The Hotham Huts Walk is an 18km, grade 4 hike located in the Alpine National Park, Victoria. The full circuit hike should take around 7 hrs to complete.
Warning
The Hotham Huts Walk is typically ideal for hiking from November to April. Whatever the season, it's crucial to be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions, as snowfall and blizzards can occur year-round.
Hike overview
Seeking an unforgettable journey through Australia's alpine splendor? The Hotham Huts Walk awaits, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the region's rarely seen natural and historic landscapes. This captivating trail winds through a diverse ecosystem, from sun-dappled woodlands to verdant gullies, revealing the region's rich heritage and ecological diversity.
The Huts Walk can be tailored to suit individual fitness levels and interests, allowing you to explore the trail's entirety or select specific sections that pique your curiosity.
The trailheads are conveniently located along the Great Alpine Road – Alpine Crossing Trailhead, Loch Car Park, or Davenport Access Track. Both areas offer ample parking.
Starting from the Davenport Access Track end, the trail follows the Cobungra Ditch Walk for 1.7 kilometres. Beyond the ditch, the track descends into Swindler's Creek before making a gradual ascent up Golden Point Spur towards Spargo's Hut – the steepest section of the trail.
Many walkers prefer to start at the Alpine Crossing Trailhead (as per the route map below), which avoids the steep ascent from Swindler's Creek. The remainder of the walk traverses the relatively open and flat high plains, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding alpine panorama.
Whether you choose to complete the full circuit or savor individual sections, the Hotham Huts Walk promises an unforgettable encounter with Australia's alpine wilderness. Embrace the tranquility of the trails, immerse yourself in the region's rich history, and revel in the breathtaking natural beauty that awaits.
Huts: Cornerstones of Mt Hotham's European History
Huts have played an integral role in the European history of the Mt Hotham region, serving as essential shelters for miners, cattle graziers, early travelers, tourists, and pioneer skiers. These rudimentary yet resilient structures have stood the test of time, bearing witness to the region's rich heritage and the indomitable spirit of its inhabitants.
The Huts Walk, a popular hiking trail, showcases three significant huts, each representing a pivotal chapter in Australia's alpine narrative.
Spargo's Hut: A Legacy of Goldmining
Constructed in 1927-1928 by prospector Bill Spargo and his brother Cecil, Spargo's Hut served as a base camp for their goldmining ventures in the Golden Point area. The hut's enduring presence symbolises the determination and perseverance of those who sought fortune in the rugged alpine terrain.
Derrick Hut: Embracing Winter Adventures
Derrick Hut, built in 1939, stands as a testament to the region's burgeoning ski industry. It provided refuge for early ski enthusiasts who braved the elements to enjoy the exhilarating slopes of Mt Hotham. The hut's legacy is intertwined with the evolution of winter sports in Australia.
Silver Brumby Hut: A Cinematic Landmark
Silver Brumby Hut, constructed in 1953, holds a unique place in Australian cinema history. It served as the principal filming location for the 1963 film "The Silver Brumby," a beloved story of a wild brumby foal. The hut's enduring presence evokes memories of this iconic Australian film.
These three huts, along with others scattered throughout the Mt Hotham region, embody the spirit of resilience and resourcefulness that has shaped the area's European heritage. They stand as silent sentinels, guarding the stories of those who dared to venture into this alpine wilderness.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 1846 m
Min elevation: 1410 m
Total climbing: 966 m
Total descent: -965 m
Tips
Bushfires have left their mark on the snow gums along the Hotham Huts Walk. While the trees are valiantly regenerating, dead branches are shedding with the new growth. On windy days, these falling limbs and branches pose a potential hazard to hikers. For your safety, its wise to reconsider using the track on windy days.
Be aware that snakes are active during the warmer months. To minimise the risk of snake encounters, stay alert and watch your footing. Wear sturdy boots and long trousers, and avoid walking through long grass or dense vegetation. If you encounter a snake, stay calm and move away slowly. Do not attempt to approach, harass, or harm the snake.
Trail location
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Getting there
Option 1. Take the Hume Hwy to Wangaratta then the Great Alpine Road direct to Hotham, or the Snow Road via Milawa & Oxley to Myrtleford, Bright, Harrietville & Hotham. Travel time around 4.25 hours with a distance of 380km..
Option 2. Take the Monash Freeway (which turns into the Princes Hwy) to Bairnsdale, then Omeo, then the Great Alpine Road to Hotham past the Hotham Airport and Dinner Plain. Travel time around 5.5 hours with a distance of 460km.
Check out the Winter Access Guide for straightforward advice on driving in the snow, resort entry processes, parking and more.
Gallery
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About the region
The Alpine National Park is a vast national park encompassing 646,000 hectares in the Central Highlands and Alpine regions of Victoria, Australia. Situated northeast of Melbourne, it reigns as the largest national park in Victoria, safeguarding a significant portion of the Great Dividing Range's highest elevations. Mount Bogong, Victoria's highest peak at 1,986 meters, stands majestically within the park's boundaries, along with the surrounding subalpine woodlands and grasslands of the Bogong High Plains. The park's northeastern edge aligns with the New South Wales border, where it seamlessly transitions into 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.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
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.