Crosscut Saw & Mt Speculation Hike (24.7km)

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.