Due to the remote nature of this park, you must be self sufficient with food, water, first aid and camping gear, and be skilled in the use of maps and compass navigation.
The Mount Ligar and Tamboritha hike (The Crinoline) climbs from Breakfast Creek, on the Tamboritha Road, north of Licola, to the top of Mount Ligar (The Crinoline). It then follows a ridge top loop via Long Hill to Mount Tamboritha before returning to Breakfast Creek via McMillans Walking Track. Mount Ligar (also called the Crinoline due to it's similarity to a stiffened or structured petticoat designed to hold out a woman's skirt, popular at various times since the mid-19th century) is considered by some to be one of the more challenging summits for hikers in Victoria.
Alternative Route
The Old Crinoline Track leaves the Breakfast Creek camp site and heads north on the east side of Breakfast Creek. It is reputed to be a channlenging climb, straight up the south-side spur of Castle Hill and then across a ridge to Mount Ligar. This path 'straight to the top is now deprecated, and the Macmillan Walking Track is preferred.
Refer to maps below.
Campsites
There's room around the rock shelter for tents but it's a bit rocky to get pegs in.
Water
There are little or no reliable sources of fresh stream water on this hike. Be prepared to carry all of your water with you for the two or three days. If comleting this hike clockwise, you may find water on day one during the approach to the Crinoline. It can be found in plastic drums to the east of the track. Note these are often empty and when full, are likely to be riddled with mosquito larvae and have an unpleasant odor.
One potential option is to search in Long Hill Creek which can be accessed via an overgrown track approximately 1km north of the Crinoline. This creek only flows after heavy rain, so relying on it is risky. Due to the unreliable water sources, strongly consider carrying all your water for the entire hike.
Unpredictable Weather
Walkers should be aware that the weather can deteriorate suddenly and without warning, and snow can fall at any time of year, including mid-summer. Don't hesitate to turn back if the trip becomes too difficult or the weather deteriorates.
Be sure to check the advice on safety and regulations before walking or hiking in the park.
Total distance: 31333 m
Max elevation: 1504 m
Min elevation: 333 m
Total climbing: 1971 m
Total descent: -1971 m
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Alternative route (29km)
Total distance: 29245 m
Max elevation: 1504 m
Min elevation: 333 m
Total climbing: 1916 m
Total descent: -1916 m
Download
From Melbourne travel 243km to Licola via Moe, Glengarry and Glenmaggie. Travel 18.6km past Licola on the Tamboritha Road. You will find the trail head on the left before Breakfast Creek.
- 2WD Access
- Bitumen Road
- Small Car Park
- Untreated Water
- Camping Area
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.
The Mount Ligar and Tamboritha circuit hike is in the Victorian Alps, an extensive mountain range that forms the southern part of the Australian Alps and is part of the Great Dividing Range.
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.
Looking for things to do in Alpine National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
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
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.
2 Reviews on “Mount Ligar & Tamboritha: The Crinoline Hike (31km)”
Recently completed the crinoline/Mt Tamboritha/McMillan’s circuit with my brother.
Was definitely challenging but very rewarding walk, markers and ribbons and rock piles are most of the way of the walk but seem to be in consistent someone had been through with fresh pink ribbon along the fire affected section but stopped half way through, did find our way through though.
Did it in 2 days 2nd day was a big day from long Hill back to breakfast creek camp area.
Beautiful and challenging hike. WARNING: Impossible without GPS, do not attempt without one. Very minimal water along the circuit, one billabong around 8km in and a few streams of running water when hiking 1km off-track.