Hike at a glance

6,076

Quick overview: Experience a challenging yet rewarding bushwalk in Victoria's Alpine National Park on the 35km circuit starting and ending at Diamantina Hut. Located near Hotham Heights and a 375km journey from Melbourne, this Grade 4 trail takes two days to complete. The walk features a steep climb on Diamantina Spur, the historic Red Robin Gold Mine, and the breathtaking views from Mount Feathertop's summit. Be prepared for a bit of scrambling over loose shale and remember to carry enough water as there's none on Diamantina Spur.

Hike length

35km

Average duration

2 days

Trail Difficulty

Grade 4 (Hard)

Hike Type

Circuit

Technical details

Max elevation: 1898m
Min elevation: 1078m
Total Ascent: 1787m

Start: Diamantina Hut

End: Diamantina Hut

Location: Alpine National Park

State: Victoria

Nearest town: Hotham Heights

State capital distance: 375km

Latitude: -36.976104646257205

Longitude: 147.12168574333194

Hike details

Difficulty

Planning

Safety

Getting there

The region

Nearby hikes

Weather

Trail details

This is a challenging hike, in an alpine environment, that should not be underestimated. During the winter months you should consider this a Grade 5 hike.

Hike summary

The hike commences at Diamantina Hut and follows the walking trail which can be located at the start of the tree-line on the south east side of the hut. Follow this trail as it ascends to Lookout Hut before descending back to the Great Alpine Road at 'The Cross'. Follow the road 500m east towards Hotham Heights to the start of the Machinery Spur Track.

Follow Machinery Spur north, passing the Charles Derrick Memorial Cairn, Derrick Col and Mount Loch to Red Robin Gap and gold mine at the junction of the West Kiewa Logging Track. The Red Robin Gold Mine is historically important due to its association with what is still Victoria's last discovered goldfield and subsequent rush. After exploring the mine, follow the West Kiewa Logging Track as it zig-zags east before turning north towards the Red Robin Battery. Approximately 1.6km north of the battery you will reach Blairs Hut. The area around Blairs Hut is a good place to set up camp for the night.

Continue to follow the logging track north in order to reach the start of the Diamantina Spur. The Diamantina Spur track climbs steeply west from the Kiewa River West Branch for 4 kilometres before joining the South Razorback track at High Knob, approximately three kilometres from Mount Feathertop's summit. The trail offers great views of Mount Feathertop but climbs steeply (very in places) and involves some scrambling over loose shale. There is no water on Diamantina Spur so ensure that you collect all you need before ascending.

Once on the South Razorback, turn right and follow the track north passing Molly Hill to the Memorial Cross Junction. Turning right at this point will lead you to Feathertop's summit, left is to Federation Hut. If you wanted to make this a three day hike it is my recommendation to head to the hut and set up camp before attempting the summit. Depending on the time of arrival it may be worth leaving the summit until the morning. If you are completing this hike in two days you can leave your pack at Memorial Cross and skip Federation Hut completely.

After visiting the summit, return via the same route to Memorial Cross and High Knob. Continue to follow the well defined walking track south along the Razorback, past Diamantina Spur, Twin Knobs and the aptly named Big Dipper. At 1763m elevation the track will intersect with the Bon Accord Spur to the west. Remain on the Razorback and continue to follow it south for the remaining 1.6km back to the trail head at Diamantina Hut.

Additional Information:

Camping

Blairs Hut. Located approximately 14.4km from the trail-head, the hut is a log cabin measuring 6m by 3.8m with a gable iron roof, replacing an original bark one in 1968. The internal stone lined fireplace is unusual.

Federation Hut. Located approximately 22km from the trail-head, the hut was built as a gabled hut with aluminium siding and a corrugated iron roof. The original hut was re-clad in timber in May 1988. The hut is lined with five ply and has bunks for 10 people. It is 3.6m by 5.5m in size.

Note that the function of all alpine huts is for emergency shelter only. Do not plan to camp in huts and please leave them exactly as you found them, replenishing any fire-wood that you use.

Water

Mount Feathertop: Water can be collected from a natural spring, approximately 850m from Memorial Cross, along the North West Spur track.

Kiewa River West Branch: Pure, clear, sparkling, very cold, alpine water, easily accessible from Red Robin Battery through to the foot of the Diamantina Spur.

Ensure you treat all water before drinking

Track difficulty

Grade 4 (hard) badge

Grade 4 (Hard)

Steep, rough, and demanding
These are challenging walks suited to experienced hikers. Expect sustained climbs, rough and uneven terrain, and longer distances.

Tracks may be less defined, and signage can be limited, so navigation awareness is important. These walks require good fitness, confidence on difficult terrain, and the ability to manage fatigue over time.

Safety note: Fatigue, poor navigation, or a sudden weather change can turn a hard walk into a serious situation.

