snowshoers into a quieter, snow-covered world.

There are many ways to explore this country. The Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing takes in some of the region’s most dramatic scenery, threading through river valleys and over exposed alpine ridges. For something equally rewarding, the Razorback Trail leads to Mount Feathertop, Victoria’s second-highest peak. The narrow ridge that leads there offers striking views across the high country and a sense of immersion in the landscape that’s hard to forget. Mount Bogong, the highest of them all, is a tough climb but a deeply rewarding one for experienced walkers.

Beyond the trails, the park also tells stories of the people who’ve called this place home for thousands of years. The Alpine National Park lies within the traditional lands of the Taungurung and Gunaikurnai Peoples. Their deep cultural connection to Country continues today, woven into the fabric of the landscape. Scattered throughout the high plains, you’ll also find huts once used by mountain cattlemen, many of which now offer shelter for hikers and skiers.

For those seeking more than hiking, the park has plenty to offer. Remote four-wheel drive tracks crisscross the region, with the Wonnangatta Valley offering one of the most iconic routes through steep, forested country. The Mitta Mitta River provides thrilling white-water rafting, while cross-country and downhill skiing draw visitors in the colder months. No matter how you travel through the park, there’s a sense of rawness and scale that makes each visit memorable.

The Alpine National Park isn’t a place to rush through. It’s a landscape shaped by time, weather, and tradition. Take the time to pause, breathe the cool mountain air, and absorb the silence. Whether you’re following a well-worn trail or forging your own path, this high country offers something both grounding and expansive.