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Length: 21.8km
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Duration: 2 days
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Grade: 4
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Style: Circuit
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Start: Upper Howqua
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End: Upper Howqua
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Location: Alpine National Park
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Closest Town: Mansfield
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Distance from CBD: 275km
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State: VIC
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Latitude: -37.1737058
Longitude: 146.5620724
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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
Keep the Trail Features current...










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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
GPX File
Max elevation: 1733 m
Min elevation: 839 m
Total climbing: 1420 m
Total descent: -1421 m
Hikes Nearby
30 thoughts on “Howitt and the High Country (21.8km)”
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Brent Linmeiers
Let’s do it!
Claire!!!
Haha, like that this info has warnings!
Anne-Marie Henry you and I this summer!!
Claire ??
⚠️ ⚠️….even better when you choose your own adventure ?
haha!! Don’t forget your compass!!!
?
Georgette Karvelas?
Nath Johnson
Yep we can do that too Paul Groves
http://thewaz19.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/helicopter-spur.html?m=1
Helen Panayi another one for us!
I just did this hike as part of a 4 day hike, last week. One of the best hikes I have ever done! Amazing part of Victoria.
I’m trying to get them to chat to you Jenny!
Jayson Moran Noel Ryan
Looks good Fi ??
Jenn Aedo
Claire!!!! The other circuit…. if we are game!!!! ?
On my list for Spring!! Woohoo. Then off to the MtSpec circuit
Brad Callinan lets do this
Might have to work up to it but looks so cool
Tayla start training girl ?
Brad Callinan working on it ????
Tayla inch by inch
Brad Callinan ????
Tayla save that walk and make it a goal please
Brad Callinan okay uncle ???
Such a good hike