This Mount Torbreck Circuit hike summits the rocky peaks of Mount Torbreck. At 1516 metres high Torbreck is a mountain half way between Marysville and Eildon. It is the westernmost mountain in the high country over 1500 metres and was briefly a designated ski resort in the 1980's, although the only infrastructure built was a picnic table.
From your car, head up the steep road cutting, through a pair of gates that restrict winter access and walk along the unsurfaced Barnewall Plains Road for 1500 metres. At a more open saddle you will see a picnic table to the west (your left) and a signpost to the east indicating the walking track to Mount Torbreck.
The track climbs in an easterly and then south easterly direction, getting steeper around the area where the predominant trees change from woollybutt to snow gum. The track is fairly well defined and orange metal triangles attached to trees make route finding fairly easy, even in winter when the track is covered in snow. It climbs beneath a series of huge granite boulders before reaching the top of Conn Ridge. The route then veers to the north, climbing through boulder studded, open snow gum woodland towards the summit on a more modest gradient.
Trees are more sparse in the summit area which boasts a steel framed trig point and a large rock cairn. On a clear day, views of ranges of hills covered in ash forests in all directions are impressive, as are the views of nearby Lake Eildon and the higher ranges near Mount Buller.
From the summit there are good views along the southern part of Conn Ridge and the second stage of this hike to the summit of Conn Hill. Head south east along the ridge and descend into Cabbage Tree Gap before commencing the short climb to the top of Conn Hill. From the summit, take a bearing south and follow the broad spur down to the saddle of Conn Gap where you will find Gap Road.
Turn north east (right) and follow Gap Road back to the junction of Conn Road and your car.
The second half of this hike, from the summit of Mount Torbreck to Gap Road is completely off-trail. If you are not experienced with off-trail navigation return from the summit to your vehicle via your original route. This will reduce the hike length to around 7km.
Mount Torbeck can be climbed in winter by an experienced group and it is rare for more than light snow to be found at the start of the walk, so driving up Conn Gap Road shouldn't present any problems.
Sections of this summary provided by: David Sisson | www.australianmountains.com
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Total distance: 9062 m
Max elevation: 1510 m
Min elevation: 996 m
Total climbing: 654 m
Total descent: -655 m
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Closest towns to this walk: Coldstream, Healesville, Maroondah, Woori Yallock, Yarra Glen
Getting to the trailhead in Mount Torbreck Scenic Reserve.
From Melbourne head for Lilydale and continue on to Healesville on the Maroondah Highway B 360, follow the highway over the Black Spur and on to the small town of Taggerty. Turn left and take the C 515 to Thornton. Then follow the Goulburn Valley Highway B 340 to the Snobs Creek pub (aka Eildon Holiday Resort Hotel), 5 km before Eildon. Turn right on to Snobs Creek Road and drive south for 14 km. The road is sealed at first, but the latter section is a well maintained gravel road. At a regrowing logging coupe turn left and drive 800 metres up Conn Gap Road, to a junction just before a bridge. Park your car here.
Alternative access
It is possible to drive to the start of the walk from the south via Marysville and Cambarville, but the gravel roads can be rough and access from the north via the Snobs Creek Pub is the fastest route from Melbourne. The walk can also be accessed from the Eildon – Jamieson Road, by turning south west on to the Barnewall Plains Road, 100 metres past the Jerusalem Creek Road junction. This road leads to a gate just north of the picnic table at the start of the walking track. However the road is winding and is not always well maintained. Note that Barnewall Plains Road is closed between the Queen’s Birthday weekend and Melbourne Cup weekend.
Camping
There is a large, flat and open camp site on Barnewall Plains Road at the start of the walking track. Note that Barnewall Plains Road is closed between the Queen’s Birthday weekend and Melbourne Cup weekend. Is accessing this from Conn Gap Road you will require a 4WD.
Mount Torbreck is a mountain (elevation 1516 metres) in Victoria, Australia 150 km from Melbourne. The mountain was listed as a place that could be declared as an alpine resort in The Alpine Resorts Act 1983, however no resort was ever developed on the site and it was recommended to be changed to a natural and scenic features reserve in 1994.
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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.
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11 Reviews on “Mount Torbreck Circuit Hike (9km)”
Once off the path there was a lot of scrambling over boulders and negotiating fallen timber. Due to low visibility with fog, didn’t go all the way to Conn Hill and instead headed south earlier, not wanting to miss Gap Road. At least a kilometre slogging through thick blackberries before getting to the road. Very tough going. Much easier to go up and down the path to the top of Mount Torbrek. Road access to the start of the walk was as described.
Wow, that does sound like tough going. Certainly different conditions to when I was last there.
Note that on 2020/05/16 there was no direct access up Conn Gap Road. The only option was to continue up Snobbs Creek Road for 7 or 8 k and then double back. This section of the road had quite a few fallen branches on it and not easily passable. Make sure you allow an extra 30-45 min and have sufficient fuel for a 15-20k detour ( we didn’t so had to abort). A few horrible forestry coupes on the way are very distressing.
Tried the Mount Torbreck to Gap Road off-trail ridgeline walk. Very hard going due to re-growth and fallen timber. Aborted after it took 40min to cover 7-800 meters.