The hike to the summit of Mount St Gwinear in the Baw Baw National Park winds through heathland and snow gum forest from the Mount St Gwinear car park to the 1509m summit. The magnificent views, stretching across the valleys of the Thomson and Aberfeldy Rivers and into the Victorian Alps, are a perfect reward. This hike extends 1km beyond the summit, through Gwinear Flat to a natural granite rock shelter at the junction of the Australian Alpine Walking Trail. This is a great spot to relax for lunch before returning via the same route.
Snow camping
Dispersed camping is permitted on the Baw Baw Plateau except in the Reference Area Zone and within 20 metres of streams and alpine bogs.
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.
- Parks facilities
- Heated shelter room
- Toilets with disabled facilities
- Two toboggan runs
- 12km of cross country trails
- Professional ski patrol
- Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available on weekends and school holidays from a food van.
- No charge to enter the park
- No charge for car parking
Total distance: 7924 m
Max elevation: 1500 m
Min elevation: 1290 m
Total climbing: 320 m
Total descent: -327 m
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Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Baw Baw National Park.
Mount St Gwinear is located on Mount St Gwinear Road in the Baw Baw National Park in West Gippsland. The carpark is signposted from the Thomson Valley Road, north of Erica. It is easily accessible from the Latrobe Valley, only 45 minutes from Moe or Traralgon.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Drouin, Erica, Mount Baw Baw, Neerim South, Noojee, Rawson, Tanjil Bren, Tanjil South, Thorpdale, Tyers, Walhalla, Warragul, Willow Grove, Yarragon
About the region
Mount St Gwinear is a mountain in Victoria, Australia, located at the north-east end of the Baw Baw National Park in the Gippsland high country. It is popular with families looking for a cheap and accessible snow-play/tobogganing destination and cross-country skiers. The Baw Baw Plateau provides an abundance of easy touring terrain. Mount Baw Baw downhill ski village is approximately 9 km away across the Baw Baw plateau to the south-west and trails link the resorts.
Mount St Gwinear is a family friendly snow attraction with free entry which offers toboggan runs, cross country trails, a snowplay area and a heated shelter room. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available from a food van on weekends and school holidays.
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10 Reviews on “Mount St Gwinear Hike (8km)”
This is a great fantastic hike. Especially in winter.