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Length: 36.2km
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Duration: 2 days
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Grade: 4
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Style: Return
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Start: Bridge over the Wellington River
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End: Bridge over the Wellington River
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Location: Alpine National Park
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Closest Town: Licola
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Distance from CBD: 266km
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State: VIC
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Latitude: -37.5114314
Longitude: 146.6474743
Keep the Trail Access info current...

Select items to indicate conditions for access to the trail.


2WD Access


4WD Access


Public Transport


Bitumen Road


Gravel Road


Steep Road


Winding Road


Speed Bumps


Vehicle Ford


Entry Fee


Large Car Park


Small Car Park


Accessible Parking


Accessible Toilet


Public Toilets


Drinking Water


Untreated Water


Picnic Shelter


Picnic Table


BBQ Facilities


Campfire Pit


Camping Area
Keep the Trail Features current...

Alpine National Park...
Select items to indicate features found along the trail.


Concrete Path


Timber Boardwalk


Gravel Path


Sandy Trail


Rough Trail


Undefined Trail


Prams & Strollers


Manual Wheelchair


Motorised Wheelchair


Bicycle Trail


Mountain Bike Trail


Historic Rail Trail


Dog Friendly


Urban Walk


Coast & Beach


Historic Lighthouse


Waterfalls & Lakes


Rainforest Walk


Goldfields & Mining


Heritage Walk


Aboriginal Art


Alpine Region


Alpine Huts


Exposed Ledges


Rock Scrambling


Steep Terrain


Bush Bashing


River Crossings


Scenic Viewpoints


Well Marked


Drinking Water


Untreated Water


Fishing Spots


Swimming Spots


Overnight Campsites


Trail Running


Horse Riding
Hike Summary
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.
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.
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.
GPX File
Max elevation: 887 m
Min elevation: 370 m
Total climbing: 819 m
Total descent: -307 m
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20 thoughts on “Lake Tali Karng – Wellington River and Clive Lanigan Track (36.2km)”
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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.
Wellington Plains – climate conditions can change in minutes.
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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.
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.
Who’s keen? Lucy Bee Rachel Pullen Joe Murphy Jake Colman Chris Colman ??
Gemma Green ??♀️??♀️??♀️
? get me there! Loved that hike! All time favourite!
Anita, Sheree, Rebecca
Carolyn Bennett looks like a nice weekend getaway! Yes pls
Carolyn Bennett triple love heart eyes from me!
Carolyn Bennett it still be might closed ?
Late November or early December. Or late autumn
Rebecca Fogarty ???
Jewel in the alps.
Aaron Cardy
Kristy Hope Arvaj yes please ?
Levi Pilcer