Mount Feathertop - The Razorback is a 22km, grade 4 hike located in the Alpine National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 7 hrs to complete.
Hike summary
The Mount Feathertop - The Razorback hike summits Mount Feathertop, the second highest mountain in Victoria and one of the most picturesque peaks in the state. It is linked to the nearby Mount Hotham ski resort by The Razorback, a high narrow ridge, but otherwise surrounded by steep slopes which continue right to the summit. Unlike most nearby mountains, Mount Feathertop has steep slopes right to the top and does not have the rounded summit dome that is typical of many nearby peaks.
Mount Feathertop is probably the most appealing peak in the high country. It provides terrific hiking in summer and in winter it is a great venue for mountaineering and extreme skiing. But be careful, as it averages a death per decade. Most deaths are in winter and most come from not treating cornices with the respect they deserve.
Overnight hike for kids
This makes an excellent overnight hike for kids as is is not overly challenging and will give them a taste of the Victorian Alps. While there are a few steep sections, they are not long. Federation Hut (the overnight camp), has a wood fire and water tank, and there are plenty of great campsites outside - no camping is allowed inside the hut. There is also a composting toilet nearby.
Maps
The most useful and accurate map is Mount Feathertop - Hotham 1:30,000. 2nd edition. Rooftop, 2009.
Access and Trail Notes
The Razorback Walking Track beings at Diamantina Hut, 2.5 km on the Harrietville side of the Hotham Village. It crosses the high ridge linking Mount Hotham and Mount Feathertop. The route is generally above the tree line so you will enjoy excellent views most of the way. The ridge is very exposed and should be not be crossed in unsettled or bad weather. The junction with the Bungalow Spur Track is 1.5 km from the summit at a site called The Cross. The final climb to the top is steep but well worth the effort. Return by the same route or, if you have made suitable transport arrangements, walk down to Harrietville via the Bungalow Spur Tack.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 1898 m
Min elevation: 1608 m
Total climbing: 942 m
Total descent: -942 m
Trail Features
- Rough Trail
- Alpine Region
- Alpine Huts
- Exposed Ledges
- Steep Terrain
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Untreated Water
- Overnight Campsites
Gear you might need
As well as including the Ten Essentials, my planning, food and packing checklists provide an summary of things to consider on your day, overnight and multi-day hikes. Every person and every hike is different, so customise your kit according to your needs. Download your free checklists here >>
Location
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About the region
The Alpine National Park is a national park located 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.
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Acknowledgement of Country
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.
0 Reviews on “Mount Feathertop - The Razorback (22km)”
Better start with upping the hike training Di ??
Maybe the grade is seasonal. More of a 4 in Winter… amazing mountain, to be respected.