From a pleasant grassy clearing beside the Howqua River, The Bluff Trail climbs steadily through dry open forest along Eight Mile Spur. The final stages of the ascent to the rugged natural ramparts of the Bluff are quite steep, but the rewards are soon evident. From the treeless 1,725 metre summit a spectacular alpine panorama unfolds, stretching to Mount Buller in the north and faraway Lake Eildon.
The trail continues through alpine meadows, carpeted with brilliant wildflowers in early summer, to Bluff Hut and a sheltered campsite among the nearby snow gums. Next morning, descend along a 4WD road on Sixteen Mile Spur to the Howqua River, then follow the river valley past Ritchies Hut to the start of the trail at Eight Mile Flat. Commercial tour operators also run horse-riding trips to the Bluff.
Day 1 (13km)
Camp at Bluff Hut. Water should be available at this location.
Day 2 (15km)
Return to the trail head. Water will be available at Ritchies Hut and at various points along the Howqua River.
Best time
Summer, Autumn
All hikers should realise that weather conditions can change rapidly in alpine areas at any time of year. Snowfalls can be experienced at any time, so please be prepared with:
- warm clothing
- windproof and waterproof jacket
- gloves and hat
- strong footwear
- energy food and water
- compass and relevant topographical map
Total distance: 28163 m
Max elevation: 1715 m
Min elevation: 564 m
Total climbing: 1803 m
Total descent: -1803 m
Download file:
The Bluff Trail.gpx
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Travel to Mansfield from Melbourne (195km) and Take the Mount Buller Road for 20.6km, turn right onto Howqua Track and travel for 16.4 km to Sheepyard Flats. Drive through Sheepyard Flats and continue along Brocks Road for 13km to 8 Mile Flat. Turn left at the junction and continue to the carpark at the end of the track.
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
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.
