NEWS 24 November 2024 |

Tucked away in a project status update is a big win for the Victorian Alps and all those who have campaigned long and hard to protect Victoria’s high country. 

Home to Victoria’s magnificent Mt Feathertop and the sublime moss-bedded Bogong High Plains, the Alpine National Park is a living and fragile gem.  

The glamping huts, proposed as part of the deeply unpopular Falls to Hotham development, have been shelved. Parks Victoria’s own documents state that the project will “not include overnight accommodation huts as part of the construction. They do remain in the master plan”.

Caption: Alpine bog. Bogong High Plains. Photo: Phil Ingamells.

The plan to to construct 80 commercial structures that would impact 45 hectares of sensitive alpine ecosystems has always been controversial, short sighted and exclusionary. The glamping huts were going to replace self-sufficient camping with a range of accomodations, with rates between $440 and $1,000 per person per night. 

VNPA are concerned the huts may remain in the master plan. We have requested Parks Victoria amend the plan to remove the huts entirely or revise the masterplan. The project still includes the construction of new toilet blocks and a non-sleeping shelter, along with track hardening works.

Parks Victoria’s consultation report found that “There were high levels of concern raised from participants about the project. These concerns related to potential impacts on the environment, the project not aligning with the purpose of national parks, over visitation, concerns about the community consultation process, the potential cost to stay in the huts“.*

Such developments are deeply unpopular with the Australian people. Some 78 per cent of Australians reject the commercialisation of our parks and protected areas.

Wins like this don’t happen by accident, they happen due to people speaking up for nature, parks and protected areas.

For now the Victoria’s precious high country snow gums and alpine bogs can breathe a sigh of relief with.  We continue to advocate for a more ecological and equitable approach to the Falls to Hotham Development and walking trails across the Alps.


Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing – community information sessions
We encourage VNPA members and supporters to attend an upcoming Parks Victoria session on the development.

Register for an online at 5.30-7pm on Wednesday 4 December or attend an in person event (held in multiple locations between 29-30 November).

 Learn more about threats to the Victorian Alps:

*Parks Victoria. Consultation Summary Report Falls To Hotham Alpine Crossing. January 2023.

Special mentions must go to the late and great Phil Ingamells and Dr Michael Feller. They both worked long and hard for the integrity of the Victorian Alps.