Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the challenging yet rewarding Mount Bogong via Eskdale Spur trail in Victoria's Alpine National Park. Starting and ending at Mountain Creek Camping Area, this hard-grade, 23km hike offers breathtaking summit views of surrounding mountains, valleys, and lakes. Just 364km from Melbourne and near the quaint town of Tawonga, this trail features a steep and rocky climb with rapidly changing weather conditions, making it a must for experienced bushwalkers seeking a demanding day-long adventure.

Length:

23km

Duration:

9-10 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 1979m

Min elevation: 601m

Total Ascent: 1487m

Start: Mountain Creek Camping Area

End: Mountain Creek Camping Area

Alpine National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Tawonga

From state capital: 364km

Latitude: -36.69994142

Longitude: 147.25289940834048

Overview

Map

Gallery

Weather

Similar

Region

7,428 views

Important info

The hike is strenuous and requires a good level of fitness. The hike is exposed and there is little shelter from the elements. During the winter months you should consider this a Grade 5 hike. Weather conditions can change rapidly and without warning in the alpine region.

Hike overview

Mount Bogong via Eskdale Spur is a challenging hike that is not for the faint of heart. It is a steep and rocky climb with little shade, and the weather conditions can change quickly. However, the views from the summit are truly spectacular, making it a rewarding hike for those who are up to the challenge.

The hike begins at the Mountain Creek Campsite, located on Mountain Creek Road. From there, the trail follows Mountain Creek upstream until it reaches the base of the Eskdale Spur. The track then climbs steeply up the spur, past Michell Hut to the tree line.

Once above the tree line, the track becomes more exposed and rocky. The views from this section of the hike are breathtaking, and on a clear day, you can see for miles in all directions. The track eventually reaches the summit of Mount Bogong, the highest mountain in Victoria. From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and lakes.

This hike returns via the same route. Alternatively you can take the popular Staircase Spur back to the trail-head.

It is possible to shorten this hike by commencing at Camp Creek Gap. See the variation below.

Overnight Camping

If you intend on making this an overnight hike, camping is available outside Michell Hut, approximately 2km from the summit down Eskdale Spur. This is a small hut with pit toilet and water tank.

Note: Huts in alpine areas are intended for emergency use only and you should not plan to sleep in them or use the emergency firewood.

Be Prepared

This hike requires that you have a sufficient level of equipment (in good working order), fitness and self-reliance.

Tips

This hike typically takes 9-10 hours to complete.
There is only a small water tank at Michelle Hut approximately half way up that supplies untreated water and may at times be dry. Be sure to carry sufficient water for your needs.
Protect yourself from the sun and wind, especially in the summer months.
In the winter, be prepared for snow and ice.

Trail features

Gallery

Mount Bogong - Eskdale Spur Hike (23km)

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Walk map and GPX file

Mount Bogong - Eskdale Spur Hike (23km)

Total distance: 23415 m
Max elevation: 1979 m
Min elevation: 601 m
Total climbing: 1487 m
Total descent: -1492 m

Variation commencing at Camp Creek Gap (9.5km)

Total distance: 9366 m
Max elevation: 1979 m
Min elevation: 1119 m
Total climbing: 889 m
Total descent: -889 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Alpine National Park.

The hike starts and ends at Mountain Creek Camping Area. From Melbourne, drive to the small town of Tawonga (4km north of Mount Beauty). From Towonga, Mountain Creek Roads heads east for 10.5km to the camping area. There are pleasant campsites and a pit toilet here.

Get there with Google Maps

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

Access conditions

2WD Access
Bitumen Road
Large Car Park
Public Toilets
Picnic Table
Camping Area

About the region

The Alpine National Park is a national park 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.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Alpine National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

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.

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

Mount Bogong - Eskdale Spur Hike (23km)

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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

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Important info