This is a challenging hike, in an alpine environment, that should not be underestimated. During the winter months you should consider this a Grade 5 hike.
The hike commences at Diamantina Hut and follows the walking trail which can be located at the start of the tree-line on the south east side of the hut. Follow this trail as it ascends to Lookout Hut before descending back to the Great Alpine Road at 'The Cross'. Follow the road 500m east towards Hotham Heights to the start of the Machinery Spur Track.
Follow Machinery Spur north, passing the Charles Derrick Memorial Cairn, Derrick Col and Mount Loch to Red Robin Gap and gold mine at the junction of the West Kiewa Logging Track. The Red Robin Gold Mine is historically important due to its association with what is still Victoria's last discovered goldfield and subsequent rush. After exploring the mine, follow the West Kiewa Logging Track as it zig-zags east before turning north towards the Red Robin Battery. Approximately 1.6km north of the battery you will reach Blairs Hut. The area around Blairs Hut is a good place to set up camp for the night.
Continue to follow the logging track north in order to reach the start of the Diamantina Spur. The Diamantina Spur track climbs steeply west from the Kiewa River West Branch for 4 kilometres before joining the South Razorback track at High Knob, approximately three kilometres from Mount Feathertop's summit. The trail offers great views of Mount Feathertop but climbs steeply (very in places) and involves some scrambling over loose shale. There is no water on Diamantina Spur so ensure that you collect all you need before ascending.
Once on the South Razorback, turn right and follow the track north passing Molly Hill to the Memorial Cross Junction. Turning right at this point will lead you to Feathertop's summit, left is to Federation Hut. If you wanted to make this a three day hike it is my recommendation to head to the hut and set up camp before attempting the summit. Depending on the time of arrival it may be worth leaving the summit until the morning. If you are completing this hike in two days you can leave your pack at Memorial Cross and skip Federation Hut completely.
After visiting the summit, return via the same route to Memorial Cross and High Knob. Continue to follow the well defined walking track south along the Razorback, past Diamantina Spur, Twin Knobs and the aptly named Big Dipper. At 1763m elevation the track will intersect with the Bon Accord Spur to the west. Remain on the Razorback and continue to follow it south for the remaining 1.6km back to the trail head at Diamantina Hut.
Camping
Blairs Hut. Located approximately 14.4km from the trail-head, the hut is a log cabin measuring 6m by 3.8m with a gable iron roof, replacing an original bark one in 1968. The internal stone lined fireplace is unusual.
Federation Hut. Located approximately 22km from the trail-head, the hut was built as a gabled hut with aluminium siding and a corrugated iron roof. The original hut was re-clad in timber in May 1988. The hut is lined with five ply and has bunks for 10 people. It is 3.6m by 5.5m in size.
Note that the function of all alpine huts is for emergency shelter only. Do not plan to camp in huts and please leave them exactly as you found them, replenishing any fire-wood that you use.
Water
Mount Feathertop: Water can be collected from a natural spring, approximately 850m from Memorial Cross, along the North West Spur track.
Kiewa River West Branch: Pure, clear, sparkling, very cold, alpine water, easily accessible from Red Robin Battery through to the foot of the Diamantina Spur.
Ensure you treat all water before drinking
- This is a challenging hike, in an alpine environment, that should not be underestimated. During the winter months you should consider this a Grade 5 hike.
- This hike requires that you have a sufficient level of equipment (in good working order), fitness and self-reliance.
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Total distance: 35177 m
Max elevation: 1898 m
Min elevation: 1078 m
Total climbing: 1787 m
Total descent: -1787 m
Getting to the trailhead: Alpine National Park.
The Machinery and Diamantina Spurs hike commences at Diamantina Hut, 2.5 km on the Harrietville side of the Hotham Village.
Closest towns to this walk: Benalla, Bright, Dinner Plain, Falls Creek, Harrietville, Hotham Heights, Mansfield, Mitta Mitta, Mount Beauty, Mount Hotham, Myrtleford, Omeo, Porepunkah, Tawonga South, Wangaratta
The Machinery and Diamantina Spurs hike summits Mount Feathertop on day two. Feathertop is the second highest mountain in Victoria and one of the most picturesque peaks in the state. It is linked to the nearby Mount Hotham ski resort by The Razorback, a high narrow ridge, but otherwise surrounded by steep slopes which continue right to the summit. Unlike most nearby mountains, Mount Feathertop has steep slopes right to the top and does not have the rounded summit dome that is typical of many nearby peaks.
Mount Feathertop is probably the most appealing peak in the high country. It provides terrific hiking in summer and in winter it is a great venue for mountaineering and extreme skiing. But be careful, as it averages a death per decade. Most deaths are in winter and most come from not treating cornices with the respect they deserve.
Looking for more walks in or near Alpine National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.
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.
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.
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
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.
7 Reviews on “Machinery & Diamantina Spurs Hike (35km)”
Adeline Dickson
But good fun
Consider doing this in the reverse direction.
You avoid going up Diamantina Spur which is a slog.
Dominique Smith looks good
Emma Mickle with our fast pace and lack of water we can do this in a day.
Great hike. I agree with the previous comment. This is really a three day hike especially if traveling from Melbourne and starting out around 1 pm on the first day. Can be done in two but you would pushing it – Diamantina spur is very steep. Very busy at Easter but met great people.
Hi Brodie. There is a fire pit with steel contraption to hang pots etc off.
Hi Darren,
Do you park your car at Diamantina Hut also?
Many thanks
Hi there,
Is there an outdoor fireplace at/around Blair’s hut?
Cheers,
Brodie
Jenny Chant Hi there. Was up there re entry when hubby ran the alpine challenge. Diamintina spur is very steep. The water from the spring left several people with diarrhea. Awesome track but be careful with your due diligence. Lou xx
Jenny Chant looks awesome!!!
Julia Whitlock Catherine Jane
Lou Neale thanks x
Mat Ross let’s go
Sascha Hovens
Sascha Hovens added to the list
Tracey Thwaites