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Length: 26.7km
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Duration: 2 days
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Grade: 4-5
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Style: Circuit
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Start: Upper Howqua Camping Area
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End: Upper Howqua Camping Area
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Location: Alpine National Park
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Closest Town: Mansfield
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Distance from CBD: 246km
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State: VIC
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Latitude: -37.1737058
Longitude: 146.5620724
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2WD Access
4WD Access
Public Transport
Bitumen Road
Gravel Road
Steep Road
Winding Road
Speed Bumps
Vehicle Ford
Entry Fee
Large Car Park
Small Car Park
Accessible Parking
Accessible Toilet
Public Toilets
Drinking Water
Untreated Water
Picnic Shelter
Picnic Table
BBQ Facilities
Campfire Pit
Camping Area
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Alpine National Park...
Select items to indicate features found along the trail.
Concrete Path
Timber Boardwalk
Gravel Path
Sandy Trail
Rough Trail
Undefined Trail
Prams & Strollers
Manual Wheelchair
Motorised Wheelchair
Bicycle Trail
Mountain Bike Trail
Historic Rail Trail
Dog Friendly
Urban Walk
Coast & Beach
Historic Lighthouse
Waterfalls & Lakes
Rainforest Walk
Goldfields & Mining
Heritage Walk
Aboriginal Art
Alpine Region
Alpine Huts
Exposed Ledges
Rock Scrambling
Steep Terrain
Bush Bashing
River Crossings
Scenic Viewpoints
Well Marked
Drinking Water
Untreated Water
Fishing Spots
Swimming Spots
Overnight Campsites
Trail Running
Horse Riding
Hike Summary
This spectacular Howitt and Helicopter Spur alpine hike visits both Mount Magdala and Mount Howitt traversing one of the best sections of the long-distance Australian Alps Walking Track. Helicopter Spur, the route used to reach the treeline, is one of the steepest and most challenging climbs in the region. Except for Helicopter Spur this walk follows generally good walking trails and offers magnificent views across the heart of the Victorian Alps.
Day 1 (10km)
Water is plentiful at the start point of this hike but it is essential that you carry enough ( I recommend 3 litres) to last through to the overnight camp at Hellfire Creek.
Day 2 (17km)
You will need to carry enough water (I recommend 4 litres) for all of this day, although the final few km are along the Howqua River.
Note
If you are not comfortable driving on rough gravel tracks then it might be an idea to car pool.
About the region
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.
Getting there
From Mansfield follow the Mount Buller Road for 32km to Mirimbah. Turn left and continue up the Mount Stirling Road for 9km to Telephone Box Junction. Keep right on Circuit Road and continue over Howqua Gap to the Bindaree turnoff (60km from Mansfield). Follow Bindaree Road down to the Howqua Valley. Turn left and after 200m you will arrive at the Upper Howqua Camping Area.
Warning
This is a challenging hike that should not be underestimated. Helicopter Spur is steep and rocky requiring exposed scrambling in places. Some people may find that ropes will be useful. Some navigational experience is required.
Be Prepared
This hike requires that you have a sufficient level of equipment (in good working order), fitness and self-reliance. It is vital that you take personal responsibility for ensuring you are prepared! If you are not sure, contact the hike leader prior to the hike.
GPX File
Max elevation: 1734 m
Min elevation: 840 m
Total climbing: 1711 m
Total descent: -1711 m
Hikes Nearby
26 thoughts on “Howitt and Helicopter Spur (26.7km)”
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Interesting info this is really great
totally correct 😀
Tremendous very informative
Brad Atkinson sounds like a good challenging one.??
I like it
Adeline Dickson
That’s a great one
Have you done it before??
we should
Yas!!
Ray Ray
Ladies Tania Avock Michaelyne Louise Sumali Rithu Job
Holi balls yes
Sascha Hovens add to list
Emma Mickle have you been writing these down?
Nope. That would be too sensible. ?
You’re off the bus
We describe that walk in our book Take A Walk in Victoria’s National Parks. Not the easiest walk in the park. You can also visit the area while doing the Australian Alps Walking Track. We describe that walk in Take A Walk in Kosciuszko National Park
Where can we see your book John N Lyn Daly?
My favourite walk.
Would be awesome!
Andrew Bell
Shane Slade
Emma, That’s a pic of the location known as “ the terrible hollow”, from Mt Howitt at the top of Howitt road, good luck with that one!
Terrible? It looks lovely though! Haha
We did this a few years ago, with a variation of going up the slope of Mt Buggery. It was tough and the route on the map was a very old track with many fallen trees requiring one to go under or over each tree, which was slow going. The climb up Mt Buggery was tough, but great views. We camped below the top and then climbed up to the top in the disappearing morning mist which was spectacular. Crosscut saw with its views to the left and right was amazing. We took lunch a little past Mt Howitt, overlooking Mt Buller and beyond, was well worth it. Mt Howitt was a little disappointing in itself.