Rocky Peak & the Pinnacle Hike (7.7km)

These rarely climbed peaks are well worth a visit if you're in the area. Despite their modest height (both are under 1000 metres), Rocky Peak and The Pinnacle have impressive views in all directions.

At about 7 km, the walk is fairly short and most groups should be able to do it in 4 hours. However much of the route is off track and the descent from the aptly named Rocky Peak is very steep and rocky, so while the walk itself is only of medium difficulty, it shouldn't be attempted by people who are not comfortable with steep descents or inexperienced with off track route finding.

Walk south east along the slowly ascending road for just over 1 km until the ridge above you to the right becomes less steep and you can see the top of the spur. Leave the road and walk east through untracked open forest to the top of the ridge. Turn north and walk up the middle of the spur through an open forest of mostly messmate and peppermint which was lightly burnt a few years ago. The ridge becomes steeper and rockier towards the top, but there are no major obstacles and there is no false summit, so it's fairly easy to judge how far there is to go.

The 984 metre summit is marked by an ancient steel trig point with a survey marker underneath threatening a £50 fine for interfering with it. Look through the trees to the south west where Mount Torbreck looms high over the valley before walking 20 metres east to the edge of the escarpment for your break. From this point you can see many of the high mountains near Mount Buller; the distinctively shaped Mount Timbertop is surprisingly close. Looking north you can see the only sign of civilisation, the Jerusalem Creek Inlet of Lake Eildon with it's marina and houseboats.

From the top of Rocky Peak, head generally north west, sticking to the top of the ridge. The descent is steep and rocky with granite boulders scattered through the forest, so make an effort to have an idea of your route 50 metres ahead. The ridge is partly marked with red tapes, but don't rely on them to find the best route. As the saddle before The Pinnacle becomes evident, veer to the west side of the ridge and keep an eye open for the road (Pinnacle Track) to your left. Once you have spotted it, descend to the road just before the saddle. This saddle is the source of Running Creek and the gully can be fairly scrubby, so make sure you sidle down to the road before you cross the creek headwaters.

Walk up the road, heading generally north west for 1½ km. Near the top, the road gets quite rough and steep. At the top of The Pinnacle there are more great views, notably near the seasonal closure gate there is a spectacular glimpse of Rocky Peak through a gap in the trees. From the Pinnacle, head back to the south east, down Pinnacle Track to the road junction and your car.