Trail Fast Facts
The Crosscut Saw and Mt Speculation is a 24.7km, grade 4 hike in Alpine National Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 2 days to complete.
Hike Overview
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 you first hike for approximately 1.5 hours to Macalister Springs where you can set up camp for the night near Vallejo Gantner Hut. Vallejo Gantner Hut was built in the late 1960's as a memorial following the death of Vallejo Gantner, the grandson of Sidney Myer the founder of the Myer department store chain. In 2013, Parks Victoria unveiled the "loo with a view", at Macalister Springs, which uses a sealed tank system to ensure no waste or seepage into the local environment. Macalister Springs also has a very reliable water source (as the name would suggest).
I have always undertaken this hike in two and a bit days by walking the short distance into Macalister Springs on the day of arrival. From there you can hike across the Crosscut Saw to Mount Speculation and set up camp at Camp Creek or leave your camp set up at Macalister Springs Springs and do a return day hike to Speculation. While a return day hike across the Crosscut Saw is long, it does mean you aren't lugging your overnight pack across the ridge line and back.
The traverse of the Crosscut Saw is not overly challenging although it is rough and undulating with a few rock scrambles. The section from Mount Buggery via Horrible Gap to Mount Speculation is the most challenging section and requires rock scrambling on steep, loose and uneven terrain. It is well worth pausing at the summit of Mount Buggery for a snack or lunch so you can take a wander around and appreciate the views. It's also a good time to appreciate the elevation gain you have just made before you loose it all again by descending into Horrible Gap.
The ascent of Mount Speculation is steady but also comes with its challenges. There are a handful of rock outcrops to negotiate and although they aren't difficult, they do require a bit of thinking as you scramble up the near vertical faces.
The exciting thing to consider is that this is a return hike so after reaching the summit, you will need to turn around and do it all again.
If you are planning on spending the night near Mount Speculation, there is a campsite located just near Camp Creek. There is also an additional site on the approach to Mount Speculation summit. Select your preferred site depending on the conditions as the one nearer to Speculation is slightly more exposed. Mount Speculation is renowned for being one of the finest campsites in the high country. There are no toilets available at this site.
Water can be located at the head of the gully at Camp Creek which passes under Speculation Road. A signpost near the summit of Mt Speculation points to 'Water 200m' however, I've not found this to be a reliable info. You are better off just walking to the road and find water where the creek passes underneath.
Whether this is completed as a day, overnight or multi-day hike, the scenery is breathtaking and I highly recommend taking your time to take in the jaw dropping views. This hike is also a great introduction to the Australian Alps Walking Track, Buller Huts Trail and Viking Circuit that also traverse the Crosscut Saw.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 1666 m
Min elevation: 1417 m
Total climbing: 1290 m
Total descent: -1290 m
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.
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.
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.
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Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? 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
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Acknowledgement of Country
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