Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the rugged beauty of Victoria's Gippsland high country on the 25.2km Mount St Gwinear hike in Baw Baw National Park, a challenging Grade 4 trail starting and finishing at Mount St Gwinear carpark. Located near Rawson and within reach of Melbourne, this day-long adventure immerses bushwalkers in heathland and Snow Gum forests, culminating in panoramic views of the Thomson and Aberfeldy River valleys and Victorian Alps. Make your way to the Mount Whitelaw summit via the Australian Alps Walking Trail, a trek not to be missed by any outdoor enthusiast.

Length:

25.2km

Duration:

9 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 1567m

Min elevation: 1300m

Total Ascent: 878m

Start: Mount St Gwinear carpark

End: Mount St Gwinear carpark

Baw Baw National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Rawson

From state capital: 197km

Latitude: -37.84075417

Longitude: 146.3318046927452

Overview

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Region

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Hike overview

Mount St Gwinear is a mountain in Victoria, Australia, located at the north-east end of the Baw Baw National Park in the Gippsland high country. The walk via the summit of Mount St Gwinear to Mount Whitelaw winds through heathland and Snow Gum forest. The magnificent views, stretching across the valleys of the Thomson and Aberfeldy Rivers and into the Victorian Alps, are a perfect reward. From Mount St Gwinear follow the trail west until intersecting the Australian Alps Walking Trail. Follow the trail North West across the plateau until you reach Mount Whitelaw near the start of the Thomson River.

Overnight hike for kids

This makes an excellent overnight hike for kids and a good introduction to the Victorian Alps. Each day is not too long and while the terrain is undulating there are not a lot of big climbs. Camping is staggered along the plateau and at the Whitelaw Hut Ruins where there is only a chimney remaining. There were plenty of nice spots for tents and the nearby creek for fresh water.

Trail features

Gallery

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Walk map and GPX file
Mount St Gwinear to Mount Whitelaw Hike (25.2km)

Total distance: 25224 m
Max elevation: 1567 m
Min elevation: 1300 m
Total climbing: 878 m
Total descent: -879 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Baw Baw National Park.

The main access to the plateau is from the Mount Erica and St Gwinear carparks along signposted roads off the Thomson Valley Road, north of Erica. The Baw Baw Alpine Resort which adjoins the park can be reached from the Princes Highway at Drouin by following the Mount Baw Baw Tourist Road.

The St Gwinear car park is just over one hour’s drive from the Latrobe Valley or three hours from Melbourne via Erica. Roads are sealed apart from the last section of thirteen kilometres along the Thomson Valley and Mount St Gwinear roads. The road is regularly cleared of snow but is often icy or slushy.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Drouin, Erica, Mount Baw Baw, Neerim South, Noojee, Rawson, Tanjil Bren, Tanjil South, Thorpdale, Tyers, Walhalla, Warragul, Willow Grove, Yarragon

Access conditions

2WD Access
Gravel Road
Winding Road
Large Car Park
Public Toilets

Find a place to stay

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Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

About the region

Spectacular year round, Baw Baw National Park covers a substantial part of the Baw Baw Plateau. As the snow melts see the hills come alive with vivid wildflower displays. Explore the wonderland of geological formations and walk or snowshoe one of the many trails that criss-cross through tangled snowgum forests.

Walk a section of the Australian Alps Walking Track and discover Mushroom Rocks, a maze of giant granite tors rising from the forest. Head to Mount St Gwinear. Snowshoe, toboggan or cross-country ski one of the many trails that criss-cross the twisted snowgum forests.

Walk the same trails in spring and see the Baw Baw Plateau come alive with a vivid display of wildflowers.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Baw Baw National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Reviews
Mount St Gwinear to Mount Whitelaw Hike (25.2km)

7 Reviews on “Mount St Gwinear to Mount Whitelaw Hike (25.2km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards

Awesome hike

24/03/2022, 05:19

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Acknowledgement of Country

Mount st gwinear to mount whitelaw hike (25. 2km)

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance