Trail summary

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Quick overview: Discover the thrilling Eagle Peaks Circuit hike in the Alpine National Park, just a stone's throw from the town of Mansfield. This challenging grade 5, 26km hike offers experienced bushwalkers a 2-day adventure through rugged terrains, steep spur, and overgrown trails. Marvel at the stunning views from the summit of Mount Darling, conquer the near-vertical climb to the Eagle Peaks, and navigate the rocky ridgelines before returning to Sheepyard Flat. This trail is not for the faint-hearted but promises an unforgettable bush-bashing experience.

Length: 26km

Duration: 2 days

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Style: Circuit

Start: Sheepyard Flat

End: Sheepyard Flat

Location: Alpine National Park

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Mansfield

From state capital: 226km

Latitude: -37.19385287

Longitude: 146.3462591

Hike Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

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Reviews

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 Circuit is an extremely challenging hike that should only be undertaken by experienced hikers.

The circuit commences at Sheepyard Flat. Follow the gravel road from Sheepyard flat until you reach a walking trail that runs over to and alongside Lickhole Creek. Follow this trail until you reach the summit of Mount Darling.

From the summit, descend into Lickhole Gap and climb steeply onto the Eagle's Peaks. The entire spur from Mount Darling, through Lickhole Gap and up to Eagle Peaks is quite overgrown and requires a lot of bush bashing. The spur is steep and rocky in places and requires that you dont have a fear of heights or exposed ledges with the terrain being near-vertical in places to the 1,445 metre summit. Once on Ealge Peaks follow the narrow and rocky ridge line west, picking up the Eagle Peaks Track back to Dubons Flat. Turn left at the road junction and follow the road back to Sheepyard Flat.

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

Map and GPX file

Eagle Peaks Circuit Hike (26km)

Total distance: 26205 m
Max elevation: 1407 m
Min elevation: 444 m
Total climbing: 1752 m
Total descent: -1755 m

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Getting there

Eagle Peaks Circuit Hike (26km)

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.

Camping is available at Sheepyard Flat and if you wanted to make this a two day hike you can also camp on the saddle or summit of Mount Darling.

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Track grade

Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.

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.

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Looking for things to do in Alpine National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

Reviews

Eagle Peaks Circuit Hike (26km)

1 Review on “Eagle Peaks Circuit Hike (26km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards Trail Author

Received an update from a group who attempted this hike on 25/02/2023. We attempted this hike but couldn’t get through lickhole creek track to Mt darling due to huge blackberry infestation. Was super slow going have to cut/break down the blackberry. Turned back very cut up.

27/02/2023, 12:24

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James Bell

I’ve attempted this one twice, both times starting from Sheepyard Flat, but going clockise and anti-clockwise. To date I haven’t managed to complete the circuit. Going clockwise in May 2020 we ran out of daylight and water, camped near the final ascent up Eagle Peaks and then returned back the way we had come the next day. The second time in late 2021 going anti-clockwise the path 6-7km along the river was completely overgrown with blackberries – so I decided to turn around and try again another day. I will attempt this again, I hear the section near Eagle Peaks is great – but everything leading up to it is pretty miserable!

30/03/2022, 16:00

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Darren Edwards

Looking forward to doing this hike

24/03/2022, 05:18

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Darren Edwards Trail Author

We attempted this circuit on 23 January 2016. The spur from Lickhole Gap to Eagle Peaks is overgrown, is quite steep and requires exposed rock scrambling in order to gain the summit. Members of our team were not confident so we were forced to turn back.

24/03/2022, 05:18

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Stephanie Lee

Claire!! ??

24/03/2022, 05:18

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Jason Townsend

Can anyone say how reliable the water source on Mt Darling is? Looking to do this in November 🙂

24/03/2022, 05:18

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Stephanie Brosnan

Brad Atkinson is this THE eagles peak? Top of Brocks Rd near lickhole gap?

24/03/2022, 05:18

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe

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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.

Trail summary