Trail summary
Hike overview
The Huts Walk links three of Hotham's significant historic huts, each which represent an important role which led to the development of Hotham Alpine Resort. These iconic huts include Spargo's (gold mining), Derrick Hut (ski touring), and Silver Brumby Hut (representative of cattle grazing and as used in the film Silver Brumby).
The Huts Walk offers hikers a unique opportunity to experience some of the high country's rarely seen significant natural and historic landscapes. Interpretive signs highlighting some of the remarkable history of this feature have been installed along the route. The walk also takes you through a range of natural landscapes, from shady and sparsely open forest to damp gullies and impressive waterfalls.
The Huts Walk can be done as a complete circuit or as individual sections suited to personal fitness levels or interests. The full circuit is 18km. There are options to shorten the walk by (1) making it a one way walk and omitting the final 2.8km along the Great Alpine Rd. A car shuffle or other pick up arrangements would be required for this option, and/or (2) not going to see Silver Brumby Hut (shortens walk by 2.8km).
The walk is accessible from the Great Alpine Road at the Loch Car Park or Davenport Access Track. Car parking is available at both these areas. At the southern, or Davenport Access Track end of the Huts Walk the track follows the Cobungra Ditch Walk for 1.8km (see Cobungra Ditch Track Notes). From the Ditch the track descends into Swindler's Creek and makes a gradual steep accent up Golden Point Spur to Spargo's Hut - this is the steepest section of the Huts Walk. The rest of the walk traverses the relatively open and flat high plains.
Spargo's Hut
One of the oldest intact structures in the resort, this State Heritage registered building has been described as the Mawson's Hut of the Australian Alps. It was built by prospector Bill Spargo and his brother Cecil in 1927-8 for Bill's prospecting and mining activities in the Golden Point area. Bill was Superintendant of the Alpine Road for the Country Roads Board in the early 1920s and was influential in the establishment of Mount Hotham as a recreational skiing location. He later discovered the rich gold-bearing Red Robin reef on Machinery Spur in 1941. The hut is a survivor of the 1939 and 2003 bushfires.
Derrick Hut
Built as a day shelter for ski tourers by the Wangaratta Ski Club in 1967. This neat little timber hut is a memorial to Charles Derrick a cross country skier who died in 1965 in a blizzard whilst attempting to ski from Mount Bogong to Mount Hotham. Located on Dibbin's (Swindler's) Spur the hut is nestled in a sheltered hollow surrounded by ancient snowgums.
Silver Brumby Hut
The original Silver Brumby Hut was built in 1992 as a temporary film prop for the Australian film 'The Silver Brumby', based on the famous novel by Elyne Mitchell. The present hut was built in 2006-7 as a replica of the original. A joint project of the Rotary Club of Sale Central, East Gippsland Institute of Tafe, Tanderra Ski Club and the Mount Hotham Resort Management Board. Situated in the Plains of Heaven on Swindler's Creek, the location is an ideal spot for a picnic lunch.
Getting to Mount Hotham
Option 1: Follow the Hume Freeway north past Benalla, turning off onto the B500 exit to 'Beechworth/Bright'. Follow signs to Bright and continue through Bright To Harrietville and eventually Mount Hotham on the Great Alpine Road.
Option 2: Follow the M1/CityLink/Monash Freeway east towards Gippsland and continue on this road to Bairnsdale. In Bairnsdale follow signs to Omeo or Great Alpine Road which will take you north to Mount Hotham.
Getting to start of walk from Mount Hotham village
Walk starts at the Davenport Access Track which is opposite the Tanderra Ski Lodge on the Great Alpine Road. If done in reverse then the starting point is the Loch Reservoir and Carpark. Parking is available at both ends of the walk.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 1821 m
Min elevation: 1412 m
Total climbing: 934 m
Total descent: -934 m
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Mitta Mitta, Bright, Mount Beauty, Omeo, Falls Creek
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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.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for hikes and trails in Alpine National Park or nearby? Try these similar graded walks.
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.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
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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.