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 overview
The Dibbins Hut - Mount Loch Circuit is a 20.5 kilometre, grade 4 hike located in the Alpine National Park, Victoria. It is a challenging but rewarding hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The hike can be done as a long day walk or an overnight trip. If you are planning to overnight, there is a camping area at Dibbins Hut.
The hike begins by following a 4WD road along a ridge towards Mount Loch. The views from this section of the hike are amazing. Just short of Mount Loch, you will turn right onto the Australian Alpine Walking Track. The Australian Alpine Walking Track is a well-maintained track that takes you past Derrick Hut and down Swindlers Spur to Dibbins Hut.
The last kilometre before Dibbins Hut is quite steep, so be sure to take your time. Dibbins Hut is located in a beautiful river flat beside the Cobungra River. It is a great place to have lunch or spend the night.
The return route first crosses the Cobungra River on a small bridge. From there, you will climb a few meters and then cross Cobungra Gap into the watershed of the East Kiewa River.
From Cobungra Gap, you will travel north-east to the Red Robin Battery. The Red Robin Battery is a fascinating relic of the gold mining era. From the Red Robin Battery, you will swing southerly along a 4WD track that climbs steadily to the Red Robin Mine.
The Red Robin Mine is no longer in operation, but it is still a popular spot for hikers and photographers. From the Red Robin Mine, you will follow a fairly level ridge back to Mount Loch and then to the start at the carpark.
Dibbins Hut
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Victorian Alps, two huts stand as testaments to human resilience and the enduring spirit of adventure. Dibbins Hut, named after local cattleman Arthur Dibbins, was originally constructed in 1917. Over time, the elements took their toll, and a new hut, echoing the design of its predecessor, was erected in 1987.
The path to Dibbins Hut winds past Derrick Hut, a day shelter built in 1967 to honor Charles Derrick, a cross-country skier who tragically lost his life while traversing the treacherous terrain between Mount Hotham and Mount Bogong.
Both Dibbins Hut and Derrick Hut serve as welcome havens for weary hikers seeking respite from the challenges of the alpine wilderness. They stand as poignant reminders of the region's rich history and the unwavering determination of those who ventured into its embrace.
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.
Trail location
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Getting there
The hike starts at the Mount Loch carpark. To get there, take the Maroona Road from Mansfield. The carpark is located about 20 kilometres from Mansfield.
Gallery
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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.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
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Gear to consider
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
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.
3 Reviews on “Dibbins Hut - Mount Loch Circuit Hike (20.5km)”
Megan Weinrauch ?
Troy Larkin
Stacey Novotny nice training walk ??
Thanks for introducing me to the site. It looks amazing. So many great hikes for day trips or longer…
Damian Rezmer
Anne Holloway Cathryn Mackiewicz
Amy Hankinson
Ooh this looks like an overnight goodie Emily O’Brien
Love this hike!
8 hours Josh?
Here’s a a big one Jason Whittle
This is an excellent walk – especially in Spring. We wrote it up as Day 19 of the 670 km Australian Alps Walking Track. Australia’s best long distance walking track. https://takeawalk.com.au/australian-alps-walking-track
Rebecca Fogarty, Allison Parkinson, Donna Haigh, Sheree McKenzie