Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Embark on a 42km circuit over four days through Victoria's Alpine National Park, starting and ending at Speculation and King Basin Roads. This Grade 5, difficult trail near Mansfield, 278.5km from Melbourne, offers bushwalkers the chance to explore the remote Viking Razor Wilderness Zone with its towering peaks, high-level plateaus, and deep valleys. Highlights include a hidden section of the Catherine River with a secluded campsite and swimming hole. Remember, this trail requires good fitness, navigation skills, and preparation for alpine conditions.

Length:

42km

Duration:

4 days

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 1652m

Min elevation: 592m

Total Ascent: 2711m

Start: Speculation and King Basin Roads

End: Speculation and King Basin Roads

Alpine National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Mansfield

From state capital: 278.5km

Latitude: -37.08904163866608

Longitude: 146.58142983913424

Overview

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Weather

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Important info

Be prepared for unpredictable weather. Pack for all types of conditions, as the weather can change rapidly in this mountainous region. The Catherine River, Speculation, and Mount Cobbler hike is a demanding one, not suited for all fitness levels. Off-trail navigation skills are essential for this challenging trek.

Hike overview

Enjoy an Epic Alpine Adventure: The Catherine River, Speculation, and Mount Cobbler Circuit

Enjoy a captivating four-day hiking journey through the heart of the Victorian Alps, traversing the remote Viking Razor Wilderness Zone. This challenging yet rewarding circuit will take you through breathtaking landscapes, from towering peaks and high-level plateaus to deep, verdant valleys. Discover a hidden section of the Catherine River, complete with a secluded campsite and refreshing swimming hole. Prepare for an adventure that demands fitness, experience, exceptional navigation skills, and a well-equipped backpack to withstand alpine conditions.

Day 1: Speculation Road to Mount Speculation (10 km)

Your adventure begins at the junction of Speculation and King Basin Roads. Cross the bridge and locate the narrow foot trail on the river's southern bank. The trail winds its way southward, then turns southeast, and finally east as it ascends steeply to King Spur. Follow the cliff lines near the ridge's summit until reaching Mount Koonika. From the peak, continue along the southeast ridge, descending to the 4WD track where you'll camp at Mount Speculation.

Day 2: Mount Speculation to Catherine River Campsite (10 km)

Venture into the remote wilderness of the Viking Razor Wilderness Zone, a region rarely explored by hikers. Exceptional navigation skills are essential as you forge your own path. Follow Speculation Road northward from Mount Speculation until reaching a hairpin turn. Continue off-trail along a narrow ridge, heading north. Descend steadily until reaching the Catherine River below. Once at the river, turn right and follow it northward for about 500 meters. Keep an eye out for a suitable campsite amidst the river flats.

Day 3: Catherine River Campsite to Lake Cobbler (10 km)

After breaking camp, enjoy a challenging ascent, heading northwest out of the river valley (300 meters). Continue westward along a ridge (another 150 meters) until reaching the plateau's edge. Trek through snow gum forests for approximately 2.5 kilometres to cross the plateau and reach the Lake Cobbler Track. Turn right (east) and follow the track down to Lake Cobbler. Replenish your water supply from the lake and continue westward along the Mount Cobbler Walking Track for about 3 kilometres until you find a flat and open campsite.

Day 4: Lake Cobbler Campsite to Muesli Spur Trailhead (10 km)

From your campsite, continue westward until you reach a signposted trail junction. Turn north (right) for a short, moderate, and steep 1.5 kilometre climb to the summit of Mount Cobbler. Reward yourself with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Mount Typo to the northeast, Mount Koonika and Mount Speculation to the southeast, and Mount Stirling to the southwest.

Descend from the summit and follow the trail back to the junction. Continue southward for approximately 5.5 kilometres until reaching the junction of Little Cobbler Road and the Cobbler Lake Track. Follow Little Cobbler Road southward. After about 700 meters, you'll reach the Speculation Road junction. Continue past Speculation Road and keep heading south for another 450 meters until you reach Muesli Spur Track on your right.

