Hike at a glance

6,497

Quick overview: Located in Victoria's Alpine National Park, the Cobungra Ditch Walking Track is a Grade 4, 17km circuit hike that starts and ends at the Davenport Access Track. The trail features the remnants of a water race from the gold mining era and offers varied landscapes from open woodland to waterfall-dotted slopes. Situated 378km from Melbourne, near the town of Mount Hotham, this 6-7 hour walk is a testament to human ingenuity and nature's resilience, making it a must-visit for experienced bushwalkers.

Length

17km

Duration

6-7 hrs

Difficulty

Grade 4 (Hard)

Trail type

Circuit

Route details

Max elevation: 1716m
Min elevation: 1517m
Total Ascent: 774m

Start: Davenport Access Track

End: Davenport Access Track

Location: Alpine National Park

State: Victoria

Nearest town: Mount Hotham

State capital distance: 378km

Latitude: -36.992792932329216

Longitude: 147.1547681381612

Check current conditions
Track conditions, access and closures can change quickly due to weather, fire, maintenance or safety concerns. Always check the relevant land manager’s website before you visit. Trail Hiking Australia does not provide real-time track and closure monitoring, and land managers remain the authoritative source for current alerts, closures and access restrictions.

About this trail

Difficulty

Planning

Safety

Getting there

The region

Photos

Weather

About this trail

The Cobungra Ditch Walking Track is a 17 kilometre Grade 4 hike in Victoria’s Alpine National Park, typically taking six to seven hours to complete as a full circuit. It is a walk that blends quiet high country landscapes with a surprising piece of human ingenuity, following the course of a long abandoned water race carved into the mountainside during the gold mining era.

The track traces what was once known as the Cobungra Ditch, an engineering feat built to channel water from the headwaters of Swindler’s Creek across steep terrain to hydraulic sluicing operations near Brandy Creek. Much of the route clings to the hillside, supported by carefully constructed dry stone walls that still stand after more than a century. Walking beside this narrow channel offers a strong sense of the effort involved in shaping it by hand, often in exposed and unforgiving country.

Along the way, the landscape changes constantly. The route passes through open woodland, shaded forest, damp gullies and sections where waterfalls spill down the slopes after rain. Interpretive signs placed along the track help bring the story of the ditch and its builders to life, adding depth to what might otherwise feel like a simple contour walk. In late January and early February, the surrounding slopes can be dotted with alpine wildflowers, and patient walkers may be rewarded with sightings of wombats grazing in clearings or flame robins foraging along the track edge.

The walking surface is generally well formed and follows the natural contour of the hill, with a gentle fall toward the Brandy Creek area. While the gradient is manageable, there are obstacles to negotiate and short stepped sections that require care. Some bushwalking experience is recommended, particularly after wet weather when parts of the track can become slippery.

From the Davenport Access Track to Brandy Creek Fire Track, the one way distance along the ditch is 12.5 kilometres. Most walkers complete a full 17 kilometre circuit by linking the route with the Brandy Creek Link Track and the Brabralung Trail. Shorter loop options are also possible by using the East and West Access Tracks on The Big Spur, making this a walk that can be adapted to different timeframes and experience levels.

History

The European history of Victoria’s high country is closely tied to gold, and the Cobungra region is no exception. Early discoveries were made during the 1850s by miners travelling between established goldfields such as Omeo, Beechworth and the Upper Ovens. At first, the harsh alpine conditions meant these higher deposits were largely ignored in favour of richer and more accessible lower country. It was not until the early 1860s that prospectors returned in significant numbers to work the gold bearing streams and valleys of the high country.

Alluvial gold was mined for decades in the upper reaches of the Ovens, Dargo and Cobungra rivers. Swindler’s Creek itself became a focus of activity, earning its name after a group of miners attempted to cheat one of their own out of his share of the gold. As surface deposits became harder to reach, miners turned to more elaborate methods, including hydraulic sluicing, which required a reliable supply of water.

The Cobungra Ditch was constructed in 1883 and 1884 by the Cobungra Gold Mining Company to meet this need. More than 120 men were employed by the company, many of them working directly on the ditch. They lived in a temporary settlement known as the Cobungra Ditch Camp at Whiskey Flat. In November 1884, the company abruptly dismissed the workforce. In response, the men organised a protest march along the Alpine Road, carrying a large calico banner as a public expression of their anger and hardship. Today, the silent channel etched into the hillside is one of the most tangible reminders of that intense and often difficult chapter in the high country’s past.

Trail difficulty

Grade 4 (hard) badge

Grade 4 (Hard)

Steep, rough, and demanding
These are challenging walks suited to experienced hikers. Expect sustained climbs, rough and uneven terrain, and longer distances.

Tracks may be less defined, and signage can be limited, so navigation awareness is important. These walks require good fitness, confidence on difficult terrain, and the ability to manage fatigue over time.

Safety note: Fatigue, poor navigation, or a sudden weather change can turn a hard walk into a serious situation.

