This is a challenging hike that should not be underestimated. Do not attempt this hike during Winter unless you are experienced in Alpine conditions and have the necessary equipment for snow hiking (crampons/ice axe/snow shoes). This hike requires that you have a sufficient level of navigation experience, equipment (in good working order), fitness and self-reliance. It is vital that you take personal responsibility for ensuring you are prepared!
The Mount Buller via North Ridge hike is a tough introduction to Victoria's Alpine Area and represents one of the more intense approaches to the summit of Mount Buller. There is not track, it is steep, unrelenting and requires exceptional navigation skills and stamina as you fight through the dense undergrowth.
The hike commences from a carpark on Loch Street near the Toll Gate to the Mount Buller Alpine Resort, opposite the Mirimbah Picnic Ground. Locate Buller Creek to the south and proceed through the dense bush, following the creek for approximately 2km to the base of North Ridge Spur.
If you think this section is tough going, turn around and walk back to your car as the challenge is only about to begin.
On locating the spur, follow the high point, south-east until you reach the summit of Mount Buller. It will be long and stead climb to the summit as there is no track and the route involves serious rock climbing on the spur with up to 75% gradient. On reaching the summit, you will have ascended close to 1300m.
If you have the time and inclination, you can return to the trail head via the same route. It is recommended to organise a car shuffle for this hike and don't forget to let someone know your intentions. It is very easy to become lost in this isolated area.
- Recommended as a one way hike due to time required
- Very dense forest, very slow, about 6-7 hrs to do total distance of 9 km
- There is no track and the route involves serious rock climbing on the spur with up to 75% gradient
- Only for the very fit, this involves close to 1300m of accumulated vertical ascent.
- This is a challenging hike that should not be underestimated. Do not attempt this hike during Winter unless you are experienced in Alpine conditions and have the necessary equipment for snow hiking (crampons/ice axe/snow shoes)
- This hike requires that you have a sufficient level of navigation experience, equipment (in good working order), fitness and self-reliance. It is vital that you take personal responsibility for ensuring you are prepared!
Total distance: 9201 m
Max elevation: 1790 m
Min elevation: 676 m
Total climbing: 1513 m
Total descent: -465 m
Download file:
Mt-Buller-via-North-Ridge.gpx
From Melbourne, take the Hume Fwy/National Highway M31, C382, Goulburn Valley Hwy/B340, B300 and Mount Buller Rd/C320 to Summit Rd in Mount Buller. Continue along Summit Road Drive to the Mirimbah Picnic Ground. The hike commences from a carpark on Loch Street near the Toll Gate to the Mount Buller Alpine Resort, opposite the Mirimbah Picnic Ground.
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Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the
AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
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.
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.
Looking for things to do in Alpine National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
