Eagle Peaks and Eight Mile Spur is a 20.5km, grade 4 hike located in Alpine National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 8 hours to complete.
Hike overview
Eagle Peaks are located in the heart of The Governors Remote & natural Area of the Alpine National Park, a remote area above the Howqua River. The Eagle Peaks and Eight Mile Spur is an extremely challenging hike that should only be undertaken by experienced hikers.
The hike commences at Davons Flat (also referred to as Dabons Flat on some maps), approximately 700m north east along Brocks Road from Sheepyard Flat. Follow the Eagle Peaks trail as it quickly ascends to 853m elevation where the spur narrows considerably. Continue to follow the trail south east to 932m elevation before turning east then south east to follow the ridgeline. The Eagle Peaks ridge continues to narrow and is steep and rocky in places. This section requires that you don't have a fear of heights or exposed ledges with the terrain being near-vertical in places to the 1,445 metre summit.
From the summit, at 1421m elevation, follow the disused 4WD track south east to the final rocky peak then continue to the junction of Brocks Road and Bluff Link Road. From the junction locate the start of a spur to the east. This section is off-trail so ensure you have good navigation skills and a map and compass before proceeding beyond this point. Ascend the spur to an elevation of 1220m before turning north to follow the narrow ridgeline to the head of Eight Mile Spur at 1292m elevation.
Locate the Eight Mile Spur trail to your left (north) and descend through dry open forest along Eight Mile Spur to a grassy clearing beside the Howqua River named Eight Mile Flat. From the flat, continue west along a foot trail beside the Howqua River to Seven Mile Flat. You could in fact terminate the hike at Eight Mile Flat but Seven Mile Flat is more accessible for 2WD vehicle.
Be Prepared
This hike requires that you have a sufficient level of equipment (in good working order), fitness and self-reliance. A PLB is also highly recommended as this is a remote area. The last water source is located in the creek crossing just before the ascent to Mount Darling. You will need to collect enough water to get you to your camp site and through the second day.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 1409 m
Min elevation: 457 m
Total climbing: 1531 m
Total descent: -1427 m
Trail location
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Getting there
From Mansfield, continue along the Mount Buller Road for 19.5km to Merijig, then a further 2km to the Howqua Track turnoff on the right. Follow the unsealed Howqua Track for 16.5km to Sheepyard Flat then proceed a few hundred metres north along Brocks Road to Davons Flat (also referred to as Dabons Flat on some maps).
Camping is available at Sheepyard Flat and many other campsites along Brocks Road.
Gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
The Alpine National Park is a national park located 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.
Similar trails nearby
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Suggest an edit
Does this hikes information need updating? Sometimes the route, trail features or access conditions change.
Acknowledgement of Country
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.
3 Reviews on “Eagle Peaks & Eight Mile Spur Hike (20.5km)”
Love this hike.