Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Located in Victoria, the Tombstone Track in the Alpine National Park is a rewarding 2.75km return hike, commencing and concluding at the Anglers Rest Campground. About 433km from the CBD, it takes 1.5 hours to traverse the moderate Grade 3 trail that skirts the Mitta Mitta River, offering dramatic river views. Named after the Graveyard Rapids seen from the overlook, the trail winds through open forest, up to a lookout with views of the rapids and Mount Wills, before returning to the starting point.

Length:

2.75km

Duration:

1.5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 736m

Min elevation: 659m

Total Ascent: 150m

Start: Anglers Rest Campground

End: Anglers Rest Campground

Alpine National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Anglers Rest

From state capital: 433km

Latitude: -36.98640857942073

Longitude: 147.4964762363822

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Hike overview

Tombstone Track (also known as Graveyard Overlook or O’Connell’s Overlook) is a short but rewarding walk overlooking the Mitta Mitta River near Anglers Rest in Alpine National Park. Informally used for more than a century, this track has long been known to locals and experienced visitors, offering one of the most dramatic river views in the region.

The track takes its name from the Graveyard Rapids directly below the lookout and is believed to have originally been named after one of the founding families of Omeo. Despite never being formally constructed until recent years, it is a well defined footpad that has been used for generations by hikers, local residents, outdoor education groups, and horse packers.

The walk begins near an old quarry at a hairpin bend on the Omeo Highway, less than one kilometre north of the Anglers Rest Camping Area and the Blue Duck Inn. From here, the track heads gently uphill through open forest and is generally easy to follow.

Most walkers reach the lookout in around 15 to 25 minutes, depending on fitness and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery. The track surface is mostly firm, with only a couple of short eroded sections. Overall, it remains in good condition and is difficult to lose.

After around 15 minutes, the track reaches an eroded gully. Stay left and continue uphill. Near the end, as the terrain opens out toward the river canyon, follow the track left down a short section of rock steps. This leads directly to the main lookout area.

From the rocks at the lookout, there are outstanding views over the Mitta Mitta River, with Graveyard Rapids directly below and Mount Wills visible in the distance. It is a popular spot to rest, take photos, and enjoy the scale and power of the river cutting through the landscape.

Most walkers return the same way they came. For experienced walkers, there is also a rough track that descends north toward the river, taking around 10 minutes. From the riverbank, you can turn downstream to view the rapids up close, or head upstream for approximately 15 minutes along the river track to the Winter Classic raft take out site.

From there, walkers can return to the highway via a rough dirt road and walk back south to the quarry. Take extreme care on this road, as it is used by fast moving traffic including caravans, logging trucks, and motorcycles.

Contributed by Jeffe Aronson

Tips

Allow extra time at the lookout to enjoy the views and take photos, but keep children close near the cliff edge despite the safety barrier.
The track is best walked in dry conditions, as some sections can become slippery after rain.
Carry drinking water, especially in warmer months, as there are no facilities once you leave the campground.
Watch for wildlife along the river, including birds and the occasional platypus in quieter sections.
Toilets are available at the Anglers Rest Camping Area near the start and finish of the walk.
Check local conditions and park updates before you go, particularly during alpine weather changes or fire season.

Track grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Walk map and GPX file
Tombstone Overlook Walk (2.75km)

Total distance: 2749 m
Max elevation: 736 m
Min elevation: 659 m
Total climbing: 150 m
Total descent: -150 m

Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Alpine National Park.

Anglers Rest is located in Alpine National Park in Victoria’s High Country, near the junction of the Cobungra, Mitta Mitta, and Bundara rivers.

From Omeo, follow the Great Alpine Road north-east toward Anglers Rest. The Anglers Rest Camping Area and day visitor area are signposted and located adjacent to the road near the historic Blue Duck Inn.

Parking is available near the toilet block at the Anglers Rest Camping Area. Overflow parking is also available across the highway near the Blue Duck. Please avoid parking in individual campsite spaces.

The main trailhead begins at the downstream end of the Anglers Rest Camping Area and is clearly signposted. This is the recommended starting point for all walk options.

An alternate access point is available near the old quarry on the Omeo Highway and is commonly used for the lookout return walk. From Anglers Rest, this is about a 10 minute walk or a 1 minute drive. Head north along the Omeo Highway, past Callaghan’s Road and up the hill to the first bend. At the top of the rise is an old rock quarry on the eastern side of the road with signage referencing Friends of the Mitta Mitta. Limited roadside parking is available nearby. Ensure your vehicle is well clear of the road and take care when crossing or walking along the highway. If you reach the Bundara Bridge, you have gone too far.

From this point, the track begins just north of the quarry area and may be marked with signage or flagging tape.

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Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Benalla, Bright, Dinner Plain, Falls Creek, Harrietville, Hotham Heights, Mansfield, Mitta Mitta, Mount Beauty, Mount Hotham, Myrtleford, Omeo, Porepunkah, Tawonga South, Wangaratta

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About the region

Alpine National Park is a vast national park in the Central Highlands and Alpine regions of Victoria, Australia. Covering approximately 646,000 hectares, it is the largest national park in the state and is located north-east of Melbourne.

The park protects much of the higher elevations of the Great Dividing Range, including Victoria’s highest peak, Mount Bogong at 1,986 metres, along with the subalpine woodlands and grasslands of the Bogong High Plains. Its north-eastern boundary follows the Victorian border with New South Wales, where it adjoins Kosciuszko National Park, forming one of Australia’s largest continuous alpine conservation areas.

Within this landscape, the Anglers Rest area sits among river valleys and forested slopes shaped by the Cobungra and Mitta Mitta rivers, offering accessible walking opportunities that reflect the broader High Country environment on a smaller, more intimate scale.

Alpine National Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape that includes the traditional Country of the Taungurung and Gunaikurnai Peoples, who maintain enduring connections to this land.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Alpine National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

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Tombstone Overlook Walk (2.75km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Tombstone overlook walk (2. 75km) trail hiking australia

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

December 18, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Tombstone Overlook Walk (2.75km)