Trail Fast Facts

Mount Howitt is a 14km, grade 4 hike in Alpine National Park, Victoria. This hike typically takes 5 hours to complete.

Length: 14km

Duration: 5 hrs

Grade 4 (Hard)

Style: Return

Start: Mount Howitt Carpark

End: Mount Howitt Carpark

Location: Alpine National Park

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Licola

From state capital: 323km

Latitude: -37.20473527

Longitude: 146.68048381805423

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

Similar Trails

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Reviews

Hike Overview

The Mount Howitt hike starts at the carpark on the Howitt Road, 81 km north of Licola via the Tamboritha Road. The first 5 km passes though pleasant Snow Gum woodlands and small, open snow grass plains. The memorial Vallejo Gantner Hut near Macalister Springs was built in 1970 as a refuge for bushwalkers. It has a unique copper clad inclined 'A' frame design.

Beyond the hut the track follows a narrow ridge, with spectacular views into the headwaters of the Macalister River (west) and Wonnangatta River - Terrible Hollow (east).

After a climb of 0.5 km the Australian Alps Walking Track is reached. Turn left, it is only a fairly short walk to the open rolling summit of Mount Howitt and Howitt West Peak. The view from here is one of the best in the Victorian Alps. Nearby is the jagged Cross Cut Saw, The Razor, The Viking and Mount Speculation, and in the distance Mount Buller to the west, Mount Buffalo to the north and Mount Feathertop to the north west.

Map and GPX file

Mount Howitt Hike (14km)

Total distance: 7074 m
Max elevation: 1735 m
Min elevation: 1525 m
Total climbing: 332 m
Total descent: -208 m

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Getting there

Mount Howitt Hike (14km)

Drive to Licola and at the road junction near the bridge take the Tamboritha Road (don't cross the bridge). You will drive past bush camp sites before the road will turn into a dirt road. 48km from Licola you will reach the Arbuckle Junction, turn left and follow Howitt Road for another 37km to the Mount Howitt Carpark.

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Access conditions

4WD Access
Gravel Road
Steep Road
Winding Road
Speed Bumps
Large Car Park
Public Toilets

Photo gallery

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.

About the region

The Alpine National Park is a national park 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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Similar trails nearby

Looking for things to do in Alpine National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

Reviews

Mount Howitt Hike (14km)

1 Review on “Mount Howitt Hike (14km)”

Overall rating

Grant Hollingworth

Amazing hike. Loved every minute of it. The Victorian high country is stunning.

15/09/2022, 00:48

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

Explore Safe

While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.

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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.