Mount Feathertop: Champion Spur Hike (27km)

The Mount Feathertop - Champion Spur hike is a 27km, grade 4 track located in the Alpine National Park, Victoria. Typically completed over 1 to 2 days, this challenging route takes you to the summit of Mount Feathertop, the second highest peak in Victoria. Known for its rugged terrain and steep slopes, Mount Feathertop is a standout feature in the state’s high country. The mountain is connected to the Mount Hotham ski resort by the Razorback, a narrow ridge, but otherwise remains isolated, with steep slopes leading directly to its summit. Unlike many surrounding peaks, Feathertop lacks the typical rounded dome and instead offers a sharp, rugged profile.

The hike along Champion Spur is steep, with parts of the track becoming overgrown and requiring some bush bashing, particularly as you approach the Razorback Ridge track. While much of the route follows a management vehicle track, the final 3km near the summit is a more challenging, unmarked section that may involve scrambling through thick scrub. Accessing the track involves a few river crossings, adding an extra element of adventure. Along the way, you’ll encounter beautiful wildflowers and a variety of lizards, making it a scenic experience despite the tough conditions.

Though the track was cleared in 2006/07 following bushfires, it has not been regularly maintained and is slowly becoming overgrown again. For a more direct route to Feathertop, taking the Bungalow Track or Razorback Ridge Track from Hotham Heights or via the Bon Accord Track is recommended. If you choose to follow the Champion Spur, it’s best to take the Bon Accord Track for the first 3km, then descend to the river and pick up the old track from there, avoiding the more eroded sections.

Once past the river, the track continues up the spur and follows an old forestry road. The final stretch, where the track cuts up through the spur, is clearer but still somewhat rugged, as it has not been maintained in recent years. If you’re descending Champion Spur, look for the gap in the trees near the Razorback track, just south of the corner, where you can connect with the walking track. This section has become overgrown, but it’s still passable for those comfortable with a bit of scrub bashing.

Mount Feathertop is a popular spot for hikers in the summer and offers great opportunities for mountaineering and extreme skiing in the winter. However, it’s important to note that the mountain can be dangerous, with an average of one death per decade, mostly in winter due to people underestimating the risks around cornices. Always exercise caution, particularly in winter conditions, and be sure to treat the mountain with the respect it deserves.

For those looking to stay hydrated along the way, water can be found at a natural spring located about 500 metres along the North West Spur Track from the Feathertop Track junction. Be sure to carry adequate water and a purification method, as sources can be limited. The most reliable map for this hike is the Mount Feathertop - Hotham 1:30,000, 2nd edition by Rooftop, 2009.