Crosscut Saw and Mt Speculation (24.7km), Alpine National Park, Victoria

Crosscut Saw and Mt Speculation is a 24.7km, grade 4 hike located in the Alpine National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 2 days to complete.

Length: 24.7km

Duration: 2 days

Grade: 4

Style: Return

Start: Mount Howitt Carpark

End: Mount Howitt Carpark

Location: Alpine National Park

Closest town: Licola

Victoria

From state capital: 323km

Longitude: 146.6698119

Latitude: -37.17097363

Hike summary

The hike from Mount Howitt to Mount Speculation follows the path of the Australian Alps Walking Track as it makes its way along the Crosscut Saw. Many would describe this as one of the must-do hikes in the Alpine National Park.

Starting at the Mount Howitt Carpark hike for approximately 1.5 hours to Macalister Springs where you will set up camp for the night. You will need to carry everything you require for a two night camp on your back.

Day two you will hike The Crosscut Saw and Mount Speculation returning to the campsite for the evening. Day three you will make the return hike to your cars. This can also be done as a two day hike. We drove up on the Friday night to make an early start.

For those keen to hike on day two, stop at Bryces Gorge for a leisurely 8km (2.5 hour return) hike.

The Crosscut Saw is a scramble along a narrow ridge and is not for those with a fear of heights. We will be walking at a moderate pace with few stops and as such this hike is not suitable for inexperienced hikers.

Route and GPX file

Total distance: 24744 m
Max elevation: 1666 m
Min elevation: 1417 m
Total climbing: 1290 m
Total descent: -1290 m

Download file: Crosscut Saw and Mt Speculation.gpx

Trail Features

Rough Trail

Gear you might need

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Location

Getting there

Drive to Licola and at the road junction near the bridge take the Tamboritha Road (don't cross the bridge). You will drive past bush camp sites before the road will turn into a dirt road. 48km from Licola you will reach the Arbuckle Junction, turn left and follow Howitt Road for another 37km to the Mount Howitt Carpark.

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Let someone know before you go

It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.

Weather

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.

Gallery

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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.

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