Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the historical charm of the Brandy Creek Mine to Cobungra River hike in the heart of Victoria's Alpine National Park. Starting and ending at Brandy Creek Fire Trail, this 7km return hike of moderate difficulty takes you past the remnants of the old Brandy Creek Gold Mine and down to the serene Cobungra River flats. A short drive from Mount Hotham, and 382km from Melbourne, this trail offers a unique blend of history, nature and tranquillity. Don't forget to set aside time to explore the river before making your return journey.

Length:

7km

Duration:

3 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 1597m

Min elevation: 1208m

Total Ascent: 453m

Start: Brandy Creek Fire Trail

End: Brandy Creek Fire Trail

Alpine National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Mount Hotham

From state capital: 382km

Latitude: -37.01075056

Longitude: 147.1893157

Overview

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Hike overview

The Brandy Creek Mine to Cobungra River hike follows a disused vehicle track leaves the Great Alpine Road 6 km towards Omeo from Hotham Village. After a 1 km well defined track, the extensive works of what was once the Brandy Creek Gold Mine can be seen on the right. Continue down the track to the delightful flats of the Cobungra River. Allow some time to explore the river and return by the same route.

Getting to Mount Hotham

Option 1: Follow the Hume Freeway north past Benalla, turning off onto the B500 exit to 'Beechworth/Bright'. Follow signs to Bright and continue through Bright To Harrietville and eventually Mount Hotham on the Great Alpine Road.

Option 2: Follow the M1/CityLink/Monash Freeway east towards Gippsland and continue on this road to Bairnsdale. In Bairnsdale follow signs to Omeo or Great Alpine Road which will take you north to Mount Hotham.

Getting to start of hike from Mount Hotham village
Head South, 6km along the Great Alpine Road from Hotham Village towards Omeo. Park at the junction of the Brandy Creek Fire Trail. There is space for a number of vehicles to park here.

Track grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Walk map and GPX file
Brandy Creek Mine to Cobungra River Hike (7km)

Total distance: 6972 m
Max elevation: 1597 m
Min elevation: 1208 m
Total climbing: 453 m
Total descent: -452 m

Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Alpine National Park.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

The Alpine National Park is a national park in the Central Highlands and Alpine regions of Victoria, Australia. The 646,000-hectare national park is located northeast of Melbourne. It is the largest National Park in Victoria, and covers much of the higher areas of the Great Dividing Range in Victoria, including Victoria's highest point, Mount Bogong at 1,986 metres and the associated subalpine woodland and grassland of the Bogong High Plains. The park's north-eastern boundary is along the border with New South Wales, where it abuts the Kosciuszko National Park.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

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.

Closest towns to this walk: Benalla, Bright, Dinner Plain, Falls Creek, Harrietville, Hotham Heights, Mansfield, Mitta Mitta, Mount Beauty, Mount Hotham, Myrtleford, Omeo, Porepunkah, Tawonga South, Wangaratta

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.

Similar walks nearby

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

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.

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Brandy Creek Mine to Cobungra River Hike (7km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Brandy creek mine to cobungra river hike (7km)

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

Hike overview

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Brandy Creek Mine to Cobungra River Hike (7km)