Mount McDonald and The Nobs is a 19.8km, grade 4 hike located in Alpine National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 7 hours to complete.
Hike overview
The Mount McDonald and The Nobs hike summits Mount McDonald which lies at the heart of one of the wildest and least known regions deep within the Alpine National Park. Sandwiched between the remote Macalister and Jamieson Rivers, its rarely visited summit offers hikers a genuine sense of escape. The rugged north ridge provides a direct steep climb to the summit.
Mount MacDonald is a 1,402 m mountain peak near Mansfield, Victoria, Australia. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 17th highest mountain in Victoria and the 82nd highest mountain in Australia. The nearest peaks are Mount Magdala, Mount Skene, Mount Buller, Mount Howitt, Mount Tamboritha, and Mount Cobbler.
Be Prepared
This hike requires that you have a sufficient level of equipment (in good working order), fitness and self-reliance.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 1597 m
Min elevation: 783 m
Total climbing: 1138 m
Total descent: -1138 m
Trail location
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Getting there
From Mansfield, continue along the Mount Buller Road for 19.5km to Merijig, then a further 2km to the Howqua Track turnoff on the right. Follow the unsealed Howqua Track for 16.5km to Sheepyard Flat. Continue through the flat and along Brocks Road (which becomes a bit rougher) for 19.5km to Eight Mile Gap. Turn right and descend the steep winding road to the banks of the Jamieson River. Continue a further 800m to park in the clearing next to the river, about 200m before reaching the Low Saddle Road turnoff.
Camping at Sheepyard Flat on the first night and heading to the start point will ensure you get an early start. Return to Sheepyard Flat on the last night to camp is you are feeling tired.
About the region
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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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
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
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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 “Mount Mcdonald & the Nobs Hike (19.8km)”
Laura Tonzing
Chris Saaghy
Oliver 🙂
Sheree, have you managed this one yet? Vertical in spots?
Sascha Hovens….add it to the list!
Scott Lawrence