Howitt and the High Country (21.8km)

Length: 21.8km
Duration: 2 days
Grade: 4
Style: Circuit
Start: Upper Howqua
End: Upper Howqua

Location: Alpine National Park
Closest Town: Mansfield
Distance from CBD: 275km
State: VIC
Latitude: -37.1737058000
Longitude: 146.5620724000

Dont forget to edit the Trail Access and Features for hikes that you know

Trail Access

Click Edit to Add Condition

View / Edit Conditions

Select items to indicate conditions for access to the trail.

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

Click Edit to Add Condition

View / Edit Conditions

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

Trail Markers

Drinking Water

Untreated Water

Fishing Spots

Swimming Spots

Overnight Campsites

Howitt and the High Country is a 21.8km, grade 4 Circuit hike located in Alpine National Park Victoria. The hike should take approximately 2 days to complete.

Summary

This spectacular Howitt and the High Country 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 (YAY!) Except for Helicopter Spur this walk follows generally good walking trails and offers magnificent views across the heart of the Victorian Alps.

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: 21837 m
Max elevation: 1733 m
Min elevation: 839 m
Total climbing: 1417 m
Total descent: -1418 m

Download GPX File

Please note that you need to be registered and logged in to download GPX Files. If you aren't you will automatically be redirected to the registration/login screen before being returned to this page. Then click the download button again. By downloading any GPX files from this site you agree that its use, and reliance upon, is entirely at your own risk. These files are for non-commercial, personal use only. I will endeavour to ensure the accuracy and currency of the data, but accept no responsibility in this regard, or the results of any actions taken, when using the digital route files.