Iguana Creek - Mitchell River National Park
Mitchell River National Park has impressive river scenery, serene rainforest gullies, rugged landscapes and some of Victoria's more unusual vegetation communities. From open forest to remote river gorges, the park is home to a vast array of indigenous flora and fauna, some at the furthermost extent of their range.
Things to See and Do
Car Touring
A network of 2WD roads and 4WD tracks enable visitors to enjoy a wide range of activities. Unsealed 2WD roads provide access to the three main recreational areas within the park; the Den of Nargun, Billy Goat Bend and Angusvale. Car touring by 4WD enables access to the more remote regions of the park.
Walking
Den of Nargun Loop (5km, 1.5 hours return)
This walk features the Bluff Lookout with views of the Mitchell River Gorge, deep green pockets of warm temperate rainforest and Woolshed Creek. As you walk through the rainforest gully, stepping stones lead you into the Den itself. Tradition has it the Nargun lives there; a fierce being, half human and half stone. The best way to absorb the eerie atmosphere of the Den of Nargun is from a safe distance. The Gunai/Kurnai people and Parks Victoria ask you to respect this special place by not entering the cave.
Mitchell River Walking Track (18 km one way)
This walk is best completed in two days, though can be completed in a day for energetic walkers.
The walk starts at Angusvale and broadly follows the Mitchell River as it winds its way down the gorge. The entire walk offers some spectacular views from the river to gorge top in a semi-remote setting. Please take time to plan your walk and always let someone know your trip intentions.
Old Weir Site (Glenaladale Weir)
Located at the end of Old Weir Track off Weir Lane, a short walk takes you to a lookout that offers views of what remains of the Old Weir Site.
The ruins of the Glenaladale Weir, constructed in 1881 are located at the junction of Stony Creek and the Mitchell River. Stone for the weir was quarried from the western side of the river. Between 1891 and 1894 the weir was substantially damaged by floods and has never been repaired.
Picnicking
The main picnic area is located at the Den of Nargun Carpark in the natural surrounds of the park. Toilets, picnic tables, gas barbecue and fire places are provided. Billy Goat Bend is also a popular picnic site with basic facilities. The Bend affords panoramic views of the Mitchell River Gorge and rapids. The spectacular rock slides that form the natural amphitheatre and pockets of dry rainforest can be enjoyed from the viewing platform.
Camping
Campsites with easy car and river access are located at Angusvale. To help protect the fragile Heritage River environment camping is not permitted within 50 metres of the water. Dispersed camping is permitted within the park, with several sites which allow for basic camping along the walking track; Rock Creek, Mitchell Road, Cobbannah Creek, Billy Goat Bend and Woolshed Creek.
Canoeing and Rafting
The river offers the canoeist short day trips or extended touring through the tranquil pools and turbulent rapids down to the Gippsland Lakes. It provides challenging grade III and IV rapids with the best times being July to December. A number of licensed tour operators offer rafting activities along the river. Please check river levels from the Bureau of Meteorology before you leave.
Horseriding
Horseriding is permitted only on roads and vehicle tracks open to the public. Horses are not permitted to remain overnight in the park unless prior approval has been obtained from the Ranger in Charge. Horse riders are asked to apply the horse rider's code to ensure minimal impact.
Den of Nargun
The main picnic area is located at the Den of Nargun Carpark in the natural surrounds of the park. Toilets, picnic tables, gas barbecue and fire places are provided.
Den of Nargun Loop Walk is 5 km, 1.5 hours return and starts and ends at the Den of Nargun picnic area - This walk features the Bluff Lookout with views of the Mitchell River Gorge, deep green pockets of warm temperate rainforest and Woolshed Creek. As you walk through the rainforest gully, stepping stones lead you into the Den itself. Tradition has it the Nargun lives there; a fierce being, half human and half stone. The best way to absorb the eerie atmosphere of the Den of Nargun is from a safe distance. The Gunai/Kurnai people and Parks Victoria ask you to respect this special place by not entering the cave.
History
Two clans of the Gunaikurnai Tribe inhabited the park; the Brabuwooloong east of the Mitchell River and the Brayakooloong to the west. The Den of Nargun is one of many places of great cultural significance to the Gunaikurnai people, especially Aboriginal women.
The park holds a rich cultural history which tells of conflict between different tribes as well as Europeans, dreaming stories, journeys, food gathering and community life.
In 1857 gold was discovered in the foothills. The alluvial fields along the Mitchell River and its tributaries were worked from the late 1850s to early last century. Reef mining began in the area in the 1860s.
Australian Paper Manufacturers Ltd donated 143ha to the State in 1963 to preserve the environment. Glenaladale National Park was formed and massive additions made in 1986 to create Mitchell River National Park.
Location and Access
Mitchell River National Park is 320 km east of Melbourne and 25 km northwest of Bairnsdale. The Mitchell River divides the park into two sections, east and west.
From the Princes Highway (west of Bairnsdale), approach the western section of the park via Lindenow or Fernbank along the Bairnsdale - Dargo Road to Waller Road. The eastern section is accessed via the Glenaladale Road and Weir Lane.
Note: Photos from Parks Victoria
Location
Dargo Road, Iguana Creek 3875 Map
Web Links
→ Mitchell River National Park (Parks Victoria)
→ Mitchell River National Park - Park note (PDF)
