Starting near Telephone Box Junction at Mount Stirling, this 13 km, grade 3 hike in Victoria's Alpine National Park forms a large loop around the Mount Stirling resort. Known as the Mount Stirling Summit Loop, the hike typically takes around five hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll pass iconic landmarks like Bluff Spur Hut, GGS Hut, and the Cricket Pitch, before returning to Telephone Box Junction.
From the starting point, follow the upper right section of Circuit Road, then turn left onto Baldy Loop and right onto Bluff Spur Trail, leading you up to Bluff Spur Hut. Continue past the hut, keeping South Summit Trail on your right and West Summit Road on your left. When you reach the Howqua Gap track, turn left, following the unsealed road that runs past Stirling Summit.
For those seeking an optional side trip, a short but steep walk leads to the 1,749-meter summit. After enjoying the summit, retrace your steps to the main trail. At the Clear Hills track intersection, turn left through the gate to reach GGS Hut and follow the Stirling Trail. Just before reaching the Cricket Pitch, take a left onto Weather Station Ramble, then continue along Upper Baldy Trail, passing the Machinery Shed.
At the intersection of Upper Baldy Trail and Baldy Loop, continue straight on Upper Baldy Trail. After passing the Practice Slope, turn left at the Circuit Road intersection, which will lead you back to Telephone Box Junction.
Towards the end of the hike, several alternative tracks offer slight variations to the described route. A GPX file for a 12 km variation of this loop is included below for reference.
Please note that this track is subject to seasonal closures. When snow is present, snowshoes must be worn. As a general guide, walking/hiking is encouraged from October to May, and snowshoeing from June to September. For up-to-date information on access, snowshoe etiquette, and trip planning, please contact the Mansfield Visitor Information Centre at 03 5775 7000.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Mount Stirling offers several locations for overnight bushwalk camping, allowing you to experience the Australian alpine wilderness. To ensure you have a fantastic camping experience and help preserve the alps for others, please follow the tips below:
- Camp among the snow gums rather than in lower Mountain Ash areas, as Mountain Ash trees are prone to falling unpredictably.
- Be prepared for all weather conditions, as alpine weather can change suddenly and without warning.
- Carry a map and compass, and make sure you know how to use them before setting out.
- Inform someone of your plans or complete a trip intention form.
- Use the provided toilets, or dig deep holes at least 100 metres from waterways to protect both animal and human health.
- Be mindful of fire safety and evacuation locations. Do NOT light fires on fire ban days—if in doubt, don’t light it!
- Ensure you haven’t disturbed any precious flora or fauna during your hike.
- Use the rubbish bins provided, or carry out all your litter.
Mount Stirling Summit Loop (13km)
Total distance: 12966 m
Max elevation: 1739 m
Min elevation: 1264 m
Total climbing: 558 m
Total descent: -558 m
Download
Mount Stirling Summit Loop (12km)
Total distance: 11855 m
Max elevation: 1739 m
Min elevation: 1264 m
Total climbing: 528 m
Total descent: -528 m
Download
No Records Found
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Maps failed to load
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
From Mansfield, take Mount Buller Road for approximately 30 km until you reach the toll gate at Mirimbah (an entry fee applies during the declared winter season). After passing through the gates, turn left onto Stirling Road and continue for about 8 km along an unsealed road until you reach Telephone Box Junction (TBJ). Public vehicle access beyond TBJ is restricted from the Thursday after the King’s Birthday weekend until the Thursday before Melbourne Cup Day. Gates may close earlier if skiable snow is present. During winter, vehicles are not permitted beyond TBJ, and all 2-wheel drive vehicles must carry chains when traveling to this point.
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
Mount Stirling is the only Victorian alpine resort with a largely undeveloped, unspoilt alpine summit, offering visitors a readily accessible 'semi-wilderness' experience. This, along with its rich environmental diversity and close proximity to Melbourne (230 km), makes Mount Stirling unique in the Australian Alps.
The summit of Mount Stirling, standing at 1,749 metres, provides a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding mountain ranges. The breathtaking high country landscape features sub-alpine Alpine Ash forests, Snow Gum woodlands, and wide expanses of alpine meadows, which are stunning in both summer and winter.
The Alpine National Park is a vast, 646,000-hectare park located in Victoria's Central Highlands and Alpine regions, northeast of Melbourne. It is the largest national park in Victoria, covering much of the higher areas of the Great Dividing Range, including Mount Bogong—Victoria's highest peak at 1,986 metres—and the subalpine woodland and grassland of the Bogong High Plains. The park's northeastern boundary borders New South Wales, where it meets Kosciuszko National Park.
For more information, visit the Mount Stirling website.
Favourite
Favourite
Howqua Hills Historic Area
Favourite
Favourite
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.
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.
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
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
