Grade 5

Howitt & Helicopter Spur Hike (27km)

Alpine National Park

Victoria

27km

2 days

Grade 5

Circuit

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Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the stunning Alpine National Park in Victoria, starting and finishing at the Upper Howqua Camping Area, on the challenging 27km Howitt and Helicopter Spur circuit. Just a few hours from Melbourne, near the town of Mansfield, this Grade 5 hike boasts steep climbs, alpine plains, and heart-stopping views of Victorian Alps. Remember to carry ample water, as sources can be scarce, and prepare for an adventurous two-day journey through one of Australia's most captivating landscapes.

Max elevation: 1734m

Min elevation: 840m

Total Ascent: 1711m

3,218 views

Safety advice


Hike overview


Tips


Map and GPX file

Howitt & Helicopter Spur Hike (27km)


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.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region


Similar trails nearby


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

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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.

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

Howitt & Helicopter Spur Hike (27km)


4 Reviews on “Howitt & Helicopter Spur Hike (27km)”

Overall rating
  • March 2024:
    – Fun trail, with amazing views on the ridges.
    – Please don’t assume there’ll be water at Hellfire. Was dry, so we carried up 6+L.
    – Tricky going on both days. Steep at high altitude, overgrown at lower altitude (esp. on Stanley’s Name spur). Navigation was OK enough but would be tricky at night in the scrub sections.
    – Some scrambling required. Fine to do with pack on.
    – Very cheeky foxes (I think) at Hellfire camp. Tried to steal my backpack, and even nicked a foam mat from under my closed vestibule. No fear at all sniffing centimetres from my head though my tent. Hang up your food folks.

    1. Avatar of darren edwards Darren Edwards Trail Author

      Sounds like you had a fun trip. I love this hike and your comments brought back great memories. Good tips about Hellfire as it often runs dry. Sneaky little foxes, that’s certainly something to be mindful of. That’d suck if your pack was stolen.

  • Did this over the 22/23 New Year with a group of four. Trail is in great condition and was great fun. Bushwalking Vic have done work on Queens Spur to clear it between the Howqua River and Stanley Name Spur (although the blackberries are coming back fast – always a problem in that valley). You may have seen some news reporting of a hiker having trouble at the HellFire Creek/Mount Magdala Campsite. There is definitely a confident animal of some sort hanging around that site. Tore open one of our tents and dragged items all over the place. Dragged a pack from underneath a vestibule. We saw a pair of beedy eyes in the dark, but didn’t see what it was. Its strong though, perhaps a big possum or even a wily wild dog/Alpine Dingo. Unsure, but keep your gear packed properly in case.

    1. Avatar of darren edwards Darren Edwards Trail Author

      What a great way to spend New Years. Great tip on the ‘thief in the night’.

  • Avatar of lynda maddison Lynda Maddison

    Mani Andreetta

    1. Avatar of mani andreetta Mani Andreetta

      Lynda Maddison thx, looks tough and amazing. I’ve wanted to do Mt, Howitt, the Crosscut Saw and Bluff track for such a long time.

  • Avatar of dean herman Dean Herman

    Trail Hiking Australia how hard is helicopter spur?

    1. Avatar of darren edwards Darren Edwards

      Dean Herman it’s steep and seemingly relentless but honestly, not too bad. There’s one section where you approach what seems like an impassable rock face but with a bit of investigation, it’s easy enough to find a way to climb/scramble up.

  • Avatar of ken scott Ken Scott

    Love it!! My first hike when I started hiking – down track was very overgrown with blackberries last I did it

  • Avatar of michael wilson Michael Wilson

    Nina Birss
    Jason Goldstein
    In One day ?
    We did Viking fast 🤷🏻‍♂️
    ( and not a single meltdown😂)

    1. Avatar of jason goldstein Jason Goldstein

      Michael Wilson more of a moment than a meltdown…

  • Avatar of darren edwards Darren Edwards

    Love this hike. An excellent challenge.

  • Avatar of trail hiking australia Trail Hiking Australia

    This is one of my alpine favourites. A sensational hike.

  • Avatar of adeline dickson Adeline Dickson

    we should

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Acknowledgement of Country

Howitt & helicopter spur hike (27km)

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.