Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the Alpine National Park in Victoria on the Hotham Huts Walk, a challenging 18km circuit graded as hard. Starting and ending at the Loch Car Park, the trail is close to Hotham Heights village and about 378km from the capital city. It features diverse terrain, from sun-dappled woodland to verdant gullies, and provides a unique insight into the region's ecological diversity and rich heritage. Tailor your journey to your fitness level and interest, and prepare for a journey through Australia's stunning alpine wilderness.

Length:

18km

Duration:

7-8 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 1846m

Min elevation: 1410m

Total Ascent: 966m

Start: Loch Car park

End: Loch Car park

Alpine National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Hotham Heights village

From state capital: 378km

Latitude: -36.9752968137655

Longitude: 147.13820278644565

Overview

Map

Gallery

Weather

Similar

Region

2,908 views

Safety advice

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 invites you to explore rarely seen natural and historic landscapes, weaving through diverse ecosystems—from sun-dappled woodlands to lush gullies—while uncovering the region’s rich heritage.

This scenic trail links three of Hotham’s significant historic huts, each playing a key role in the development of Hotham Alpine Resort: Spargo’s Hut (gold mining), Derrick Hut (ski touring), and Silver Brumby Hut (representing cattle grazing and featured in The Silver Brumby film). Along the way, interpretive signs share fascinating insights into the area’s remarkable past.

The walk traverses a variety of landscapes, from shady forests and damp gullies to striking waterfalls and open high plains with sweeping alpine views. It can be tailored to suit different fitness levels and interests—hike the full 18 km circuit or choose a shorter route:

Skip the final 2.8 km along the Great Alpine Road (requires a car shuffle or pickup).
Omit the side trip to Silver Brumby Hut (shortens the walk by 2.8 km).

Trailheads are conveniently located along the Great Alpine Road at the Alpine Crossing Trailhead, Loch Car Park, and Davenport Access Track—each offering ample parking.

Starting from Davenport Access Track, the trail follows the Cobungra Ditch Walk for 1.7 km, then descends into Swindler’s Creek before climbing Golden Point Spur to Spargo’s Hut—the steepest section of the walk. Many hikers prefer beginning at the Alpine Crossing Trailhead, which avoids this ascent and offers a more gradual route across the high plains.

Whether tackling the full circuit or selecting key highlights, the Hotham Huts Walk offers a unique alpine adventure. Immerse yourself in the region’s history, embrace the tranquility of the trails, and soak in breathtaking mountain vistas along the way.

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 Gold Mining

Built in 1927-1928 by prospector Bill Spargo and his brother Cecil, Spargo’s Hut served as a base camp for their gold mining ventures in the Golden Point area. One of the oldest intact structures in the resort, this State Heritage-registered hut has been likened to Mawson’s Hut of the Australian Alps, symbolizing the resilience of those who sought fortune in the rugged alpine terrain.

Beyond gold mining, Bill Spargo played a crucial role in shaping Mount Hotham’s history. As Superintendent of the Alpine Road for the Country Roads Board in the 1920s, he was instrumental in establishing Mount Hotham as a skiing destination. His legacy continued with the discovery of the Red Robin Reef on Machinery Spur in 1941, one of the richest gold-bearing reefs in the area. Remarkably, Spargo’s Hut has survived both the 1939 and 2003 bushfires, standing as a testament to the region’s enduring past.

Derrick Hut: A Tribute to Ski Touring

Built in 1967 by the Wangaratta Ski Club, Derrick Hut was designed as a day shelter for ski tourers venturing across the alpine terrain. Nestled in a sheltered hollow on Dibbins (Swindler’s) Spur, the hut is surrounded by ancient snow gums, offering protection from the harsh winter conditions.

This simple yet significant timber hut is a memorial to Charles Derrick, a cross-country skier who perished in a 1965 blizzard while attempting to ski from Mount Bogong to Mount Hotham. Today, Derrick Hut remains an important waypoint for winter adventurers embracing the alpine wilderness.

Silver Brumby Hut: A Cinematic Landmark

The original Silver Brumby Hut was built in 1992 as a film set for the Australian movie The Silver Brumby, based on Elyne Mitchell’s beloved novel. While the original hut was a temporary structure, a replica was constructed in 2006-2007 as a permanent tribute to the film and its connection to Australia’s alpine heritage.

This reconstruction was a collaborative effort between the Rotary Club of Sale Central, East Gippsland Institute of TAFE, Tanderra Ski Club, and the Mount Hotham Resort Management Board. Located in the Plains of Heaven on Swindler’s Creek, the hut is a scenic and historic spot, making it an ideal place for a picnic lunch while exploring the area.

