Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the scenic beauty of Victoria on the Lake Mountain and Keppel Hut hike, a 21.7km circuit in the Yarra Ranges National Park, near Marysville. This Grade 3 trail starts and ends at Snowy Hill Car Park and offers a moderate 7-hour adventure through alpine ash forests, thick bush, and snow gum forests. The journey includes a visit to the historic Keppel Hut, a mountain summit, and panoramic views from the highest point on the Lake Mountain Plateau. Note: Some sections are overgrown and recommended for experienced hikers only.

Length:

21.7km

Duration:

7 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 1480m

Min elevation: 1078m

Total Ascent: 795m

Start: Snowy Hill Car Park

End: Snowy Hill Car Park

Yarra Ranges National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Marysville

From state capital: 116km

Latitude: -37.51313002

Longitude: 145.87330520153048

Walk map

Weather

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4,551 views

Hike overview

The Lake Mountain and Keppel Hut hike explores the outer reaches of Lake Mountain with its extensive network of well marked and maintained trails. Lake Mountain offers a range of options for exploring the resort area and the bordering Yarra Ranges National Park.

Commencing at the Snowy Hill Car Park follow the Upper Taggerty 4WD Road through alpine ash forest for approximately 6km. The road is easy to follow as it passes a number of adjoining tracks. The road heads generally north for the 6k's before you need to keep an eye out for the Gould Track on your right (see note below). The start of the very overgrown Gould Track is difficult to find at this point but the track, once found, leads up through thick bush to the well defined but also overgrown East Boundary Track. If you find yourself heading due west on the Upper Taggerty 4WD Road then you have gone too far.

Important note on this overgrown section. The bush bashing is through very overgrown bush. If you are not confident with this section remain on the road and follow it all the way to Keppel Hut. The off trail section is for very experienced hikers only. Refer to diversion map and gpx file below.

Turning west, the East Boundary Track is followed to the Keppel Hut Road. A short distance to the right along the road will bring you to Keppel Hut. The Keppel brothers built a number of huts in this area from 1885. The present hut was built in 1985 and is in excellent condition. It is representative of a typical hut of the mountain cattlemen. A good spot for a lunch break. If you had elected to do this as a leisurely 2 day adventure then Keppel Hut is a popular camping spot on the headwaters of the Keppel Hut Creek. There are toilet facilities nearby and the creek is generally flowing.

Retrace your steps along the East Boundary Track and continue on, climbing through magnificent snow gum forest to the Bullfight Lookout and the ruins of the Boundary Hut, the highest point on the Lake Mountain Plateau at around 1460m. From the hut head south along Boundary Trail being sure to take a short side trip to Panorama lookout. Continue heading south via triangle junction, echo flat then via the Royston Trail to Gerratys Car Park.

Now no hike would be complete without a mountain summit so from Gerraty's, continue south along the Lake Mountain Summit Trail to the 1433m summit. Heading east from the summit, follow the trail as it slowly descends through what is known as the Snowy Hill Playground and back to the Snowy Hill Car Park.

Overnight hike

This is a great introductory overnight hike. There is a clearing around Keppel Hut that is perfect for setting up tents. You can use the hut but just be mindful you will need to sleep in a tent or your own shelter, not in the hut.

Tips

The quickest return route commences at Gerraty's and heads north past Melbourne lookout to Triangle Junction then to Panorama and Hut trails from where the track to Keppel Hut is clearly marked. This track descends quite steeply in parts, with some spectacular views out towards Mount Margaret. Keppel Hut is a popular camping spot on the headwaters of the Keppel Hut Creek.

Trail features

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file

Lake Mountain & Keppel Hut Hike (21.7km)

Route with off-trail section

Total distance: 21714 m
Max elevation: 1480 m
Min elevation: 1078 m
Total climbing: 795 m
Total descent: -795 m

Route with diversion along road to avoid off-trail section

Total distance: 24699 m
Max elevation: 1480 m
Min elevation: 1078 m
Total climbing: 823 m
Total descent: -823 m

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Belgrave, Emerald, Healesville, Lilydale, Marysville, Monbulk, Montrose, Mount Dandenong, Olinda, Warburton

Getting to the trailhead in Yarra Ranges National Park.

