Howitt and Helicopter Spur (26.7km)

Length: 26.7km
Duration: 2 days
Grade: 4-5
Style: Circuit
Start: Upper Howqua Camping Area
End: Upper Howqua Camping Area

Location: Alpine National Park
Closest Town: Mansfield
Distance from CBD: 246km
State: VIC
Latitude: -37.1737058000
Longitude: 146.5620724000

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Trail Access

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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

Trail Features

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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

Howitt and Helicopter Spur is a 26.7km, grade 4-5 Circuit hike located in Alpine National Park Victoria. The hike should take approximately 2 days to complete.

Summary

This spectacular Howitt and Helicopter Spur alpine hike visits both Mt Magdala and Mt 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.

Getting there

From Mansfield follow the Mt 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.

Total distance: 26727 m
Max elevation: 1734 m
Min elevation: 840 m
Total climbing: 1711 m
Total descent: -1711 m

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