Grade 4

Fainter & Spion Kopje Firetrail Circuit Hike (65km)

Alpine National Park

Victoria

65km

4 days

Grade 4

Circuit

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Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the raw beauty of Victoria's Alpine National Park on the 65km Fainter and Spion Kopje Firetrail Circuit, starting and ending in Bogong Village, a short drive from Mount Beauty. This Grade 4 four-day hike takes you through stunning views of the Victorian Alps, up to Mount Fainter North and South, and across high plains with numerous scenic campsites and water spots. Remember to respect the environment and follow safety advice, as the terrain can be challenging and weather conditions unpredictable. Enjoy a true Aussie bushwalking experience marked by alpine sunsets and towering gum trees.

Max elevation: 1885m

Min elevation: 660m

Total Ascent: 3013m

Important info


Hike overview



Content use


Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.

Walk map and GPX file

Fainter & Spion Kopje Firetrail Circuit Hike (65km)


Getting there


Getting to the trailhead: Alpine National Park.

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


Similar walks nearby


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

Grade 4
Grade 4
Grade 4
Grade 4

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


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

Reviews

Fainter & Spion Kopje Firetrail Circuit Hike (65km)


8 Reviews on “Fainter & Spion Kopje Firetrail Circuit Hike (65km)”

Overall rating
  • Avatar of deb kahn Deb Kahn

    Just a heads up, since the landslide on the BHP Road, there’s no access to Bogong Village.

    1. A more recent update, Bogong Village is all fine and open (Sept 2024) but Spring Saddle Track now has a construction site where the landslip let go and made a huge mess. There’s a new water treatment facility that has been built/is being built on the landslip, and it is smack back in the middle of the entrance to Spring Saddle Track. Not sure if there’s a kosher way through to where the track begins which does not involve going through the construction site, but maybe a local with local knowledge can jump in?

      This next bit is only useful should you decide to follow the track in a clockwise direction:
      The track when it heads north from Mt Jaithmathang to the Fainters becomes more theoretical in places, but there is the occasional rock cairn. That section could be considered “fun” to attempt if you are wearing pants (and maybe gaiters), but if you cannot deal, then the lower fire trail that runs from Tawonga Huts will get you from there to the Fainters much fasterer.

  • Avatar of julie roberts Julie Roberts

    Probably sounds like a dumb question but how do I get this map to load onto my iphone?

    1. Avatar of trail hiking australia Trail Hiking Australia

      Julie Roberts do you have an app where you can import the GPX file? You’ll need that first. Then it should be as simple as downloading the file and telling it to open using the app.

    2. Avatar of julie roberts Julie Roberts

      Trail Hiking Australia I used to use Alltrails for GPX files but have since ditched it. Do you have a recommended app?

    3. Avatar of trail hiking australia Trail Hiking Australia

      Julie Roberts for iPhone, I find Pocket Earth Pro to be very good. It’s got a heap of features. Detailed, interactive, customizable, and frequently updated worldwide maps, available online and off! True high resolution support for Retina display giving crisp, beautiful maps. Online Routing with driving/cycling/walking directions! Save your routes for offline use! Hands-free GPS Navigation.

    4. Avatar of julie roberts Julie Roberts

      Thank you so much!!!! Weather permitting I’m going to give this hike a crack later this month😁

    5. Avatar of trail hiking australia Trail Hiking Australia

      Julie Roberts excellent. Let me know if you have trouble importing the GPX file as I can do a screen recording to show you how it works.

    6. Avatar of julie roberts Julie Roberts

      Trail Hiking Australia Thanks so much 😁

    7. Avatar of julie roberts Julie Roberts

      Trail Hiking Australia if you could that would be amazing. I’ve been trying all afternoon with no luck. 🤯

    8. Avatar of trail hiking australia Trail Hiking Australia

      Julie Roberts No trouble. Here it is. I don’t think it captured my audio so here’s the instructions.
      1. Navigate to the trail on my website
      2. Find and click the download GPX button. Then click download at the bottom of your screen. The file will download.
      3. Click ‘open in’ at the bottom of your screen
      4. Select Pocket Earth from the available apps
      5. Click ‘import’, wait for it to import, then click ‘view’ when prompted. You should now see the route.
      Media: https://www.facebook.com/906699427531853/videos/390784266648961

    9. Avatar of julie roberts Julie Roberts

      Thanks, I’ve tried all that but Pocket Earth won’t come up in my “Share to” street and I can’t seem to add it – it’s driving me mental – might have to get out the good old fashioned map!

    10. Avatar of trail hiking australia Trail Hiking Australia

      Julie Roberts hmm. It should be very straight forward. Sorry, but I’m not sure what to suggest.

    11. Avatar of julie roberts Julie Roberts

      Trail Hiking Australia I know! It really should be 🤷🏼‍♀️

    12. Avatar of julie roberts Julie Roberts

      Trail Hiking Australia I found a way around it. Just used your map and created my own. Will still work, just a bit more effort!

  • Avatar of beans cazz Beans Cazz

    Stunning area.

    1. It’s on my wish list!!!

  • Avatar of trail hiking australia Trail Hiking Australia

    I absolutely loved this hike.

    1. Hi, can anyone share info on approx distances each day? Trying to avoid >20km days! Thanks

      1. Avatar of darren edwards Darren Edwards Trail Author

        I’ve included a suggested itinerary in the post above that worked well for us, but the great thing about this route is that it’s flexible, you can really choose to walk as far as you’re comfortable with each day. If you’re aiming to avoid 20+ km days, you could easily break it into four days at around 16 km per day. There are plenty of spots to camp or pause along the way, so it’s definitely possible to tailor it to your preferred pace. Hope that helps

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Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Acknowledgement of Country

Fainter & spion kopje firetrail circuit hike (65km)

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.

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