Howitt and the High Country is a 21.8km, grade 4 hike located in the Alpine National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 2 days to complete.

Length: 21.8km

Duration: 2 days

Grade: 4

Style: Circuit

Start: Helicopter Spur Walking Track

End: Helicopter Spur Walking Track

Location: Alpine National Park

Closest town: Mansfield

Victoria

From state capital: 275km

Longitude: 146.56111478805545

Latitude: -37.173551298067316

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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.

Route and GPX file

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

Download file: Howitt and the High Country.gpx

Trail features

Gravel Path
Rough Trail
Alpine Region
Exposed Ledges
Rock Scrambling
Steep Terrain
River Crossings
Scenic Viewpoints
Untreated Water
Overnight Campsites

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.

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Access conditions

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

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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Reviews

0 Reviews on “Howitt and the High Country (21.8km)”

Overall rating

Stephanie Lee

Claire!!!

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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Brent Linmeiers

Let’s do it!

24/03/2022, 05:16

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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.