Mount Clear Traverse Hike (26km)

The Mount Clear Traverse is a 26-kilometre, grade 4 hike in Victoria's Alpine National Park, typically completed over two days. This challenging trek takes you through some of the region's most striking high country, including The Nobs, High Cone, and Mount Clear. It’s a full pack carry, meaning you'll need to bring along all your gear, food, and water for the journey.

The highlight of the hike is the summit of Mount Clear, a 1695-metre peak that stands out from many surrounding mountains. Its bald summit and commanding presence make it visible from various points in the area, offering an unbeatable vantage point of the alpine landscape. Along the way, you’ll also visit other notable peaks like The Nobs, at 1495 metres, with its twin summits, High Cone, which reaches 1488 metres and features a prominent point, and Square Top, at 1587 metres, known for its long, flat summit. Each of these peaks is straightforward to climb, requiring a steady ascent from the valley below.

Stage 1 (13.5km)

The first stage of the hike begins at the junction of Brocks Road and Clear Creek Road. From here, you’ll follow Clear Creek for about 2 kilometres before reaching the junction with Nobs Track and Mount Clear Spur Road. Turning right, you’ll continue along Nobs Track for roughly 4.7 kilometres, keeping an eye out for the Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT) on your left. Following this track, you’ll ascend to the summit of The Nobs. The trail then veers east and continues for about 3 kilometres to the summit of High Cone. Just beyond the peak, the Grimme Creek Track junction appears, but you should stay on the AAWT as it descends from High Cone, crosses a broad saddle, and climbs up to an unnamed knoll. From here, the track skirts the north-western flanks of Square Top before reaching the summit of Mount Clear, about 1.5 kilometres away. This spot is a great place to camp for the night. It’s important to note, though, that there are no reliable water sources along the entire route, so you'll need to carry all your water or plan ahead to source it from elsewhere.

Stage 2 (12.5km)

On the second stage, you’ll head north from the summit of Mount Clear, again following the AAWT. After a little under 2 kilometres, you’ll reach the junction with the Mount Clear Track and Mount Clear Spur Road. Turn left here, heading west. From this point, the route gradually descends for the remainder of the hike. After approximately 9 kilometres, you’ll reach the junction with Clear Creek Road. Turn right and follow this road north-west for the final stretch back to the trailhead at Brocks Road, covering about 12.5 kilometres.

As mentioned earlier, there are no reliable water sources along the trail. Planning is essential, either by carrying enough water or researching potential collection points. For camping, the summit of Mount Clear makes a great overnight stop, or you might prefer the saddle to the north-west, which is near a possible water source. However, I can’t guarantee its reliability, as finding water here took a bit of searching.

This traverse is a rewarding and rugged adventure for those well-prepared, offering breathtaking views and a chance to immerse yourself in the heart of the Victorian Alps.