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: -37.1737058
Longitude: 146.5620724

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2WD Access

Gravel Road

Winding Road

Small Car Park

Untreated Water

Picnic Table

Camping Area

Campfire Pit

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2WD Access

4WD Access

Public Transport

Bitumen Road

Gravel Road

Steep Road

Winding Road

Speed Bumps

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Large Car Park

Small Car Park

Accessible Parking

Accessible Toilet

Public Toilets

Drinking Water

Untreated Water

Picnic Shelter

Picnic Table

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Campfire Pit

Camping Area

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Rough Trail

Alpine Region

Exposed Ledges

Rock Scrambling

Steep Terrain

River Crossings

Untreated Water

Scenic Viewpoints

Overnight Campsites

Gravel Path

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Alpine National Park...

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Concrete Path

Timber Boardwalk

Gravel Path

Sandy Trail

Rough Trail

Undefined Trail

Prams & Strollers

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Bicycle Trail

Mountain Bike Trail

Historic Rail Trail

Dog Friendly

Urban Walk

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Historic Lighthouse

Waterfalls & Lakes

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Goldfields & Mining

Heritage Walk

Aboriginal Art

Alpine Region

Alpine Huts

Exposed Ledges

Rock Scrambling

Steep Terrain

Bush Bashing

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Well Marked

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Swimming Spots

Overnight Campsites

Trail Running

Horse Riding

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.

Hike Summary

This spectacular Howitt and the High Country 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 (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 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.