Trail Fast Facts

Howitt and the High Country is a 21.8km, grade 4 hike in Alpine National Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 2 days to complete.

Length: 21.8km

Duration: 2 days

Grade 4 (Hard)

Style: Circuit

Start: Helicopter Spur Walking Track

End: Helicopter Spur Walking Track

Location: Alpine National Park

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Mansfield

From state capital: 275km

Latitude: -37.1735513

Longitude: 146.56111478805545

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

Reviews

Weather

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Hike Overview

This spectacular Howitt and the High Country 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 (YAY!) Except for Helicopter Spur this walk follows generally good walking trails and offers magnificent views across the heart of the Victorian Alps.

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.

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.

Trail features

Map and GPX file

Howitt & the High Country Hike (21.8km)

Total distance: 21837 m
Max elevation: 1733 m
Min elevation: 839 m
Total climbing: 1420 m
Total descent: -1421 m

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Trail Location (trailhead)

Getting there

Howitt & the High Country Hike (21.8km)

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.

Get directions

Access conditions

2WD Access
Gravel Road
Winding Road
Small Car Park
Untreated Water
Picnic Table
Campfire Pit
Camping Area

Photo gallery

About the region

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.

Similar trails nearby

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

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? 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.

Suggest an edit

Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!

Reviews

Howitt & the High Country Hike (21.8km)

3 Reviews on “Howitt & the High Country Hike (21.8km)”

Overall rating

Noel Ryan

Looks good Fi ??

24/03/2022, 05:16

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Fiona Moran

Jayson Moran Noel Ryan

24/03/2022, 05:16

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Brent Linmeiers

Let’s do it!

24/03/2022, 05:16

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Jenny Laidlaw

I just did this hike as part of a 4 day hike, last week. One of the best hikes I have ever done! Amazing part of Victoria.

24/03/2022, 05:16

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Stephanie Lee

Claire!!!

24/03/2022, 05:16

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Brianna Bakker

Such a good hike

09/10/2019, 20:57

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Carolyn Bennett

On my list for Spring!! Woohoo. Then off to the MtSpec circuit

09/10/2019, 10:58

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Stephanie Tuttleby

Claire!!!! The other circuit…. if we are game!!!! ?

09/10/2019, 09:48

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Jo Varley

Jenn Aedo

09/09/2019, 21:04

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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.

Trail Fast Facts