Mount Torbreck Circuit Hike (9km)

The Mount Torbreck Circuit is a rewarding 9-kilometre loop through the Mount Torbreck Scenic Reserve in Victoria, offering a steady mix of steep climbs, alpine woodland, and expansive views. With an elevation of 1,516 metres, Mount Torbreck stands as the westernmost peak in Victoria’s high country exceeding 1,500 metres. Tucked between Marysville and Eildon, this rugged mountain was once eyed for development as a ski resort in the 1980s, though the grand plans never materialised, aside from a lone picnic table that still marks the idea’s quiet legacy.

The hike begins at a roadside pull-in, where a steep cutting leads past two gates that are typically closed in winter. From here, you follow the gravelly Barnewall Plains Road for around 1.5 kilometres. The walk begins gently enough, winding through tall forest until you reach an open saddle. To your left is the aforementioned picnic table, while to your right a signpost marks the start of the Mount Torbreck walking track.

The trail quickly begins to climb, first heading east and then veering southeast. As the gradient sharpens, you’ll notice a shift in vegetation, from towering woollybutt to clusters of snow gums, signalling your gain in altitude. The path is usually easy to follow thanks to orange metal triangles affixed to the trees. Even under a blanket of snow, the route remains navigable for experienced hikers. Towering granite boulders frame the trail as you ascend Conn Ridge, creating a dramatic corridor that hints at the alpine terrain ahead.

Beyond the ridge, the climb becomes gentler. The track meanders northwards through open snow gum woodland, the canopy thinning as you near the summit. Here, a steel-framed trig point and a large rock cairn mark the highest point. On a clear day, you’re treated to sweeping views in all directions, ash forests cloaking distant hills, the deep blue sweep of Lake Eildon, and the more rugged peaks near Mount Buller standing watch in the east.

The circuit continues beyond the summit, following the southern stretch of Conn Ridge toward Conn Hill. The descent into Cabbage Tree Gap is short and steep, but manageable, followed by a brief climb that brings you to the summit of Conn Hill. From here, the trail becomes less defined. Take a bearing south and descend along the wide spur, which eventually funnels into Conn Gap and the gravel surface of Gap Road.

The final stretch is a straightforward return along Gap Road, heading northeast. This gravel track loops you back to the junction with Conn Road and the start point of your hike. While not a long route, the Mount Torbreck Circuit offers a genuine alpine experience, with a satisfying variety of terrain and a sense of remoteness that makes it feel far from the day-to-day, even if it’s only a short drive from Melbourne.