Enjoy a final descent along the steep and rugged Muesli Spur to return to the trailhead and your vehicle. Congratulations on completing this epic alpine adventure!

Camping at the trail head

Camping is available close to the trail head at the following locations.

Speculation Road: There is a small campsite along Speculation Road (possible 4WD) on the King River approximately 3.6km from Stirling Circuit Road.
King Hut: Camping area on the King River Track (4WD only). King Hut is perched on the western edge of the park, about 35 km east of Mount Stirling. The dramatic 4WD-access route follows the King River Track for 7 km from the junction with Speculation Rd, which is itself reached via a turn-off on Circuit Rd about 6 km east of the Craig's Hut turn-off. The hut itself is in excellent condition, having been recently rebuilt.

Remote Campsites

Camping is available near the summit of Mount Speculation.
Near the waterhole at the end of the side gully from Catherine River (not very large) or at the Junction of Catherine River and the side gully (larger and flatter)
An open saddle near the junction of the Mount Cobbler Walking Track and a foot trail heading north-south at the top of the plateau. This is a large camp site suitable for around 5-6 tents.

Water

Water can be procured;

Near the trail head from the King River. Water should always be treated before drinking
North west of Mount Speculation at the head of Camp Creek (off the side of the 4WD track) at the end of day 1.
From the waterhole at the day 2 campsite. Or anywhere along the Catherine River (if it is flowing) at the end of day 2.
Lake Cobbler during day 3.

<h2Warning

Half of this hike will be off trail through often dense scrub. There will be rock scrambling with packs, possible pack hauling, steep and very steep sections and walking through jagged cliff lines. You will need to be comfortable with all of the above and be a moderate to fast walker while doing so. You will need to work closely as a group and assist with route finding and forging a trail through the scrub.

This is an alpine area and conditions can change quickly. All of your group members must be equipped with map and compass and the appropriate gear.

Gallery

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Walk map and GPX file
Catherine River, Speculation & Mount Cobbler Hike (42km)

Total distance: 41176 m
Max elevation: 1652 m
Min elevation: 592 m
Total climbing: 2711 m
Total descent: -2711 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Alpine National Park.

Driving Directions to the Catherine River, Speculation, and Mount Cobbler Circuit Trailhead
Start your journey from Mansfield and take Mount Buller Road for approximately 32 kilometers. Once you arrive at the toll gate at Mirimbah, pay the entry fee if it’s winter. Proceed along Stirling Road for 8 kilometers until you reach Telephone Box Junction (TBJ).

Turn right at TBJ and continue on Stirling Circuit Road for 16.5 kilometers. Speculation Road will be on your right-hand side after this stretch. Take Speculation Road and drive for 8.8 kilometers until you reach the junction of King Basin (4WD) and Speculation Roads. This is the trailhead.

Winter Driving Conditions
During winter, vehicles are not allowed to proceed beyond TBJ. All 2-wheel drives must carry chains when driving to this point.

Summer Driving Conditions
In summer, all vehicles can continue further along The Circuit Road. This gravel road winds through the sub-alpine and alpine forests around Mount Stirling and is accessible for 2-wheel drive vehicles.

Get there with Google Maps

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

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.

Lake Cobbler

Lake Cobbler is a beautiful lake situated on the south eastern edge of the Alpine National Park. Lake Cobbler was created in the 1960s by damming a swamp area in the headwaters of the Dandongadale River. After leaving the lake, Dandongadale River plunges over a precipice, creating the longest drop waterfall in Victoria (a heady 255m). It then joins the Rose River, which flows into the Buffalo River, before settling down to a quiet life in the backwaters of Lake Buffalo.

Similar walks nearby

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

Track grade

Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.

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

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

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Catherine River, Speculation & Mount Cobbler Hike (42km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Catherine river, speculation & mount cobbler hike (42km)

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

Important info