Planning information

Preparation matters: Plan your day hike well and bring the right gear, weather-appropriate layers, food and plenty of water. Before you head out, read up on bushwalking safety and use this day hike planning guide to make sure you're ready. Need help getting started? Check out the full hike preparation guide.

Moderate grade walk with a mostly level gradient, including some steeper sections at the start and finish. The track is generally well formed, with occasional obstacles and short stepped sections. Some bushwalking experience is recommended.
November to May offers the most reliable conditions. Alpine weather can change quickly at any time of year, and snow or severe weather is possible even outside winter.
Check weather conditions before setting out and be prepared for sudden changes.
Do not disturb historic features along the track.

Map and GPX file

Cobungra Ditch Circuit Hike (17km)

Total distance: 16904 m
Max elevation: 1716 m
Min elevation: 1517 m
Total climbing: 774 m
Total descent: -774 m

GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.

Safety and preparation

Think safety first

Australian conditions can turn a small oversight into a serious situation faster than most walkers expect. The Hiking Safety Systems and planning calculators are designed to help you identify and close those gaps before you leave home. Work through the Interactive Safety Scenarios to see how incidents unfold, then use the tools to build your plan and make sure a trusted contact has your trip details before you head out.

Let someone know

Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take, and it only takes two minutes.

Let someone know your plans →

Heading somewhere remote, off-track or overnight? Use the comprehensive trip intentions form instead — your emergency contact will need more detail. Register your trip plan here →

Free checklists

Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.

Getting there and where to stay

Alpine National Park

The Cobungra Ditch Walking Track can be accessed from either end via the Great Alpine Road. The northern trailhead is reached via the Davenport Access Track, where roadside parking is available. The southern end of the walk is accessed on foot via the Brandy Creek Fire Track, approximately 500 metres from the road, with parking available near the Brandy Creek Mine Track.

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

Get there with Google Maps

Accommodation nearby

Find hotels, cabins, and campgrounds near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location — no searching required.

Find Accommodation

Or browse accommodation in nearby towns: Benalla, Bright, Dinner Plain, Falls Creek, Harrietville, Hotham Heights, Mansfield, Mitta Mitta, Mount Beauty, Mount Hotham, Myrtleford, Omeo, Porepunkah, Tawonga South, Wangaratta

Explore the region

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.

Explore nearby hikes

Photo gallery

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Weather on the trail

Alpine National Park

The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.

Trail Reviews

9 Reviews on “Cobungra Ditch Circuit Hike (17km)”

Overall rating

Alicja Alice

Fantastic hike.
Did it last week..also learned that marchflies are immune to Aeroguard and Bushman🤣

21/01/2026, 10:36

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1. Trail Hiking Australia
  
  Alicja Alice haha. They seem to be immune to everything. Glad you enjoyed the hike though.
  
  21/01/2026, 10:38
  
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  1. Alicja Alice
    
    Trail Hiking Australia a hint…they dont like “off” tropical strenght.not sure how Hotham relates to tropics but…it works😊
    
    21/01/2026, 10:40
    
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Simon de Bruyn

Such an amazing walk!

21/01/2026, 09:39

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1. Trail Hiking Australia
  
  Simon de Bruyn I agree. But then I love all the walks in the high country.
  
  21/01/2026, 10:26
  
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  1. Simon de Bruyn
    
    Trail Hiking Australia Not sure I’d be too keen to do the walk down to Silver Brumby Hut again in a hurry. 😄
    
    21/01/2026, 11:12
    
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Jenny Zautsen

Done it. It’s a great walk.

24/03/2022, 05:22

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1. Sascha Hovens
  
  Emma Mickle add this ditch to the list ?
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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2. Bree Bonaccorso
  
  Oliver Bonaccorso
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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3. Emma Mickle
  
  Sascha Hovens what a ditch, consider it added!
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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4. TrekFit Australia
  
  This is a great walk and isn’t to strenuous. It is a bit of a hill coming back up to the Great Alpine Rd at Mt Hotham village. An extension to this can be a quick walk up to a couple of the mountain huts that are close by.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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Acknowledgement of Country

Cobungra ditch circuit hike (17km) trail hiking australia

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:

January 21, 2026

Hike at a glance

Route details

About this trail

Hike summary

Trail notes

History

Trail difficulty

Grade 4 (Hard)

Planning information

Trail tips

Map and GPX file

Safety and preparation

Think safety first

Let someone know

Free checklists

Getting there and where to stay

Accommodation nearby

Explore the region

About the region

Explore nearby hikes

Hotham to Dinner Plain Trail Walk (22.5km)

Spargo & Derrick Huts Hike (11km)

Hotham Huts Walk (18km)

Dibbins Hut – Mount Loch Circuit Hike (20.5km)

Photo gallery

Weather on the trail

Trail Reviews

9 Reviews on “Cobungra Ditch Circuit Hike (17km)”

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Notice something different about this trail?

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

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