Preserving Alpine Heritage

These three huts—along with others scattered throughout the Mount Hotham region—stand as silent sentinels of the past, embodying the resilience, resourcefulness, and pioneering spirit of those who shaped the European heritage of the high country. Each hut tells a unique story, offering a glimpse into the region’s history of gold mining, ski touring, and cultural significance in Australian cinema.

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.

Gallery

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Walk map and GPX file

Hotham Huts Walk (18km)

Total distance: 18322 m
Max elevation: 1846 m
Min elevation: 1410 m
Total climbing: 966 m
Total descent: -965 m

Getting there

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

Getting to the trailhead in Alpine National Park.

The Huts Walk is accessible from the Great Alpine Road at Loch Car Park or Davenport Access Track, both of which offer parking.

At the southern Davenport Access Track trailhead, the walk begins along the Cobungra Ditch Walk for 1.8 km (see Cobungra Ditch Track Notes). From there, the trail descends into Swindler’s Creek before making a steep ascent up Golden Point Spur to Spargo’s Hut—the steepest section of the walk. The remainder of the trail traverses the open and relatively flat high plains.

Getting to Mount Hotham

Option 1: Follow the Hume Freeway (M31) north past Benalla, then take the B500 exit toward Beechworth/Bright. Follow signs through Bright to Harrietville, continuing on the Great Alpine Road to Mount Hotham.
Option 2: Follow the M1/CityLink/Monash Freeway east toward Gippsland, continuing to Bairnsdale. From there, follow signs to Omeo and the Great Alpine Road, which leads north to Mount Hotham.

Getting to the Trailhead from Mount Hotham Village

The walk starts at Davenport Access Track, located opposite Tanderra Ski Lodge on the Great Alpine Road. If hiking in reverse, the starting point is Loch Reservoir and Car Park. Parking is available at both trailheads.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

The Alpine National Park is a breathtaking expanse covering 646,000 hectares in Victoria’s Central Highlands and Alpine regions. Located to the northeast of Melbourne, this vast park is the largest in the state, protecting some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in Australia. It encompasses the towering peaks of the Great Dividing Range, with Mount Bogong standing as Victoria’s highest peak at 1,986 metres. The park’s rugged terrain is dotted with subalpine woodlands, grasslands, and snow gum forests, offering an unforgettable setting for any adventure. The northeastern edge of the park meets the New South Wales border, merging seamlessly into Kosciuszko National Park.

Whether you're an avid hiker or simply someone who loves the great outdoors, the Alpine National Park has something for everyone. This is the place to explore Victoria’s highest mountain ranges, with trails like the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing offering jaw-dropping views over alpine ridgelines and lush river valleys. The Razorback Trail leads you to Mount Feathertop, Victoria’s second-highest peak, while the iconic Mount Bogong invites you to summit the state’s tallest peak. Along the way, you’ll come across historic huts once home to legendary cattlemen, scattered across the Bogong High Plains.

In addition to hiking, the park is a haven for thrill-seekers. White-water rafting on the Mitta Mitta River will get your adrenaline racing, while the snow-covered landscapes of winter provide perfect conditions for skiing, from well-maintained downhill runs to more remote cross-country trails. The park also caters to mountain bikers, horse riders, and four-wheel drive enthusiasts eager to tackle its varied terrain. For those looking to experience the natural beauty from a different perspective, hang gliding and paragliding offer an exciting way to soar above the dramatic scenery.

The Alpine National Park is not only a spectacular place for outdoor activities but also a significant part of the cultural landscape of the Taungurung and Gunaikurnai Peoples, whose traditional Country the park occupies. The park’s diverse ecosystems—ranging from snow gums and alpine ash trees to alpine herb fields and wildflower meadows—create an ever-changing landscape that is especially stunning in spring, when colourful wildflowers blanket the high plains.

A great way to experience the park is by taking the Great Alpine Road Touring Route, which traverses the heart of the Victorian Alps. This scenic drive offers panoramic views of the park and beyond, making it a perfect way to appreciate the vastness and beauty of the area. Whether you choose to visit during the snowy winter months or in the warmer spring and summer seasons, the Alpine National Park never fails to impress.

For those planning a hiking trip, the nearest town to the Alpine National Park is Bright, located around 325 kilometres northeast of Melbourne. From here, you can easily access the park’s many trails and outdoor activities. Other nearby towns like Mount Beauty and Mansfield also serve as great bases for exploring the park.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Alpine National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar 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

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Hotham Huts Walk (18km)

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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.

Hike at a Glance

Safety advice

Hike overview