Camping options galore on this eye-bulgingly beautiful 2 day hike through Mitchell River National Park (or just go for the 1 day option!)

Quick Overview

Mitchell River Walking Track is either a 21km or a 42km, grade 4 hike located in the Mitchell River National Park in Victoria. The hike should take either 1 or 2 days to complete depending on your preference.

Highlights

  • 3 ideal camping grounds close to water
  • High peaks with beautiful views
  • Low gullies surrounded by rain forest
  • Den of Nargun
  • Billy Goat Bend viewing platform over The Amphitheatre

The Lowdown

Typically done as a one day hike including a car shuffle, this 21 kilometre one-way hike can also be done as a 2 or 3 day hike starting at the Angusvale camp ground in the northern end of the national park or Echo Bend campground in the southern end. Regardless of which end you begin the hike, you will encounter a consistently rocky path including several hills (the views and scenery, however, will make the effort all worth it!).

mitchell river walking track

The sound of the rushing Mitchell river is never too far away, whilst the peaks — particularly the Amphitheatre at Billy Goats Bend — afford you incredible views of the river and the surrounding areas.

Now, in terms of places to camp, there are a few to choose from. The two most ideal spots are the Angusvale campground and Echo Bend campground. Further, there is also a small campsite at Billy Goat’s Bend which has access to a toilet and tank water.

Angusvale is quite a large campsite where you can just about camp anywhere. Best of all, and much like every other site in the national park, it’s free! If you are camping at the southern end of the national park, you would be far better off at Echo Bend campground. For $26 per head per night, or $10 per head if you have 10+ people in your group, it is an ideal place to stop for the night.

mitchell river walking track

The most popular attraction in the park would have to be the Den of Nargun. This is a sacred aboriginal site where it is believed that the Nargun — a creature made of stone and flesh — resides in the den underneath the waterfall and besides a pool of water. It is said that the Nargun would grab any passers-by and drag them into its den.

Essential Gear

  • Multi-day backpack
  • Tent
  • Sleeping mat
  • Durable pair of hiking boots
  • Plenty of food and water
  • Map (although it’s a one way trail and it would be hard to become lost)
  • Clothing for both warm and cooler weather (it gets cold at night!)
  • First Aid kit

How To Get There

The Mitchell River National Park is located 320km east of Melbourne and is roughly 25km northwest of Bairnsdale. Continue following Bairnsdale-Dargo road and turn right onto Mitchell Dam Road, which becomes Angusvale Road, to access Angusvale camp ground.

If you wish to begin the hike at the southern or Den of Nargun end, turn right on to Waller Road and follow the signs. You can’t miss it!

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Trail running
  • Swimming
  • Kayaking

Skill Level

Intermediate-Expert

Distance Covered / Elevation Gain

21kms (day hike) or 42kms (two-day hike); 235m

 

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