Trail Fast Facts

Mount Timbertop Summit Walk is a 5.5km, grade 3 hike in Howqua Hills Historic Area, Victoria. This hike typically takes 2.5 hours to complete.

Length: 5.5km

Duration: 2.5 hrs

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Style: Return

Start: Timbertop Saddle Carpark

End: Timbertop Saddle Carpark

Location: Howqua Hills Historic Area

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Merrijig

From state capital: 224km

Latitude: -37.15371113

Longitude: 146.30424499511722

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

Reviews

Weather

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Hike Overview

This 5.5km return hike traverses the western side to the summit of Mount Timbertop through dry forest and then more open vegetation.This walking track is very steep with some obstacles and sections of indistinct track.

The ridge at the top provides extensive views over the Mansfield and Merrijig valley, The Bluff and numerous peaks of the Victorian Alps.

Enjoy a rest under the snow gums and take in the landscape. The track climbs some 425 metres from approximately 850m above sea level to 1275m the summit.

Track Grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Tips

Great hike for families and kids if you don't mind a little rock scrambling in good weather.
Best done spring to autumn.

Contributed by Matthew Muscat

Map and GPX file

Mount Timbertop Summit Walk (5.5km)

Total distance: 5314 m
Max elevation: 1292 m
Min elevation: 842 m
Total climbing: 622 m
Total descent: -576 m

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Trail Location (trailhead)

Getting there

Mount Timbertop Summit Walk (5.5km)

233km from Melbourne's GPO via the Hume Highway and Mansfield. Gardiners Hut is accessed from the Gardiners Car park. NOTE: that this hut is locked unless you obtain the key first.

From Melbourne, follow the Hume Highway to the Tallarook turn-off and take the Upper Goulburn Road to the Goulburn Valley Highway, which leads you to Yea From Yea drive to Mansfield on the Maroondah Highway, then follow Mount Buller Road to approximately two kilometres past Merrijig before turning right on to the Howqua Track, (signposted Sheepyard Flat). Drive along the gravel road until reaching sign posted Mount Timbertop carpark.

Alternatively, take the Eastern Freeway and Maroondah Highway to Lilydale, then take the Melba Highway at Coldstream to Yea, follow the first description above after Yea.

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Access conditions

2WD Access
Gravel Road
Winding Road
Small Car Park

Photo gallery

About the region

Howqua Hills Historic Area is a site of natural beauty. Set in a secluded valley on the Howqua River it was once busy with gold miners. River flats are surrounded by hills with Manna Gums and NarrowLeaved Peppermints. Howqua Hills Historic Area is approximately one-hour drive from Mansfield and is a popular spot for picnics, horse riding, bushwalking, fishing and four-wheel driving. Start your visit to the park at the information shelter at Sheepyard Flat North, which gives fascinating information about the area.

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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.

Let someone know

Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.

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.

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Reviews

Mount Timbertop Summit Walk (5.5km)

3 Reviews on “Mount Timbertop Summit Walk (5.5km)”

Overall rating

Rhiannon Riches

Vaughan Bowman

24/03/2022, 05:17

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