Planning essentials

Practical Information:

This is a challenging hike, in an alpine environment, that should not be underestimated. During the winter months you should consider this a Grade 5 hike.
This hike requires that you have a sufficient level of equipment (in good working order), fitness and self-reliance.

Map and GPX file

Machinery & Diamantina Spurs Hike (35km)

Total distance: 35177 m
Max elevation: 1898 m
Min elevation: 1078 m
Total climbing: 1787 m
Total descent: -1787 m

GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.

Safety and preparation

Planning this hike?

Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Interactive Safety Scenarios. Then refer to the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

Let someone know

Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.

Free checklists

Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.

Getting there

Alpine National Park

The Machinery and Diamantina Spurs hike commences at Diamantina Hut, 2.5 km on the Harrietville side of the Hotham Village.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here →

Get there with Google Maps

Accommodation nearby

Find hotels, cabins, and campgrounds near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location — no searching required.

Find Accommodation

Or browse accommodation in nearby towns: Benalla, Bright, Dinner Plain, Falls Creek, Harrietville, Hotham Heights, Mansfield, Mitta Mitta, Mount Beauty, Mount Hotham, Myrtleford, Omeo, Porepunkah, Tawonga South, Wangaratta

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About the region

The Machinery and Diamantina Spurs hike summits Mount Feathertop on day two. Feathertop is the second highest mountain in Victoria and one of the most picturesque peaks in the state. It is linked to the nearby Mount Hotham ski resort by The Razorback, a high narrow ridge, but otherwise surrounded by steep slopes which continue right to the summit. Unlike most nearby mountains, Mount Feathertop has steep slopes right to the top and does not have the rounded summit dome that is typical of many nearby peaks.

Mount Feathertop is probably the most appealing peak in the high country. It provides terrific hiking in summer and in winter it is a great venue for mountaineering and extreme skiing. But be careful, as it averages a death per decade. Most deaths are in winter and most come from not treating cornices with the respect they deserve.

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Photo gallery

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Weather on the trail

Alpine National Park

The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.

Trail Reviews

7 Reviews on “Machinery & Diamantina Spurs Hike (35km)”

Overall rating

Tayla Gobbo

Adeline Dickson

24/03/2022, 05:22

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1. Darren Edwards Trail Author
  
  But good fun
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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2. Ziggy Stardust
  
  Consider doing this in the reverse direction.
  You avoid going up Diamantina Spur which is a slog.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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3. Jenny Chant
  
  Dominique Smith looks good
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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4. Sascha Hovens
  
  Emma Mickle with our fast pace and lack of water we can do this in a day.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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5. Elliot T
  
  Great hike. I agree with the previous comment. This is really a three day hike especially if traveling from Melbourne and starting out around 1 pm on the first day. Can be done in two but you would pushing it – Diamantina spur is very steep. Very busy at Easter but met great people.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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6. Darren Edwards Trail Author
  
  Hi Brodie. There is a fire pit with steel contraption to hang pots etc off.
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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7. Tam Wright
  
  Hi Darren,
  
  Do you park your car at Diamantina Hut also?
  
  Many thanks
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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8. Brodie Dakin
  
  Hi there,
  
  Is there an outdoor fireplace at/around Blair’s hut?
  
  Cheers,
  Brodie
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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9. Lou Neale
  
  Jenny Chant Hi there. Was up there re entry when hubby ran the alpine challenge. Diamintina spur is very steep. The water from the spring left several people with diarrhea. Awesome track but be careful with your due diligence. Lou xx
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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10. Dominique Smith
  
  Jenny Chant looks awesome!!!
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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11. Michelle Kerwood
  
  Julia Whitlock Catherine Jane
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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12. Jenny Chant
  
  Lou Neale thanks x
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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13. Teigan Pearson
  
  Mat Ross let’s go
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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14. Emma Mickle
  
  Sascha Hovens
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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15. Emma Mickle
  
  Sascha Hovens added to the list
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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16. Anita Cook
  
  Tracey Thwaites
  
  24/03/2022, 05:22
  
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Acknowledgement of Country

Machinery & diamantina spurs hike (35km) trail hiking australia

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a glance

Technical details

Trail details

Hike summary

Camping

Water

Track difficulty

Grade 4 (Hard)

Planning essentials

Map and GPX file

Safety and preparation

Planning this hike?

Let someone know

Free checklists

Getting there

Accommodation nearby

Discover more

About the region

Explore nearby hikes

Mount Feathertop: The Razorback Hike (22km)

Feathertop & Highplains Circuit Hike (47km)

Mount Loch Summit Hike (7km)

Derrick Hut via Mount Loch Hike (10km)

Photo gallery

Weather on the trail

Trail Reviews

7 Reviews on “Machinery & Diamantina Spurs Hike (35km)”

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Notice something different about this trail?

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

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