Howqua Feeder and Stanleys Name Spur Hike (25km)

The Howqua Feeder and Stanleys Name Spur circuit commences at the Upper Howqua Camping Area in Victoria's Alpine National Park. The two day traverse visits Mount Howitt West Peak, the stunning Mount Howitt summit and follows a brief section of the Australian Alpine Walking Track (AAWT) along the first section of the Cross Cut Saw before descending to the Howqua River in the valley below.

This is an excellent two-day hike in the Victorian Alps with varied terrain, vegetation, spectacular views. This hike is a great way to experience Victorian High Country.

Day 1: (11km)

Commencing at the Upper Howqua Camping area, the initial stage is an enjoyable flat flat along the Howqua where you'll experience and six river crossings. After approximately 3.5km, at the junction of the Howqua Feeder Track and Queen Spur Road, keep right to remain on the Howqua Feeder Track. From there, the ascent of Howqua Spur commences. Over the next 4.5km, you will climb from around 935m to an elevation of 1707m, a gain of 772m, to reach Mount Howitt West Peak. The circuit hike then continues east to the summit of Mount Howitt for spectaluar views ocross the Victorian Alps.

From the summit, continue east along the AAWT and gradually descend to the junction of the Cross Cut Saw. This is the junction you will need to return to at the beginning of day 2. From the junction, follow the Mount Howitt Walking Track east to the lovely capsite at Macalister Springs.

Tucked away on a ridge off Mount Howitt, the heart of the Victorian Alps, lies Macalister Springs. This sheltered campsite offers a small, open glade with a reliable natural spring (Remember to treat water before drinking). Above the glade sits a distinctive A-frame hut, the Vallejo Gantner Hut. Construction of this hut commenced in late 1968 and was built as a memorial following the death of Vallejo Gantner, the grandson of Sidney Myer the founder of the Myer department store chain.

Day 2 (14km):

Day two commences by retracting your steps for approximately 1.3km to the junction of the AAWT and Mount Howitt Walking Track. Take the track to your right that heads north west along the first stages of the infamous Cross Cut Saw. After approximately 1.4km, you will need to locate the Stanleys Name Spur Walking Track that breaks west (left) off the ridgeline.

This initial descent of Stanleys name Spur is steep and rocky but eases after approximately 1km before descending to the junction of Queen Spur Road. Heading south from the junction, follow Queen Spur Road and it winds it way to the Howqua River and the junction of the Howqua Feeder Track and Queen Spur Road (where you were at the beginning of day 1).

From this junction, you will now retrace your steps for around 3.5km, following the Howqua River back the the trailhead.