Discover pockets of lush rainforest and dramatic river gorges.
Just north of Bairnsdale, the deeply rugged Mitchell River National Park has a clutch of remote river gorges, open forest and rainforest gullies which flank the serpentine Mitchell River.
Highlights
- Explore the Mitchell River and tranquil surrounding gullies by kayak or canoe
- Picnic at the Den of Nargun, a place of deep cultural significance for Gunaikurnai people
- Between July and December when the river rages, raft toward the Gippsland Lakes taking in Grade III and IV rapids
- Gallop through gullies and along gorge ridgelines; horse-riding is permitted along roads and vehicle tracks
- Pitch a tent along the ridge at Billy Goat Bend with gobsmacking views over the Mitchell River gorge
Walking
From the Den of Nargun picnic area, the Den of Nargun Loop (3.4km) dips through pockets of rainforest toward the cave, then descends via Woolshed Creek, Dedcock Den and the Bluff Lookout.
Feast on sumptuous gorge views during your uphill scramble to the top of the Den of Nargun on the Mitchell River Walking Track (18km one way).
ABORIGINAL HISTORY
Deep in the Mitchell River National Park you’ll reach the Den of Nargun, one of the sites of significance along the Bataluk Cultural Trail. Gunaikurnai legend holds that the evil Nargun, half-man half-stone, lived in the sacred cave taking young children who wandered too far from their camp. Please show your respect for this special place by not entering the cave.
JOIN A TOUR
Gippsland High Country Tours offers a five-day Nature Sounds & Birdsong guided tours with a focus on birdwatching and short bushwalks.
CAMPING & ACCOMMODATION
The park is studded with camping areas, the most popular at Angusvale and Billy Goat Bluff Camping Areas which have vehicle access. If you have a 4WD, you can also reach Rock Creek and Adam Track to pitch a tent.
