In part one our a two-part story we look at the best walks in Victoria's Mount Hotham region.
The Hotham Resort provides year-round accommodation and facilities so hikers can easily access the surrounding walking trails and nature sites. An assortment of tracks and trails access some of Australia’s best views, iconic mountain huts, unique flora and fauna and some of the region’s richest history.
Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT)
Grade: Difficult
Time: 5-8 weeks
Distance: 655km one way
Start: Summit Link Track at Hotham village
The AAWT is a long-distance walk running from Walhalla in Victoria through the High Country of Victoria, ACT and NSW. Part of this rugged trail runs through the Mt Hotham resort area, from the southwestern resort boundary near Mt Blowhard, to the northeastern resort boundary near Derrick Hut. Part of the AAWT links up with Hotham’s high altitude walking tracks, so it’s possible to get a taste of the AAWT if you’re not quite ready for the whole thing. Take the Summit Link Track but don’t go all the way to the Hotham Village – divert left just before the top of the chairlift and cross the road to join the Huts walk. For hikers tackling the entire route, Hotham Village is a great place to stop for a day or two to get supplies and enjoy a comfy bed, shower and pub meal.
Bon Accord Track
Grade: Difficult
Time: 9-10 hours
Distance: 24km return
Start: The route begins from the Bon Accord Track at Harrietville, just off the Great Alpine Road.
Before the Great Alpine Road was built, the Bon Accord Spur was the route taken by walkers, horse riders and pack horses to Mount Hotham. Today it provides a challenging but rewarding walk to Mount Hotham, or it can be part of a longer overnight itinerary (34km) taking in the Razorback and Bungalow Spur by camping at Federation Hut. The Bon Accord track itself is relatively steep the whole way, so a good level of experience and fitness is required. The first section follows the Ovens River – East Branch for about 5km and then the steep climb up the spur starts from the bridge at Washington Creek.
Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing (FHAC)
Grade: Difficult
Time: 3 Days
Distance: 37km one way
Start: The track-head at Falls Creek is Heathy Spur carpark, 3km east of the Falls Creek village. The track-head at Mt Hotham is Mt Loch carpark, 3km north of the Hotham village.
Traversing the Bogong High Plains you’ll experience pristine mountain scenery – the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing (FHAC) is fast becoming one of Australia’s most iconic multi-day treks. Connecting the alpine resorts of Falls Creek and Hotham the trail winds along mountain ridges, through snow gum woodlands and grassy plains blanketed in wildflowers, over rocky summits and past historic huts. This hike is usually completed over three days and walkers are encouraged to camp at the designated platforms at Cope Hut and Dibbins Hut which need to be booked in advance (www.parkstay.vic.gov.au or 13 1963). Walkers seeking a bit of comfort can book an all-inclusive curated hike with Alpine Nature Experience, which includes a night eco-glamping in tree top tents at Blair’s Hut Campground, locally sourced meals, pre and post hike accommodation in luxury accommodation, and transport to starting points. Your belongings are transported between sites, leaving you to enjoy the trek with just a day pack. Bookings can be made at https://hikes.alpinenatureexperience.com.au/
Razorback to Mount Feathertop
Grade: Difficult
Time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 22km return
Start: The track starts opposite the A-framed Diamantina Hut on the Great Alpine Road, 2 km before Hotham Village.
Standing at 1922m, Mount Feathertop is Victoria’s second highest mountain (after Mount Bogong). This picturesque trail above the treeline from Mount Hotham to Feathertop’s summit follows the jagged, craggy spine of the Razorback Ridge. Trek through open snow grass, low shrubs and snow gum woodlands and pass over a number of rocky bluffs. From the Feathertop peak, you’ll experience stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding alps and valleys for as far as the eye can see. About 1.5km below the summit is the Federation Hut camping area. This a good spot to rest before the final ascent or to seek shelter if the weather turns bad. The hut has a wood fire, water tank, composting toilet and camping area (camping is not permitted inside the hut). A connecting trail from the Razorback trailhead enables hikers to walk through to Hotham village where you can enjoy a relaxing overnight stay. During peak hiking periods, Resort Management runs a free shuttle from the Hotham village to the Razorback trailhead and Loch carpark (Falls to Hotham trailhead).
Cobungra Ditch Walking Track
Grade: Moderate
Time: 4 hours
Distance: 12.5 km one way (or 17km return circuit via Brabralung Trail)
Start: The track is accessible at both ends from the Great Alpine Road. The northern end of the walk is reached after a 1.4km descent along the Davenport Access Track while the southern end is entered via a short 500 metre trek along the Brandy Creek Fire Track.
Following the course of an abandoned water race which supplied water for the hydraulic sluicing operations at the Brandy Creek mines, the Cobungra Ditch features significant natural and historic landscapes. The ditch was cut by the Cobungra Gold Mining Company in 1884 at the cost of £11,000 and employed 120 men in its construction. Interpretation signs along the route of the Ditch explain the history of the water race and its establishment. The walk follows ancient looking dry-stone walls and leads through a range of natural terrains: shady and sparsely open woodland, snow gum and mountain ash forests, damp gullies and impressive waterfalls. Over summer, the Ditch is alive with a range of spectacular wildflowers.