Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the rugged beauty of Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park, Victoria on the 16.3km return hike starting and ending at The Ridge carpark. This Grade 4 trail offers a challenging hike, with steep climbs to The Pimple and Mount Burrowa's summit. Enjoy the distinct changes in vegetation as you move through gum forests, blue gums and alpine ash, culminating in snow gum on the ridges. Remember to carry water, warm clothing and a waterproof jacket, as conditions can change rapidly. The nearest towns are Tallangatta and Corryong, approximately 452km from Melbourne CBD.

Length:

16.3km

Duration:

7 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 1279m

Min elevation: 627m

Total Ascent: 1308m

Start: The Ridge carpark

End: The Ridge carpark

Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Tallangatta/Corryong

From state capital: 452km

Latitude: -36.05903524

Longitude: 147.754057

Overview

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Hike overview

The Mount Burrowa and The Pimple hike is long and strenuous and the track may be poorly defined in places. From The Ridge carpark the track climbs steeply to The Pimple. This rocky outcrop sits atop sheer rhyolite cliffs and offers excellent views over some of the more remote and rugged areas of the park. The track continues south towards Hinces Saddleon then, turning right, to the summit of Mount Burrowa (1300m) with a number of very steep climbs and descents. It features a variety of vegetation types as altitude and aspect change.

The route, in either direction, is marked with orange arrows on the trees but the tracks are ill-defined and the walks are steep and rough. No water is available along the route so it is necessary to take your own and ensure adequate daylight is available. Snow and strong winds can be encountered in winter so be sure to take warm clothes and a waterproof jacket. The walk takes in many changes in altitude, aspect and vegetation, including peppermint and gum forest, blue gums in the moist gullies, alpine ash on the sheltered southern slopes and snow gum on the ridges.

Return via the same route. If camping overnight, Hinces Saddle, a broad, open area, is a logical campsite.

Camping

Basic visitor facilities are located at Bluff Creek, near the main entrance to the park, and also at Blue Gum Camp, Hinces Creek and Pine Mountain. If camping overnight, Hinces Saddle, a broad, open area, is a logical campsite.

Tips

The park has limited permanent water sources - carry adequate drinking water when walking.
Walking conditions can be rough and rocky areas slippery when wet - wear sturdy footwear.
Cliffs and rocky bluffs occur within the park - be alert near the edge and look out for falling rocks.
Remote walking tracks may be poorly defined - carry an adequate map and compass or GPS.
Longer walking tracks require a good level of fitness and experience

Overnight hikes

A combination of walking and 4WD tracks may be used to form extended hikes. Popular overnight hikes, which may all be walked in reverse, include:

Bluff Falls to The Ridge - via Black Mountain and Mount Burrowa (approx. 22 km, 14 hrs)
Bluff Falls to Hinces Creek - via Black Mountain (approx. 17 km, 10 hrs)
Hinces Creek to The Ridge - via Mount Burrowa (approx. 19 km, 13 hrs). This route may also be walked as a loop using Cudgewa Bluff Road to return to the start point
Hinces Saddle, a broad, open area, is a logical campsite for these overnight walks

Trail features

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Mount Burrowa & the Pimple Hike (16.3km)

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Walk map and GPX file

Mount Burrowa & the Pimple Hike (16.3km)

Total distance: 16577 m
Max elevation: 1279 m
Min elevation: 627 m
Total climbing: 1308 m
Total descent: -1307 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park.

The park is located approximately 120 km east of Albury-Wodonga and 25 km northwest of Corryong. It lies between the Murray Valley Highway and the Murray River. Access to many popular visitor areas is from the all-weather Cudgewa Bluff Road, which passes through the park and is a pleasant scenic drive. The turnoff to The Ridge carpark runs off the Cudgewa Bluff Rd.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Beechworth, Cheshunt, Chiltern, Corryong, Eskdale, Kergunyah, Kiewa, Milawa, Mitta Mitta, Myrtleford, Osbornes Flat, Rutherglen, Tallangatta, Wangaratta, Wodonga, Wymah, Yackandandah

About the region

The Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park is a national park in the Hume region of Victoria, Australia. The 18400ha national park is situated approximately northeast of Melbourne and east of Albury-Wodonga. The park stretches between Walwa Creek in the north-west and Cudgewa Creek in the southeast , both tributaries of the Murray River. There you will find Pine Mountain, one of the largest monoliths in the southern hemisphere, which is 1.5 times the size of Uluru. Another peak is Mount Burrowye.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

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.

Explore safe

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.

Packing checklists

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.

Let someone know

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

Reviews

Mount Burrowa & the Pimple Hike (16.3km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Mount burrowa & the pimple hike (16. 3km)

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance