Victoria's alpine region is known for its unpredictable weather. Be prepared for anything by packing for all conditions and checking the forecast before you go. Don't hesitate to adjust your plans based on the latest weather information.
Victoria's Alpine National Park holds a hidden gem: the Bogong High Plains Circuit. This challenging, multi-day trek promises breathtaking scenery, diverse landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.
This 5-6 day adventure demands physical fitness and a sense of adventure, rewarding you with stunning views and a unique alpine ecosystem. Immerse yourself in nature with a hike above the treeline and enjoy refreshing swims in crystal-clear rivers, waterfalls, and even a lake. The Bogong High Plains hold deep cultural significance for the Taungurung and Gunaikurnai People. Learn about their rich traditions as you explore this historic land.
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Day 1 (12.5km)
Mountain Creek Campground to Cleve Cole Hut
Begin your journey at Mountain Creek Campground. Ascend gradually towards Bivouac Hut, taking a moment to admire the unfolding panorama. Continue above the treeline, reaching Bogong Saddle with the option to conquer the summit. Your day concludes at the charming Cleve Cole Hut, nestled beside a gurgling creek.
Day 2 (19.5km)
Cleve Cole Hut to Johnstons/Edmondsons Hut
Consider a detour to the refreshing Howmans Falls before descending to the Big River. Cross the river and conquer Duane Spur, leading you to Ropers Hut with its breathtaking panoramic views. Follow the Big River Fire Track, with the option to climb Mt Nelse for even more stunning views. Finally, settle in for the night at either Edmondsons or Johnstons Hut.
Day 3 (23km)
Edmondsons (or Johnstons) Hut to Spion Kopje
Descend via Heathy Spur Track, arriving at the lively resort town of Falls Creek. Recharge with a swim in Rocky Valley Lake or explore the shops and restaurants. Leaving Falls Creek, follow a well-maintained trail to Howmans Gap and Spion Kopje Track. Ascend Spion Kopje for panoramic views before finding your campsite for the night. The vegetation around Spion Kopje is quote dense, so you'll need to find a suitable clearing on approach to Grey Hills Track.
Day 4 (17km)
Spion Kopje to Michell Hut
Navigate the Grey Hills Track, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings. Descend to Bogong Creek Campground and replenish your water supplies before ascending Quartz Ridge Track. Here, you'll return above the treeline with the possibility of attempting the summit of Mt Bogong. Enjoy a scenic descent on Eskdale Spur, leading you to Michell Hut for your overnight stay.
Day 5 (10km)
Michell Hut to Mountain Creek Campground
Celebrate your accomplishment with a leisurely downhill walk on Eskdale Spur, concluding your journey back at the Mountain Creek Campground. Follow Mountain Creek back to the trailhead, where you can reminisce about your incredible adventure.
This is just a taste of the unforgettable experiences that await you on the Bogong High Plains Circuit. Are you ready to embark on this epic journey?
- Be prepared to navigate at least two unbridged river crossings. One may have a chain to assist, while another might require crossing on a log.
- The Grey Hills Track might be faint or even nonexistent in sections. Strong navigational skills and a reliable map and compass are crucial for wayfinding across the high plains.
- Embrace the love-hate relationship with switchbacks! This region features many steep tracks that require hand-over-foot climbing and descending techniques in some places.
- While encountering Highland Copperheads is always a possibility, practicing safe wildlife awareness will minimise any risks.
- Be prepared for anything. Victoria's alpine region is known for its unpredictable weather. Be prepared for anything by packing for all conditions and checking the forecast before you go. Don't hesitate to adjust your plans based on the latest weather information.
- Falls Creek offers a convenient resupply point. Check the opening hours of the Foodworks in advance, especially if your hike coincides with 'green' season. While not offering a vast selection you'll find the essentials.
- Alpine Region
- Waterfalls
- Rivers
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Alpine Huts
- Exposed Ledges
- Steep Terrain
- River Crossings
- Untreated Water
- Swimming Spots
- Overnight Campsites
Photos: Chris Palamountain
Total distance: 82452 m
Max elevation: 1979 m
Min elevation: 600 m
Total climbing: 4711 m
Total descent: -4710 m
Every trail on this site has been personally mapped and refined to support Australia’s hiking community. While some info comes from land managers, each listing reflects significant personal work. Please don’t upload GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or any other platform. This is a free community initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
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
Getting to the trailhead in Alpine National Park.
The Bogong High Plains Circuit begins and concludes at Mountain Creek Campground. This campground sits on the edge of Alpine National Park, roughly 12 kilometers east of Tawonga.
Reaching the Trailhead:
- By car: Parking is available at the Mountain Creek Campground. It’s a free option, but the campground can fill up on weekends, especially during peak season.
- For the more adventurous with a four-wheel drive vehicle, consider driving further along the unsealed Mountain Creek Road to the Staircase Spur Trailhead. This shaves off a few kilometers of walking on unsealed roads.
- Public transport: Currently, public transportation options to reach the trailhead are limited.
- 2WD Access
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Untreated Water
- Camping Area
The Bogong High Plains lie within the traditional lands of the Taungurung and Gunaikurnai Peoples. Their connection to the region stretches back thousands of years, leaving behind a rich tapestry woven from cultural exchange, social connection, and a deep respect for the natural world.
This area is now part of the vast Alpine National Park, Victoria's largest national park.
For generations, First Nations people journeyed to the Bogong High Plains throughout the year. This served as a central meeting ground, fostering cultural exchange and strengthening ties between different groups. Grand gatherings, known as corroborees, filled the High Plains with music, dance, and storytelling. These events facilitated the settling of disputes and fostered a sense of unity among diverse communities.
