Alpine National Park: Tali Karng Trail

Alpine National Park: Tali Karng Trail created by ClaireH

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Summary

Tali Karng is a hidden jewel nestled deep in the mountains of Gippsland, fed by snowmelt waters of the Wellington Plains. Ignore the suggested time and distance as these are challenging walk.

Description

Lake Tali Karng 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 and what is now known as the Wellington River. The water runs underground from the lake to emerge as the infant Wellington River 150m below in the Valley of Destruction.
1. McFarlane Saddle - Wellington Plains - Tali Karng
(13 km each way, 4 hours to Lake, 5 hours out)
The easiest route to the Lake begins at McFarlane Saddle Carpark on the Moroka Road, 60 km from Licola. The walk follows a well defined track across Wellington Plains for 9 km before reaching Nyimba Camp and Gillios Track branching off to the south. This track is about 4 km long, and although steep is well graded down to the Lake.

2. Wellington River - Clive Lanigan Track - Tali Karng
(17 km each way, 7 hrs to Lake, 6 hours out)
This route 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. The Clive Lanigan Track 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. Check for current status of this track following the 2006 and 2007 fire and flood events.

3. Tamboritha Road - Mt Margaret - Tali Karng
(20 km each way, 10 hrs to Lake, 9 hours out)
One of the most difficult routes to the Lake. Start from the Tamboritha Road approx 4 km from Licola. From there climb over Mt Margaret to the Chromite Mine where there is a campsite and water. From here it is another 3.5 km to the Wellington River via Clive Lanigan Track, then on to the Lake.

Horseriding is permitted within 200m of the Lake on the Echo Point Track at the hitching rails near The Knoll. Horses are not permitted at the Lake or on the Clive Lanigan and Gillios Tracks.

All visitors, and especially walkers, should realise 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. Please keep to marked or defined walking tracks.

Please contact Parks Victoria for more information on maps and directions. Further information from a local office should be sought before embarking on any of the Park's walks. Visit http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/alpine-national-park/things-to-do/walking-and-hiking Email info@parks.vic.gov.au or phone 13 1963.