Commencing near Telephone Box Junction at Mount Stirling, and complete a large loop of the resort with a return section to the iconic Craigs Hut. Along the way you will visit other huts such as such as the Bluff Spur Hut, GGS Hut and the Cricket Pitch before looping back to Telephone Box Junction.
From Telephone Box Junction, walk along the upper right section of the Circuit Road, turning left into Baldy Loop then right up Bluff Spur Trail to Bluff Spur Hut. From the Hut continue through the intersection of the trail keeping South Summit trail to your right, and West Summit Road to your left. At the Howqua Gap track turn left along the unsealed road past the Stirling Summit.
As an optional side trip, take the short, steep walk to the 1749m summit, and return the way you came. At the Clear Hills track intersection, continue west along Clear Hills Track, through Monument Saddle, past The Monument and continue North East until you reach Craigs Hut. After exploring this icon setting, return via the Clear Hills Track to Mount Stirling and the junction of Stirling Trail.
At this junction, turn left through the gate to GGS Hut, joining the Stirling Trail. Continue along the Stirling Trail to the junction of King Saddle East Road and Circuit Road. Turn left at the Circuit Road intersection to return to Telephone Box Junction.
Please note this track is subject to seasonal closures. When covered with snow, snowshoes must be worn. As a general guide, walking/hiking is encouraged from October to May inclusive and snowshoeing from June to September inclusive. For more information regarding access, snowshoe etiquette and the most up-to-date information to help you plan your trip, please contact the Mansfield Visitor Information Centre on 03 5775 7000.
Mount Stirling has a number of locations for enjoying the Australian alpine wilderness by staying overnight during a bushwalk. Please read the tips below to ensure you have a fantastic camping experience and leave the alps in pristine condition for all to enjoy.
- Camp amongst the snow gums rather than in the lower Mountain Ash areas - Mountain Ash are prone to falling unpredictably.
- Be prepared for all weather conditions. The weather can change suddenly and without warning in alpine areas.
- Be sure to take a map and compass and learn to use them before you head off.
- Tell someone where you are going or complete a trip intention form.
- Use the toilets provided, or ensure you dig deep holes 100 metres from waterways in order to protect the health of both animals and humans.
- Take note of fire safety and evacuation locations. DO NOT light fires on fire ban days- if you are not sure, then don't light it!
- Be sure you haven't disturbed any precious flora or fauna on your hike.
- Use the rubbish bins provided or carry your litter away with you.
References
Mount Stirling
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Total distance: 20138 m
Max elevation: 1728 m
Min elevation: 1258 m
Total climbing: 1130 m
Total descent: -1129 m
Getting to the trailhead: Alpine National Park.
From Mansfield, travel along Mount Buller Road for approximately 30km until you reach the toll gate at Mirimbah (you will need to pay an entry fee during winter). Once you’ve passed through the gates, turn left into Stirling Road and keep going until you reach Telephone Box Junction (TBJ). Between Mirimbah and TBJ is approximately 8km of unsealed road.
During winter, vehicles are not permitted to go any further than TBJ, and all 2-wheel drives must carry chains when travelling to this point.
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
Stirling is the only Victorian alpine resort with a largely undeveloped and unspoilt true alpine summit, offering a readily accessible 'semi-wilderness' experience for visitors. This fact, combined with the resort's wealth and diversity of environmental characteristics and its close proximity to Melbourne (230 km), makes Mount Stirling unique in the Australian Alps.
The summit at Mount Stirling is located at 1749 metres and offers a 360 degree panoramic view of surrounding mountain ranges. The breathtaking high country landscape features sub-alpine Alpine Ash forests, Snow Gum woodlands and wide expanses of alpine meadows that are simply stunning during summer and winter.
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.
Looking for more walks in or near Alpine National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.
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.
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.
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
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.
