Trail Fast Facts
McMillians Walking Track is a 220km, grade 5 hike in the Eastern Victoria, Victoria. This hike typically takes 14 days to complete.
Hike Overview
The smaller brother of the Southern Alps Walking Track, the McMillans Track is a challenging hike along the southern edge of the Australian Alps. There is not much information available, and the trail itself might be difficult to find in places. So, you will need to be confident, self-reliant and have good navigation skills. The origin of the trail dates back to 1864, when Angus McMillan succeeded in connecting the coast to the goldfields. The original track has been restored by the Ben Cruachan Walking Club, the best place to find information.
History
In 1864, Angus McMillan led an expedition to cut a track through the high country of Victoria to link the goldfields together. It took about one year to cut an eight foot wide track that was suitable for pack horses. This was used for many years but as the goldfields declined and modern roads replaced the need for a pack horse trail, the track fell into obscurity and vanished under the scrub.
In 1983, the Ben Cruachan Walking Club began a project to discover and remark the original MacMillans Walking Track from Woods Point to Omeo. This small club based at Maffra (a town in Gippsland in eastern Victoria) was led by John Smith and took on a difficult task as the track had all but vanished. On such a project, probably the hardest job of all is getting official approval. By 1987 they had this and the track was remarked. In 1988 it was officially re-opened.
In places, the original track had been 'improved' to a road. Initially, the track follows these roads and it is intended that these sections will gradually be replaced by walking track to make it more interesting for bushwalkers. Where possible, the track follows McMillan's original route.
Access
The track crosses several major roads that cross the alpine region. The track does not pass through any towns and you can either carry all supplies or use one of the access roads to put in a food drop. The most useful roads for a re-supply point are the Jamieson-Licola Road, the Tamboritha Road (near Licola)
Track Grade
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 1598 m
Min elevation: 298 m
Total climbing: 10824 m
Total descent: -11204 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
The track runs from the Alpine Road, 17 km from Omeo, which is a small town in a broad valley in the centre of the alpine region. and ends at Woods Point, a small town in the mountains east of Melbourne.
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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.Â
Suggest an edit
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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.
3 Reviews on “McMillians Walking Track (220km)”
Ooooo 🤔 #goals
Kellie Monea
Anyone done this? I’ve walked sections but never the entire length.