The Bogong High Plains weren't just a place for cultural exchange; they were also a hub for trade and social connection. Trade networks flourished, allowing essential goods and knowledge to circulate between groups. Marriages were arranged, further strengthening the social fabric of the region.
The High Plains held a special significance in the lives of young men. They played a role in the initiation ceremonies that marked their passage into adulthood, connecting them to the land and their ancestors.
Perhaps the most well-known aspect of these gatherings revolved around the Bogong Moth. This protein-rich insect provided a vital food source, particularly during the summer months. The abundance of Bogong Moths during this time likely played a significant role in the timing and importance of these gatherings.
The arrival of Europeans in the 19th century dramatically altered the landscape. Following the displacement of the traditional custodians, the area became a popular spot for settlers and cattlemen for grazing purposes. This marked a significant shift in the history of the Bogong High Plains, forever changing the relationship between humans and this special environment.
Looking for hikes and trails in Alpine National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
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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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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1 Review on “Bogong High Plains Circuit (82km)”
I completed this route (solo) 17-21 Mar 2025. It is a FABULOUS hike, definitely challenging and firmly in the Grade 5 difficulty level. I share these notes to complement the excellent notes on the website, for others planning or considering this hike.
Day 1 – Mountain Creek Campground to Cleve Cole Hut
– Taking the Staircase route, it took me 4 hours to reach Mount Bogong from Mountain Creek Campground (I consider myself an average pace hiker)
– Saw one Red Bellied Black Snake on the ascent to Mt Bogong. Glad I packed the snake bite bandage!
– Cleve Cole Hut water source: Follow the track in front of the hut 170m.
– Cleve Cole Hut has mattresses!
Day 2 – Cleve Cole Hut to Johnstons/Edmondsons Hut
– Big River: I was able to cross using stones, this would depend on rainfall of course.
– Ropers Hut: A brilliant location for lunch or a break.
– At the intersection of Johnstons/Edmondsons Hut I met a school group heading for Edmondsons. So, I camped at Johnstons! While the track to Johnstons is slightly longer I thoroughly recommend. It is a beautiful hut in sublime setting. However, only the small front room of the hut is accessible to visitors. This room could sleep 3 at a squeeze. A larger group would need to camp outside.
– Water source at Johnstons Hut is a nearby creek with very good flow.
Day 3 – Johnstons to Spion Kopje
– Falls Creek Resort has free public showers/bathrooms. You can also charge your electronics here.
– At time of visit there was only one option for food in Falls, the café/restaurant in the main resort complex. Prices are reasonable considering the location.
– Access the trail to Rocky Valley Creek from within the grounds of the YCMA. It feels like you’re trespassing at first, but that’s where you go. Don’t follow the Parks VIC signs or you’ll end up on Junction Spur Fire trail, as I did!
– Replenish water supplies at Rocky Valley Creek. For me, the next easy water source wasn’t for 24+ hours, at Bogong Creek.
– The ascent out of Rocky Valley Creek is VERY STEEP and seems never ending. You have been warned!
– As noted, campsite options on/near Spion Kopje are very limited. I did see an excellent spot on Little Spion Kopje, flat and with good vegetation cover. In hindsight I should have camped there. Instead, I ended up camping right on the trail/track just over the crest of Spion Kopje. Beautiful views across to Falls Creek but very exposed. Not recommended in adverse conditions. You could continue on and camp somewhere on Grey Hills Track, though here too options are limited.
Day 4 – Spion Kopje to Michelle Hut
– As noted, the start of Grey Hills Track is difficult to navigate. Look out for cairns, they are a godsend!
– Parts of the track from Mount Arthur to Bogong Creek Saddle are extremely overgrown; some serious bushbashing is needed!
– There is a water source (small creek) just past Bogong Creek Saddle. This may be your last easy water until Michell Hut.
– Here’s where I deviated from the suggested route. Due to the inclement weather (notably strong winds) I decided not to camp at Michell Hut, as this would have required ascent of Mount Bogong. Instead, I hiked into Cairn Creek Hut, off Quartz Ridge Track. A word of warning…The track to Cairn Creek Hut is EXTREMELY overgrown in parts and poorly marked, making pace and navigation very difficult. The approx. 2km into the hut took 60+ minutes, longer on the ascent out. However, it is certainly a remarkably beautiful and remote location. The hut itself is wonderfully rustic, like early gold prospectors just wandered out and never came back! One last thing: leeches abound here…
Day 5 – Michell Hut to Mountain Creek Campground
– Due to camping at Cairn Creek Hut instead of Michell Hut I decided to take the Staircase route down from Mount Bogong, instead of the longer Eskdale Spur.
Thanks to Darren and his Trail Hiking Australia website, without which I would not have discovered this, and numerous other wonderful hikes.
Thank you so much for sharing your detailed trip report! It’s fantastic to hear that you had such an incredible (and clearly challenging) solo hike. Your insights add so much value to the route description, and I’m sure future hikers will appreciate the extra details—especially about water sources, navigation challenges, and those alternative camping spots.
It sounds like you had quite the adventure, from careful river crossings to unexpected bush-bashing and even a rustic detour to Cairn Creek Hut! Great call on adjusting your route due to the weather—those kinds of decisions make all the difference in the mountains. And yes, that ascent out of Rocky Valley Creek is definitely one to remember!
I really appreciate your kind words about Trail Hiking Australia. It’s always rewarding to hear when the site helps people discover and prepare for hikes like this. Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience—I’m sure it will help others tackling this route. Wishing you many more great adventures ahead.