Howitt and Helicopter Spur is a challenging 26.7km, grade 5 hike located in the Alpine National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 2 days to complete.

Length: 26.7km

Duration: 2 days

Grade: 5

Style: Circuit

Start: Upper Howqua Camping Area

End: Upper Howqua Camping Area

Location: Alpine National Park

Closest town: Mansfield

Victoria

From state capital: 246km

Longitude: 146.5620724

Latitude: -37.1737058

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Warning

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.

Hike overview

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 treeline, 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)

Water is plentiful at the start point of this hike but it is essential that you carry enough ( I recommend 3 litres) to last through to the overnight camp at Hellfire Creek.

Day 2 (17km)

You will need to carry enough water (I recommend 4 litres) for all of this day, although the final few km are along the Howqua River.

Note

If you are not comfortable driving on rough gravel tracks then it might be an idea to car pool.

Route and GPX file

Total distance: 26727 m
Max elevation: 1734 m
Min elevation: 840 m
Total climbing: 1711 m
Total descent: -1711 m

Download file: Howitt and Helicopter Spur.gpx

Trail location

Getting there

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.

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.

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.

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Gallery

About the region

The Alpine National Park is a national park located 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.

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Adeline Dickson

we should

16/02/2022, 12:00

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Gear to consider

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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.

Warning

Hike overview

Route and GPX file

Trail location

Getting there

Gallery

About the region

Suggest an edit

Reviews

0 Reviews on “Howitt and Helicopter Spur (26.7km)”

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Gear to consider

Let someone know

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Howitt and Helicopter Spur (26.7km)

0 Reviews on “Howitt and Helicopter Spur (26.7km)”

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Acknowledgement of Country

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