Feathertop & Highplains Circuit Hike (47km)

Mount Feathertop

Mount Feathertop, Victoria’s second-highest mountain at 1,922 metres, is renowned for its dramatic slopes and breathtaking alpine scenery. Unlike many nearby peaks, Feathertop’s steep sides rise uninterrupted to the summit, lacking the rounded dome typical of other mountains in the region. Snow covers the peak from June to September, making it a popular destination for hiking in summer and for experienced mountaineers and extreme skiers in winter. However, Feathertop’s beauty comes with risks, as cornices form along the summit ridge in winter, requiring caution due to the history of accidents on the mountain.

Victorian High Country Huts

As part of the Feathertop and Highplains circuit, hikers can experience some of the Victorian high country’s historic huts, which were initially built in the 1800s by cattlemen, miners, and loggers. These huts, scattered across the alpine landscape, offer a glimpse into the region’s heritage. Although they provide temporary shelter, they’re not intended for overnight stays to preserve their cultural value. Following the Victorian High Country Huts Code of Conduct is essential to ensure these structures are respected and preserved for future generations.

Federation Hut, nestled among Snow Gums, serves as a base for climbing Mount Feathertop and can be accessed from Harrietville via Bungalow Spur or along The Razorback ridge from Mount Hotham. The hut offers emergency shelter only, and hikers are advised to carry a tent to ensure they have proper accommodation. Basic amenities include a toilet and a small tank with untreated water. Fires are only permitted in the hut’s fireplace, and the surrounding area is designated for fuel stove use only.

Blairs Hut, a log cabin located about 14.4 km from the trailhead, provides a good nearby camping area. Originally built with a bark roof, the hut was renovated in 1968, and its unusual stone-lined fireplace adds to its rustic charm. Westons Hut, another historical site, was rebuilt by volunteers and Parks Victoria after being destroyed in the 2006–2007 fires. Surrounded by snow gums and featuring nearby stockyards, it stands as a testament to community efforts to preserve these huts. Similarly, Youngs Hut, once an SEC survey hut, is maintained in partnership with Parks Victoria.

Dibbins Hut, situated on a snow plain near the headwaters of the Cobungra River, lies along the Australian Alps Walking Track and the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing. Built in 1987 to replace the original 1920s structure, it’s popular as a day or overnight stop for hikers and horse riders, though permits are required for horses from 1st December to 30th April. Derrick Hut, built in memory of cross-country skier Charlie Derrick, offers day shelter only and is not intended for overnight accommodation.

Water sources are available throughout the circuit. Near Mount Feathertop, hikers can access a natural spring about 850 metres from Memorial Cross along the North West Spur track. The Kiewa River West Branch provides cold, clear alpine water from Red Robin Battery through to the base of Diamantina Spur. As a precaution, always treat water from natural sources before drinking.

This journey through Mount Feathertop and the Victorian High Country offers both challenging alpine terrain and a unique historical experience, making it a memorable adventure for well-prepared hikers.