Lake Mountain Alpine Resort is approximately a two hour drive from the Melbourne CBD, travel out through the Eastern suburbs, through the picturesque Yarra Valley then wind across the Black Spur to Narbethong and take the turn off to Marysville. Arriving at Marysville, follow Woods Point Road for 11km where you will take a left onto Lake Mountain Road. Drive a further 11km and you will arrive at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort Village. The car park will be on your left.

Get there with Google Maps

Access conditions

Entry Fee

About the region

Situated between Melbourne and the Victorian Alps, the Yarra Ranges National Park is a place of epic views, majestic rainforest scenery and fun-packed snowplay. Enjoy the panorama from Mount Donna Buang, or go deeper into the park on the Black Spur Drive, and wind through towering Mountain Ash forests to Lake Mountain.

The Yarra Ranges spans an extensive, mountainous area of cool temperate forest around the three towns of Marysville, Healesville and Warburton. This national park is home to the world's tallest flowering tree, the Mountain Ash, which towers over lush tree ferns and mossy Myrtle Beech. Dark gullies are home to clear streams which feed the Yarra River and major reservoirs from which Melbourne draws its drinking water.

The Yarra Ranges boasts some stunning lookouts, one of the best being Mount Donna Buang. From here you can see awesome views of Westernport Bay and Port Phillip - or walk the Rainforest Gallery and see the Mountain Ash from a different perspective. In the winter, Mount Donna Buang is Melbourne's closest winter playground. Many Melburnians have enjoyed their first sight of snow here through the years.

Healesville is the start of the Black Spur Drive, a short but beautiful scenic car journey. The road winds through majestic Mountain Ash forest to Narbethong, passing a number of pleasant walking trails and picnic areas, such as Donnelly's Weir, Dom Dom Saddle and Maroondah Reservoir Park.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Yarra Ranges National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Explore safe

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.

Packing checklists

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.

Let someone know

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

Reviews

Lake Mountain & Keppel Hut Hike (21.7km)

11 Reviews on “Lake Mountain & Keppel Hut Hike (21.7km)”

Overall rating

Juzee Celentane

Was one of my favourite spots to run my dog team. Keppels was always our snack spot.
Media: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3559338774338972&set=p.3559338774338972&type=3

14/09/2023, 09:45

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Stewart Proper

Thanks for reminding me of this one!
It’s a great walk to introduce people to an overnight hike!

13/09/2023, 22:57

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1. Trail Hiking Australia
  
  Stewart Proper absolutely. I keep telling people Beeripmo Walk is a great starter for an overnighter and often forget about this one too.
  
  13/09/2023, 23:00
  
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Trail Hiking Australia

Nice day hike this one. Also good as a relatively easy overnighter, camping near Keppel Hut.

13/09/2023, 12:21

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Nathan Jones

I just completed the hike yesterday. Gould Track is non-existant, and the local map that I obtained (last updated Jan 2017) doesn’t even show it. I couldn’t find either end of it, so I think it’s safe to say that the track has been completely abandoned.

Upper Taggerty Rd is still closed (this includes walkers). They have cleared most trees, there are only a couple dozen left to climb over. Keppel’s Hut Walking Trail is also closed to walkers (not sure why, only closed on the Ski Field side). Lady Talbot Drive is also closed from Lower Beeches for tree removal, and I’m unaware of the status of McFadyen Tk, so it’s possible that Keppel’s Hut is (supposed to be) inaccessible to all traffic, both foot and vehicular. I expect that by spring this year (2023) this should be all cleared up.

For Keppel’s Hut Walking Trail and Boundary Hut Trail, you will want long pants that can withstand going bush. While the trail isn’t difficult to follow, there are sections that are nearly completely overgrown. There are trail markers, and there is still only one route to push through easily, so it’s reasonably straightforward navigating through it despite that. Just, don’t wear shorts. You will regret it.

