Forming part of the Great Dividing Range and elevated at some 760 meters above sea level, Karoonda Park is less than one and a half hours from the Lakes Entrance coast. The Gelantipy plateau is bounded by The Snowy River National Park to the East, The Alpine National Park and Cobbera Wilderness Area to the North, and the Buchan Headwaters Wilderness and State Forest Areas to the West.

To the North, East and West the nearest services / major townships to Karoonda Park are over two hours away on dirt roads. The Buchan township offers the next nearest tourist facilities, with Bairnsdale being the closest regional centre.

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Directions

Karoonda Park is at the corner of Gelantipy and Glenmore Road, in Gelantipy. Our Mobil Roadhouse fronts the road, with Reception located at the Dining Hall, up the right hand side driveway.

From Melbourne

Distance: 400km direct ~ 5 hours

Follow the Princes Highway to Bairnsdale. From here the direct route heads inland, through Bruthen and then on to Buchan. Alternatively, continue along the Princes Hwy via Lakes Entrance to Nowa Nowa, turning left and following the signs to Buchan. Karoonda Park is 40 minutes north from Buchan on sealed roads, Or a total of 1.5 hours from Bairnsdale or 1.25 hours from Lakes Entrance.

Please be wary of Buses, Log and Quarry Trucks on the Buchan and Gelantipy Roads. Kangaroos, wallabies and wombats also frequent the roadsides. 

Tulloch Ard Road is an alternative route between Buchan and Butches Ridge / Gelantipy. It follows the Snowy River National Park western boundary on reasonable dirt roads. Allow 1.5 - 2 hours.

From Lakes Entrance / Bairnsdale

See from Melbourne

From Jindabyne

Distance: 132km ~ 2.5 hours +   (km dirt roads)

The Barry Way travels between NSW and Victoria through the Koscisuzko and Alpine National Parks, following both the Jacobs River and the Legendary Snowy River. The road is sealed for the first 27km before it turns to dirt for the next near 89km to Wulgulmerang. Some short sections have been sealed, though after rain the road may be slippery in places. Occasionally it may also be subject to snow, usually by the Ingebyra locality.

Please exercise caution when traveling The Barry Way as it can be quite narrow and winding in places. The quality of the road surface may vary, but is generally quite suitable for most 2WD vehicles. For inexperienced dirt road drivers the towing of trailers especially if large or heavy is discouraged. During the Summer the Barry Way is a popular route for adventuring cyclists. 

"The Snowy" is a special region, so please don't rush it. Make a day of it. Enjoy a summer swim, bask on the sandy beaches, stop for the views and take advantage of the many picnic and bush camping areas along "The Way".

From Omeo

Distance:    131km ~ 2 hours +   (km dirt roads)

The Benambra - Limestone / Black Mountain - Limestone Road traverses the Alpine National Park connecting the western districts of Omeo and Benambra to the Gelantipy region. It is a dirt road for the most part of its length, subject to snow along the high sections during the cooler months. After rain some sections may become slippery.
From Omeo follow the signs north to Benambra. Turning right at the town centre, continuing on to the Benambra Limestone Road. Take the right fork where the sealed section finishes. Once at Black Mountain turn right, following the signs to the southern end of the Gelantipy locality.

From Orbost

Distance:    km ~1.5 hours +

There are two ways to go, both lead through Buchan. The quickest way is to continue along the Princes Highway to Nowa Nowa, turning right and following the signs for Buchan.

A more scenic, though considerably slower route is to follow the Buchan - Orbost Road. From Orbost pass over the Snowy River turning left off the Highway. Loop back around under the bridge and follow the signs to Buchan. The road is sealed, but does tend to be quite windy in places.

From The Inland East - Bonang

Distance:    98km ~ 2 hours +   (km dirt roads)

The McKillop Bridge Road (Bonang Hwy) passed several small farming communities before crossing Snowy River at the impressive McKillop Bridge. The climb out of the Snowy Valley again follows narrow road sections that offer superb views. Victoria's deepest gorge, Little River Gorge is passed just prior to reaching the Gelantipy plateau and its sealed road section. This route is unsuitable for large towing vehicles.

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Alpine NP

McKillop's Bridge

Barry Way

Suggan Buggan Valley

Gelantipy Sunrise

Oz Experience

KP Roadhouse