Eagle Peaks and Eight Mile Spur is a 20.5km, grade 4 hike located in the Alpine National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 8 hrs to complete.
Hike summary
Eagle Peaks are located in the heart of The Governors Remote & natural Area of the Alpine National Park, a remote area above the Howqua River. The Eagle Peaks and Eight Mile Spur is an extremely challenging hike that should only be undertaken by experienced hikers.
The hike commences at Davons Flat (also referred to as Dabons Flat on some maps), approximately 700m north east along Brocks Road from Sheepyard Flat. Follow the Eagle Peaks trail as it quickly ascends to 853m elevation where the spur narrows considerably. Continue to follow the trail south east to 932m elevation before turning east then south east to follow the ridgeline. The Eagle Peaks ridge continues to narrow and is steep and rocky in places. This section requires that you don't have a fear of heights or exposed ledges with the terrain being near-vertical in places to the 1,445 metre summit.
From the summit, at 1421m elevation, follow the disused 4WD track south east to the final rocky peak then continue to the junction of Brocks Road and Bluff Link Road. From the junction locate the start of a spur to the east. This section is off-trail so ensure you have good navigation skills and a map and compass before proceeding beyond this point. Ascend the spur to an elevation of 1220m before turning north to follow the narrow ridgeline to the head of Eight Mile Spur at 1292m elevation.
Locate the Eight Mile Spur trail to your left (north) and descend through dry open forest along Eight Mile Spur to a grassy clearing beside the Howqua River named Eight Mile Flat. From the flat, continue west along a foot trail beside the Howqua River to Seven Mile Flat. You could in fact terminate the hike at Eight Mile Flat but Seven Mile Flat is more accessible for 2WD vehicle.
Be Prepared
This hike requires that you have a sufficient level of equipment (in good working order), fitness and self-reliance. A PLB is also highly recommended as this is a remote area. The last water source is located in the creek crossing just before the ascent to Mount Darling. You will need to collect enough water to get you to your camp site and through the second day.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 1409 m
Min elevation: 457 m
Total climbing: 1531 m
Total descent: -1427 m
Gear you might need
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Location
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Getting there
From Mansfield, continue along the Mount Buller Road for 19.5km to Merijig, then a further 2km to the Howqua Track turnoff on the right. Follow the unsealed Howqua Track for 16.5km to Sheepyard Flat then proceed a few hundred metres north along Brocks Road to Davons Flat (also referred to as Dabons Flat on some maps).
Camping is available at Sheepyard Flat and many other campsites along Brocks Road.
Let someone know before you go
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
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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Let someone know before you go. Register your trip intentions here. Your trip intentions will be emailed to your emergency contact.
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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.