The Mount Feathertop - Bon Accord and Bungalow Spurs hike completes a circuit of the Bungalow and Bon Accord Spurs. It also summits Mount Feathertop, 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.
The Bungalow Spur Track is the most popular approach to Mount Feathertop. It is well graded and sheltered for most of its length. To reach the start of the track, turn left off the Great Alpine Road at Harrietville, just before the school bridge over the Ovens River. Follow the road for 0.5 km to the parking area and notice board.
The track was built for pack horses and tractors that serviced the hotel that used to be near the top of the spur, so it's relatively easy going. The modern Federation Hut at the top of Bungalow Spur is large, clean, roomy and well insulated. The stove will keep the hut warm all night as long as both doors are kept shut.
The Bon Accord Spur was the route taken by walkers, horseriders and pack horses to Mount Hotham before the Great Alpine Road was built.
Overnight Camping
Overnight campsites can be found 500m west along the Bungalow Spur Track from the junction of the Razorback Track to Federation Hut where you will find an open camping area and toilet facilities. There is a small camp site on the Bon Accord Spur, approximately 5km from Harrietville. It is right on the Ovens River East Branch but is only suitable for 2-3 tents. There is also another campsite near the Bon Accord Hut ruins, approximately 2km west along the Bon Accord Spur from The Razorback Track Junction.
Water Procurement
Water can be found at a natural spring approximately 500m along the North West Spur Track from Feathertop Track. You will find it on the right hand side of the track. Water can also be found in the river approximately 5km from Harrietville on the Ovens River East Branch.
Maps
The most useful and accurate map is Mount Feathertop - Hotham 1:30,000. 2nd edition. Rooftop, 2009.
- Gravel Path
- Alpine Region
- Alpine Huts
- Exposed Ledges
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Overnight Campsites
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- 2WD Access
- Bitumen Road
- Small Car Park
- Drinking Water
To reach the start of the track, turn left off the Great Alpine Road at Harrietville, just before the school bridge over the Ovens River. Follow the road for 0.5 km to the parking area and notice board.
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
The Alpine National Park is a national park located 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.
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0 Reviews on “Mount Feathertop - Bon Accord and Bungalow Spurs (34.4km)”
Done!
We did Bon Accord downhill
It’s treacherous
Doesn’t live up to the meaning of its name…
I was ready to punch anyone who told me it’s easy in the mouth ??
great hike! I have lost count how many times I have done this one!
Hi Sharlene. We are hiking to Mt Feathertop this weekend via Bungalow. What was the water supply like around Federation hut ? Was the water in the springs ?
Cheers !
i am happy to be able to help, as i went through the rigmarole of taking off my boots and gaiters so that i could cross the river, and then shortly discovered that it was completely unnecessary! also taking trekking poles or finding a stick to add a bit of balance when going over the trunk is recommended.
I did from town bon accord up hill it was very hard . May be l m getting old ).be careful. )
I’m in
Luka Seradi ditto!!! Never enjoyed a beer so much in life as I did after that slog!!!
Just a heads up that some of the signage at the beginning of the trail still marks a camping spot next to the bridge on the Bon Accord, about 5k out from Harrretville, but it has since been washed away.
Mark Read
I hiked Bungalow spur to federation hut, then along the Razorback ridge earlier this year. It was spectacular (even in foggy weather)…
just went there last weekend, and no, the bridge is still not completely fixed. about 100m north (or downstream) of where the remains of the bridge are there is a large tree trunk that can be used to cross the river. follow the orange track markers to find it.
Love it.
Was thinking overnighter 🙂
Would this be okay to complete in a day? Assuming you hiked from early morning and didn’t have heavy packs to slow you down (aside from water and food).