Dibbins Hut - Mount Loch Circuit is a 20.5km, grade 4 hike located in the Alpine National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 8 hrs to complete but can also be planned as an overnight hike.
Hike summary
As the original Dibbins Hut, built in 1920, was beyond repair, a new hut was built on the same site in 1987 using similar log construction and design. Standing on a snow plain beside the Cobungra River it makes a pleasant destination for a day walk or an overnight hike. Follow the pole line past Derrick Hut and down Swindlers Spur to the hut near pole 187.
This Dibbins Hut - Mount Loch Circuit hike can be done as a long hard day walk or as a Medium to Hard 2 day backpack. If backpacking the best spot for an overnight campsite is at Dibbins Hut.
The walk begins at the Mount Loch car-park and follows a 4WD road along a ridge towards Mount Loch. There are few trees in this area so the views are excellent. Just short of Mount Loch, turn right on to the Australian Alpine Walking Track, reaching Derrick Hut about 1 ½ km after the turn-off.
The flowers in this area are usually very prolific. After Derrick Hut continue to follow the ridge with good views out through the burnt snow gums. The last kilometre before Dibbins Hut drops quite steeply and those with wonky knees will find a walking pole an advantage. Dibbins Hut is set in a delightful river flat beside the Cobungra River and it is a good spot for lunch. (There is a pit toilet there).
The Hut was built in 1987 to replace the original Dibbins Hut, built in 1920, which was beyond repair. Similar log construction and design was used for the 'new' hut.
The return route first crosses the Cobungra River on a small bridge, climbs a few metres and then crosses Cobungra gap into the watershed of the East Kiewa River. Travel north-east to the Red Robin Battery and then swing southerly along a 4WD track that climbs steadily to the Red Robin Mine and then follows a fairly level ridge back to Mount Loch and then to the start at the car-park.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 1850 m
Min elevation: 1207 m
Total climbing: 1096 m
Total descent: -1094 m
Tips
Camping at Blair Hut is as good an option as Dibbins Hut if one wants to even out the days. Also fewer people around.
Gear you might need
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Location
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Getting there
Drive to Mount Hotham via the Hume Highway, Wangaratta, Myrtleford and Harrietville. Stop at the Mount Loch carpark about 2km before the Hotham Heights village. Note: At the moment (April 2022) Mount Loch carpark is closed. It's best to leave packs etc. at works and leave car at Hotham village. Check current conditions before heading out.
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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