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.

The park is an exciting destination for outdoor enthusiasts and boasts unspoilt natural beauty and remoteness. Canoeing or rafting provides the easiest access to much of the park. The river offers the canoeist short day trips or extended touring through tranquil pools and turbulent rapids down to the Gippsland Lakes. The best time canoeing is from July to December.

Before you go
Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website.

Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Content: Parks Victoria

Local directions

Mitchell River National Park is 300 km from Melbourne (Melway ref: 508 C9). From the Princes Highway (west of Bairnsdale), approach the park via Lindenow or Fernbank along the Bairnsdale-Dargo Road to Waller Road.

Facilities

Additional business information

Heritage
Aboriginal people hunted in the area and often spoke of the Den of Nargun, a shallow cave beneath a small waterfall on the Woolshed Creek. Aboriginal legend describes the Nargun as a beast that was all stone except for its hands, arms and breast. The fierce creature would drag unwary travellers into its den, and any weapon directed against it would be turned back on its owner. Australian Paper Manufacturers Ltd donated 143 ha to the State in 1963 to preserve the environment. Glenaladale National Park was formed, and in 1986, additions were made to create Mitchell River National Park.