Deddick Valley - Snowy River National Park
Snowy River National Park, 114,505 ha in size, is dominated by the Snowy River and offers spectacular river scenery, magnificent deep gorges, old growth alpine ash forests of Mt Gelantipy, distinctive pine woodlands in the valley, undisturbed catchments of the Rodger River and breathtaking wilderness areas.
The Snowy River is renowned for canoeing and rafting, and this remote park is ideal for those who appreciate magnificent forests, rugged gorges and wild landscapes.
Things to See and Do
Car touring
An ideal way to discover some of the park's special features is by spending a few days touring the area by vehicle with all major roads suitable for 2WD vehicles. Many roads are unsealed, narrow and winding and some unsuitable for caravans, particularly from Little River Gorge to McKillops Bridge. Allow plenty of time for touring.
The descent into the Snowy River Valley from Little River is one of Victoria's most stunning drives marked by great scenery and spectacular vertical drops on one side.
It's advisable to check road conditions if visiting the park after rain or bad weather. Drive carefully and watch out for wombats, kangaroos and wallabies! Be aware of log trucks if you are travelling along the Bonang Main Road, Yalmy Road or Tulloch Ard Road.
By 4WD
Four wheel drive through this remote park and enjoy spectacular river scenery, deep gorges, waterfalls and magnificent forests.
To protect the environment and for your safety, many of the 4WD tracks in the park are closed during the wetter winter months.
Due to its very steep and rugged terrain, the Deddick Trail should only be traversed in a northerly direction and in dry weather conditions. This 3 hour drive commencing from Yalmy Rd to McKillops Rd, includes the scenic Roger River, Mountain Creek and Ash forests of Mount Gelantipy.
Walking
To get the most from your visit come prepared to walk. The park has walks to suit most interests and times.
Raymond Creek Falls in the south of the park can be reached all year round from Orbost along Moorsford Road. A short 30 min walking track leads to a view of Raymond Creek Falls plunging 20 metres into a deep, clear pool.
Tulloch Ard Gorge Lookout (1.6km, 1.5hr return) takes you through diverse vegetation culminating in the observation lookout offering spectacular views of the Snowy River country and Tulloch Ard Gorge. It's a medium grade walk and is quite steep in sections. Starting in the tall Mountain Grey Gum forest of the Snowy River National Park, the Tulloch Ard Lookout Walk steadily descends through a range of different vegetation and finishes on a sheer-sided rocky ridge that overlooks the wild Snowy River and the rugged escarpments around the Tulloch Ard Gorge. On the way, look for lyrebirds, Wonga pigeons and wedge-tailed eagles.
Distance: 3.2km return
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Grade: Level 3: Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep sections, a rough surface and steps.
Start: Tulloch Ard car park
Finish: Tulloch Ard car park
The Silver Mine Walking Track (18km) and the short Snowy River Nature Trail both leave from McKillops Bridge.
Silver Mine Walking Track - Explore relics from early 1900s silver mining operations adjacent to the Snowy River in this 15.5km loop walk. The walk is recommended as an overnight trip. Starting from McKillop Bridge, the Silver Mine track links fire access and other minor tracks in a varied and interesting route, including a section of the bank of the Snowy River. The path is broad, well graded and carefully benched where it sidles steep hillsides.
Explore relics from early 1900s silver mining operations adjacent to the Snowy River in this loop walk. The track passes through quite extensive stands of native White Cypress-pine (Callitris columellaris).
The broad ridge separating the Deddick and Snowy River valleys, provides truly spectacular views of the rivers and surrounding mountains. The Pilot and Mt Cobberas can be seen to the northwest, Mt Tingaringy on the state border is the big plateau to the east. Nearby peaks include the massive Mt Bulla Bulla and the triple topped Mt Deddick. The Silver Mine Walking Track is quite a challenging walk but the experience and the views of the wilderness are certainly worth all the effort.
Little River Gorge Visitor Area - Little River Gorge, Victoria's deepest gorge, is to the west of McKillop Bridge and downstream from the junction of the Little River and Snowy River. After a well-signed 800 metre drive off the Bonang-Gelantip Road, a 400 metre walking track leads to a cliff-top lookout over the gorge. The descent beyond Little River Gorge into McKillop Bridge is one of Victoria's most precarious roads, unsuitable for caravans and semi-trailers.
Swimming
McKillops Bridge is one of the few places in the park with access to the Snowy River by conventional vehicles. It is the best canoe-launching place for experienced adventurers wanting to explore the gorges downstream. The Deddick River meets the Snowy just upstream of the bridge and wide sandy beaches with shallow rock pools between the rapids make this a great swimming spot.
Camping
The camping areas and other attractions in the park are some distance from towns and shops. When you visit, carry all the fuel, food, drinking water and equipment you will need during your stay.
Bush camping areas offering basic facilities are provided at Balley Hooley, at the junction of the Snowy and Buchan Rivers; McKillops Bridge, Raymond Creek Falls, Waratah Flat, Jackson's Crossing and Hicks camp site.
Dispersed camping for bushwalkers is allowed.
Canoeing and Rafting
McKillops Bridge is one of the few places in the park with access to the Snowy River by conventional vehicle making it the best canoe launching place for experienced adventurers wanting to explore the gorges downstream.
The Snowy River offers thrilling canoeing and white water rafting opportunities with rugged gorges, rapids, flat sections with sand bars and beautiful scenery. The gently sloping sand bars make ideal camp sites for extended trips.
The most popular section is from McKillops Bridge to the Buchan River junction at Balley Hooley. This trip takes three-four days to complete.
Prepare carefully for any river trip. Consult guide books or speak to the Victorian Canoe Association. Better still, include in your group someone with canoeing or rafting experience or someone who knows the river. Remember to check river levels and weather conditions with the Bureau of Metrology before you leave. Always leave details of your itinerary with a responsible person.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs and other pets are not permitted in the park.
Location and Access
The Snowy River National Park is located 390 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, almost half way to Sydney and can be approached from a number of directions. From the south, access is via the Princes Hwy and either Buchan or Orbost. From the north, the Barry Way through Jindabyne and the Bonang Main Road from Bombala, NSW give the best access.
Location
McKillops Road, Deddick Valley 3888 Map
Web Links
→ Snowy River National Park (Parks Victoria)
→ Silver Mine Walk (Trailhiking)
→ Snowy River National Park Visitor Guide (PDF)
→ Snowy River National Park Park Note (PDF)
→ Snowy River National Park - Silver Mine Walking Track Park Note (PDF)
