The North West Spur hike to Mount Feathertop is challenging and suited to experienced hikers only. This trail involves steep, sustained climbs, and conditions can become dangerous, especially on the descent due to loose ground and steep gradients. Winter conditions make this route especially treacherous, with ice, snow, and potentially unstable cornices that require mountaineering skills and specialised equipment. Hikers should be prepared for sudden weather changes and carry navigation tools, adequate water, and a reliable shelter. If conditions are icy and you do not have crampons and an ice axe, avoid attempting the summit.
The Mount Feathertop - North West Spur hike offers a challenging but rewarding ascent to Mount Feathertop, Victoria’s second-highest mountain. Known for its striking profile, Mount Feathertop’s rugged slopes rise sharply to the summit, offering a distinct, steep peak without the rounded dome typical of other high country mountains. Feathertop is accessible from Mount Hotham via the Razorback ridge, but the North West Spur trail provides a more direct and less-travelled route, demanding significant stamina and skill. The mountain attracts hikers and mountaineers year-round, though winter conditions elevate its difficulty, requiring advanced snow and ice skills for safe navigation.
The North West Spur trail, starting from Stoney Creek Road, is well-regarded among experienced hikers for its unrelenting ascent. From the trailhead, follow a grass footpad that runs along private property, marked clearly by signage to keep you on course. Early on, the path follows Stoney Creek, where two river crossings await, the second of which has a bridge. This lower section, dense with grass and shrub, is straightforward to follow, although vegetation may occasionally encroach on the trail.
After crossing the bridge, the climb intensifies with steep switchbacks leading to the crest of the spur, where the path then rises directly upwards. This section can be particularly treacherous on the descent due to loose rock, dirt, and debris; extra caution is recommended if you choose to return this way. About 6.5 km from the trailhead, you’ll reach the MUMC Hut at roughly 1,650 metres. This hut provides a rest point before the final push towards the summit.
Beyond MUMC Hut, the trail follows the narrow spur towards the western face of Mount Feathertop. As you approach, the trail skirts below the summit to the right, passing a natural spring that typically flows outside of winter. Eventually, the track meets the Razorback Track, from which you can continue to Feathertop’s summit or return to Harrietville via the Bungalow Spur. The summit offers panoramic views of the alpine landscape, though reaching it safely requires skill, especially in winter conditions.
Winter hikes on Mount Feathertop demand Grade 5 skills and should only be undertaken with proper equipment, including crampons and an ice axe, in stable weather. The mountain’s icy conditions have proven dangerous even for seasoned mountaineers, so be cautious and avoid summit attempts in poor weather. Along this trail, you’ll find two huts: MUMC Hut, situated 6.5 km from the North West Spur trailhead, and Federation Hut, located just 1.5 km from Feathertop’s peak. While these huts provide emergency shelter, always plan to carry a tent, as alpine conditions can change rapidly.
Camping: For those planning an overnight stay, the Federation Hut camping area is conveniently located just 500 metres west along the Bungalow Spur Track from the junction with the Razorback Track. This open campsite offers basic toilet facilities, making it an ideal spot to set up camp either before or after reaching Mount Feathertop’s summit.
Water procurement: Water is accessible at various points along the North West Spur trail, but all sources should be treated before drinking. At lower elevations, creek water can be collected from Stoney Creek. Near MUMC Hut, there is a reliable spring, and as you approach the Razorback, another natural spring is available along the trail. For those camping at Federation Hut, there’s an untreated water tank onsite and an additional spring near the old Federation Hut site along the Bungalow Spur. Given that water availability can fluctuate with the seasons, it’s wise to carry a purification method.
Navigation: For navigation, the Mount Feathertop - Hotham 1:30,000 map (2nd edition, Rooftop, 2009) is highly recommended as the most accurate and detailed map for this region. Carrying a physical map is essential, as GPS can be unreliable in poor weather, and the map’s topographical detail aids in recognising trail junctions and navigating the more challenging sections of this hike.
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Total distance: 22174 m
Max elevation: 1898 m
Min elevation: 466 m
Total climbing: 1728 m
Total descent: -1728 m
Getting to the trailhead: Alpine National Park.
To reach the trailhead for the North West Spur hike to Mount Feathertop, head toward Harrietville along Victoria’s Great Alpine Road. About 6 kilometres before you reach Harrietville (if coming from Bright), you’ll find the turnoff for Stoney Creek Road, signposted with directions to the local ‘Trout Farm.’ Turn onto Stoney Creek Road and follow it to the trailhead, where the hike begins.
Closest towns to this walk: Benalla, Bright, Dinner Plain, Falls Creek, Harrietville, Hotham Heights, Mansfield, Mitta Mitta, Mount Beauty, Mount Hotham, Myrtleford, Omeo, Porepunkah, Tawonga South, Wangaratta
Exploring Australia's Alpine National Park
The Alpine National Park offers a range of exciting outdoor activities that cater to all levels of adventure. Located in Victoria, this park is home to some of the state's highest mountain ranges, making it a popular destination for bushwalkers, hikers, and nature lovers. The park’s stunning landscapes are perfect for exploring on foot, on horseback, or even by mountain bike, with plenty of world-class trails to enjoy.
For a truly memorable experience, try the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing, which takes you across towering alpine ridgelines and through lush river valleys, all set against breathtaking alpine scenery. If you're looking to learn about the region's history, you can drive along the Wonnangatta Four-wheel Drive route, where you'll uncover the stories of the past while taking in rugged bushland and mountain views. For those keen on a challenge, the Razorback Ridge hike leads to Victoria’s second-highest peak, Mount Feathertop, offering some of the most spectacular views of the Great Dividing Range.
Adventurers can also take on the challenge of climbing Mount Bogong, the highest peak in Victoria, or explore the historic huts scattered across the Bogong High Plains, once home to legendary cattlemen. For a thrill of a different kind, white-water rafting trips on the Mitta Mitta River or skiing across the park’s varied terrain can help you experience the park’s wild side. Whether you prefer downhill runs or cross-country trails, the Alpine National Park offers some of the best ski touring opportunities in the state.
The park is also an important part of the Aboriginal cultural landscape, with traditional Country belonging to the Taungurung and Gunaikurnai Peoples.
Want to find the best trails in Alpine National Park for an adventurous hike, casual walk, or a family trip? Trail Hiking Australia has the best trails for walking, hiking, running, and more.
Looking for more walks in or near Alpine National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.
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.
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
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.
8 Reviews on “Mount Feathertop: North West Spur Hike (22km)”
You need to be supper fit to tackle this hike it’s a very hard walk not for your first hike
Sandra Smith Damian Smith maybe our next adventure?? Great part of the country ?
Reece Nicholas Amber Monk
Narelle Gahan
Dale Choco Wells