Other than that, it’s a pretty decent hike. Total hiking for me was probably 7-8 hours, and I camped at Keppel’s Hut overnight. However, I did skip the Lake Mountain Summit. Views were, unfortunately, largely ruined by cloud and fog, so that detour wasn’t all that worth it for me.

Interestingly, a lot of this route follows the 7 Peaks Run markers, but I can’t find any routes by that name on this site. Might be something to look into.

14/04/2023, 22:23

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1. Darren Edwards Trail Author
  
  Thanks Nathan. Yeah, that trail has been gone for quite some time. Bit of off trail if anyone is ever keen, but much easier to walk around. Thanks for the tip on the 7 Peaks Run. I’ll look into that. Cheers
  
  14/04/2023, 23:46
  
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Richard Jones

This circuit is not currently (April 2022) viable as the Lady Talbot Drive Hazardous Tree Removal Project has closed off all of the access routes to Keppel Hut, including the full length of Upper Taggerty 4WD Road and the trails starting from Panorama.

12/04/2022, 17:36

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1. Darren Edwards Trail Author
  
  Thanks for the update Richard
  
  13/04/2022, 23:29
  
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Juzee Celentane

Keppells Hut is a great spot. Have run dog teams into there for the last dozen or so years when the snow conditions have been right.

Fantastic history to this Hut, rebuilt in 2011 after the Black Saturday Fires. Sadly the old log books were destroyed which detailed many people’s trips to the Hut.

24/03/2022, 05:18

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1. Peter Fisher
  
  Kyle Hura – spring time walk!
  
  24/03/2022, 05:18
  
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  1. Ellie Cuthbertson
    
    Laura Adams Wendy Hsieh
    
    08/12/2020, 20:10
    
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  2. Ellie Cuthbertson
    
    Laura Adams why not
    
    08/12/2020, 21:43
    
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  3. Jess McRae
    
    Leona Xu good (but hard) question! ?
    
    24/03/2022, 05:18
    
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    1. Samantha Smith
      
      Marnie Houghton Kirsty Sims let’s do dinner and games night soon to plan!
      
      24/03/2022, 05:18
      
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      1. Michael Wilson
        
        Matt Keeble !!?
        When you going to pony up son ?
        Let’s go..
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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      2. Matthew Paulding
        
        Matt Keeble total coverage. Get willow to pack snowshoes
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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      3. Michael Wilson
        
        Matt KeebleLETS GO !
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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      4. Michael Wilson
        
        Matthew Paulding Lets do it !
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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      5. Aneeta Pillai
        
        Mid November.. anybody interested?
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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      6. Mark R Reardon
        
        Might do this over my Xmas break.
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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      7. Angela Sykes
        
        Mish Hannan wanna do this with me one day?
        
        08/12/2020, 22:22
        
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      8. Trail Hiking Australia
        
        Nice idea
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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      9. Dan Williams
        
        Not sure how it works with Trail Hiking Australia if an official organizer is not available. Is it possible to propose a Meet-Up?
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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      10. Juzee Celentane
        
        One of our obstacles, a washout from the river.
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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      11. Carrie Dixon
        
        Possibly Aneeta Pillai
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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      12. Angela Sykes
        
        Ray Murray as if we would
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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      13. Dan Williams
        
        Really keen to do this! Looks like really good fun!
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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      14. Marnie Houghton
        
        Samantha Smith Kirsty Sims we need to plan on pls
        
        24/03/2022, 05:18
        
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Rhiannon Bowman

Vaughan Bowman

08/10/2020, 14:21

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James Bell

The Gould Track section is now completely overgrown and effectively no longer exists. You will need to take the longer route following the road right the way round. Another point to note is that there a number of large trees down along the Upper Taggerty Road and a lot of climbing is involved along this section of the track. Other than those two small issues, its still a great track and a great spot close to Melbourne for an overnight hike!

02/01/2020, 22:46

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Suggest an edit

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.

Acknowledgement of Country

Lake mountain & keppel hut hike (21. 7km)

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.

Hike at a Glance