Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the rugged beauty of Victoria's Alpine National Park on the challenging 20.5km Eagle Peaks and Eight Mile Spur hiking trail. Starting from Davons Flat and ending at Seven Mile Flat, near Mansfield and 227km from Melbourne, this Grade 4 hike showcases steep and rocky ridges, stunning peak views, and tranquil river flats. Prior experience and good navigation skills are essential for this hard-grade hike, promising a rewarding adventure through remote and natural terrains, perfect for seasoned bushwalkers.

Length:

20.5km

Duration:

8 hrs

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 1409m

Min elevation: 457m

Total Ascent: 1531m

Start: Davons Flat

End: Seven Mile Flat

Alpine National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Mansfield

From state capital: 227km

Latitude: -37.18888942

Longitude: 146.3499091

Overview

Map

Gallery

Weather

Similar

Region

3,727 views

Hike overview

Eagle Peaks are 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 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.

Trail features

Gallery

Eagle Peaks & Eight Mile Spur Hike (20.5km)

Add your photos

Got some great shots from this hike? Upload your photos here to inspire others and show off the beauty of the trail!

Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You can be credited for your contributions, and you can request removal at any time.

Walk map and GPX file

Eagle Peaks & Eight Mile Spur Hike (20.5km)

Total distance: 20392 m
Max elevation: 1409 m
Min elevation: 457 m
Total climbing: 1531 m
Total descent: -1427 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Alpine National Park.

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.

Get there with Google Maps

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 is a national park 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.

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

Reviews

Eagle Peaks & Eight Mile Spur Hike (20.5km)

4 Reviews on “Eagle Peaks & Eight Mile Spur Hike (20.5km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards

Love this hike.

20/01/2024, 11:34

Like
Log in to Reply

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

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

Eagle peaks & eight mile spur hike (20. 5km)

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance