Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 1521m
Min elevation: 674m
Total Ascent: 1135m
Hike overview
The Delatite River Trail offers a rewarding 23 kilometre return hike through Victoria's Alpine National Park, tracing a scenic path between Mount Buller and Mirimbah Park. Graded as a level 4 track, this trail is suited to hikers with a moderate to high level of fitness and experience, taking most walkers around eight to nine hours to complete the return journey. Whether you’re drawn to mountain terrain, river crossings, or simply the peaceful rhythm of alpine forest, the Delatite River Trail delivers a blend of challenge and natural beauty.
You can hike the trail in either direction, starting from Mount Buller or Mirimbah Park. Many choose to complete it as a return walk, although it can also be tackled one way if a car shuffle is arranged. The trail closely follows the course of the Delatite River, weaving in and out of lush alpine woodland, with a dozen sturdy log bridges helping you across the river in both directions. Smaller creek crossings also punctuate the journey, adding variety to the terrain underfoot and keeping your attention on changing conditions.
Access to the trail is possible via a few entry points. One option is to begin at the picnic table on Cornhill Road, but be prepared for a steep, rocky descent at the outset. A more commonly used access point is from Mount Buller Village. From here, drive to Box Corner and leave your vehicle in the designated area. Cross the road on foot and pass through the gate near the storage compound. A clearly signposted junction will direct you to the Delatite River Trail.
Shortly after the junction near Box Corner Link, you’ll reach a split in the trail. To the right lies a longer, more gradual option that gently winds its way along the contour of the land. Alternatively, turning left takes you along Woody’s Shortcut, which is a shorter but steeper and more uneven section. If you’re completing the hike as a return journey, many walkers enjoy experiencing both routes, using one on the way out and the other on the return.
The route follows the river all the way down to Mirimbah Park, a peaceful spot to pause, rest or refuel before retracing your steps. The return leg offers a fresh perspective on the landscape, with the sound of the river as a constant companion and the changing light casting new colours across the forest. Depending on your chosen start point, you’ll finish either at Cornhill Road or back at Box Corner near the Mount Buller Village.
This is a hike best done with proper planning, including arranging transport if needed and checking seasonal conditions. The trail is especially enjoyable in the warmer months when the river crossings are more accessible and the forest is alive with birdlife. It's a journey that rewards patience, with a strong sense of connection to the landscape and the quiet satisfaction of moving under your own steam through one of Victoria’s most scenic alpine valleys.
Tips
- Be aware that this trail is shared with mountain bikers and horse riders. Stay alert and be prepared to step aside safely to allow others to pass.
- The trail is subject to seasonal closures and may be snow-covered in winter. From June to September, snowshoes are required.
- Hiking is generally recommended between October and May, when conditions are clearer and more suitable for walking.
- For the latest updates on trail conditions, seasonal closures, or snowshoeing guidelines, contact Mount Buller Mount Stirling Resort Management on (03) 5777 6077.
Trail features
- Gravel Track
- Rough Track
- Mountain Bike Trail
- Trail Running
- Horse Riding
- Alpine Region
- Rivers
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Untreated Water
Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 1521 m
Min elevation: 674 m
Total climbing: 1135 m
Total descent: -1136 m
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Alpine National Park.
From Melbourne, head northeast on the Hume Freeway (M31), then follow the C382 and Goulburn Valley Highway (B340) through Yea and Mansfield. From Mansfield, take the Maroondah Highway (B300) and continue onto Mount Buller Road (C320). Once you reach Mount Buller, continue along Summit Road to the village.
The trail begins either at the picnic table on Cornhill Road or from Box Corner, where parking is available. From Box Corner, cross the road on foot and follow the signs to the Delatite River Trail.
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
About the region
The Alpine National Park stretches across 646,000 hectares of rugged beauty in Victoria’s high country, northeast of Melbourne. It’s the largest national park in the state, encompassing much of the Great Dividing Range, including Victoria’s highest peak, Mount Bogong, which rises to 1,986 metres. The park’s northeastern edge meets the border of New South Wales, connecting with Kosciuszko National Park to form a vast and continuous alpine environment. These high plains, snow gum woodlands, and river valleys hold a rich mix of natural wonder, history, and cultural significance.
This is a place that rewards time and curiosity. Whether you’re hiking across windswept ridgelines, cycling along twisting mountain trails, or following old stock routes once used by cattlemen, the Alpine National Park offers experiences that feel deeply tied to the landscape. During the warmer months, the grassy plains burst with wildflowers and the cool air carries the scent of snow gums. In winter, the region transforms again, drawing backcountry skiers and snowshoers into a quieter, snow-covered world.
There are many ways to explore this country. The Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing takes in some of the region’s most dramatic scenery, threading through river valleys and over exposed alpine ridges. For something equally rewarding, the Razorback Trail leads to Mount Feathertop, Victoria’s second-highest peak. The narrow ridge that leads there offers striking views across the high country and a sense of immersion in the landscape that’s hard to forget. Mount Bogong, the highest of them all, is a tough climb but a deeply rewarding one for experienced walkers.
Beyond the trails, the park also tells stories of the people who’ve called this place home for thousands of years. The Alpine National Park lies within the traditional lands of the Taungurung and Gunaikurnai Peoples. Their deep cultural connection to Country continues today, woven into the fabric of the landscape. Scattered throughout the high plains, you’ll also find huts once used by mountain cattlemen, many of which now offer shelter for hikers and skiers.
For those seeking more than hiking, the park has plenty to offer. Remote four-wheel drive tracks crisscross the region, with the Wonnangatta Valley offering one of the most iconic routes through steep, forested country. The Mitta Mitta River provides thrilling white-water rafting, while cross-country and downhill skiing draw visitors in the colder months. No matter how you travel through the park, there’s a sense of rawness and scale that makes each visit memorable.
The Alpine National Park isn’t a place to rush through. It’s a landscape shaped by time, weather, and tradition. Take the time to pause, breathe the cool mountain air, and absorb the silence. Whether you’re following a well-worn trail or forging your own path, this high country offers something both grounding and expansive.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Alpine National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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.
Explore safe
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.
Packing checklists
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.
Let someone know
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
Suggest an edit
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.
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.