This is a challenging grade 5 hike in a remove and rugged area. Trails may be ill-defined, the terrain will be steep and challenging with multiple rock scrambles required. This hike is for experiences, self-reliant hikers with excellent navigation skills.
This spectacular Howitt and Helicopter Spur alpine hike visits both Mount Magdala and Mount Howitt traversing one of the best sections of the long-distance Australian Alps Walking Track. Helicopter Spur, the route used to reach the tree line, is one of the steepest and most challenging climbs in the region. Except for Helicopter Spur this walk follows generally good walking trails and offers magnificent views across the heart of the Victorian Alps.
Day 1 (10km): Upper Howqua Campsite to Hellfire Creek Campsite
The ascent of Helicopter Spur starts at the Upper Howqua Campsite and winds through eucalyptus forests, eventually reaching the high alpine plains. Look for the old fire vehicle track starting on your right as you cross the bridge into the campground. The trail soon narrows into a single track, potentially overgrown with young eucalyptus trees and fallen logs, but still manageable.
After a few kilometers of ascent, you'll encounter a daunting section of rock faces that seem to block the path. Fear not, that's exactly where the track goes! The route up these rocks is steep but well-defined. Take your time and prioritise safety, as a fall could lead to serious injury. However, for those who enjoy a bit of a challenge, this section can be the exciting start of an unforgettable adventure.
After finally reaching the top of Helicopter Spur, turn east (left) at the 4WD track then follow the trail for approximately 2 kilometers. This section leads to a well-known long-distance route in the area, the Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT). The route takes you past Picture Point, the scenic summit of Mount Magdala, past the every popular Hells Window and down to the shaded Hellfire Creek campground.
Water is plentiful at the start point of this hike but it is essential that you carry enough ( I recommend 3-4 litres) to last through to the overnight camp at Hellfire Creek. Finding water at Hellfire creek can be hit and miss as it is not a permanent spring. Last time I completed this hike, I had to dig around for water so its advisable to plan for this and maybe carry enough for both days. While it's recommended to carry enough water for the entire journey, there might be streams along the way for refilling.
Day 2 (17km): Hellfire Creek Campsite to Upper Howqua Campsite
Day two commences with an enjoyable climb from Hellfire Creek Campsite, over Big Hill before the final ascent to the open summit of Mt Howitt. You will then traverse the early sections of the infamous Cross Cut Saw before descending along Stanleys Name Spur and Queens Spur Road and lower section of the Howqua Feeder Track.
You will need to carry enough water (I recommend 4 litres), although the final few km are along the Howqua River.
Be Prepared: This hike requires that you have a sufficient level of equipment (in good working order), fitness and self-reliance. It is vital that you take personal responsibility for ensuring you are prepared! If you are not sure, contact the hike leader prior to the hike.
Warning: This is a challenging hike that should not be underestimated. Helicopter Spur is steep and rocky requiring exposed scrambling in places. Some people may find that ropes will be useful. Some navigational experience is required.
Total distance: 26727 m
Max elevation: 1734 m
Min elevation: 840 m
Total climbing: 1711 m
Total descent: -1711 m
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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.
From Mansfield follow the Mount Buller Road for 32km to Mirimbah. Turn left and continue up the Mount Stirling Road for 9km to Telephone Box Junction. Keep right on Circuit Road and continue over Howqua Gap to the Bindaree turnoff (60km from Mansfield). Follow Bindaree Road down to the Howqua Valley. Turn left and after 200m you will arrive at the Upper Howqua Camping Area.
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.
Looking for hikes and trails in Alpine National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
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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.
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.
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.
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
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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4 Reviews on “Howitt & Helicopter Spur Hike (27km)”
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.
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.
What a great way to spend New Years. Great tip on the ‘thief in the night’.
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.
Trail Hiking Australia how hard is helicopter spur?
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.
Love it!! My first hike when I started hiking – down track was very overgrown with blackberries last I did it
Nina Birss
Jason Goldstein
In One day ?
We did Viking fast 🤷🏻♂️
( and not a single meltdown😂)
Michael Wilson more of a moment than a meltdown…
Love this hike. An excellent challenge.
This is one of my alpine favourites. A sensational hike.
we should