The Mount Buller to Mount Stirling trail commences on Mount Buller, high in the Victorian Alps, at an altitude of just over 1660m and traverses one of Victoria's most spectacular alpine areas.
The well-marked trail between the sister peaks winds through forests of Alpine Ash and snow gum to the summit of Mount Stirling (1,747m), where spectacular views take in the dramatic Crosscut Saw, Mount Buller and Mount Buffalo.
Commencing at the clock tower, head south past the Kooroora onto The Avenue and turn left toward Stirling Road. About 600m along the road turns gravel. Another 300m along is the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Keep this on your left a you continue on Stirling Road, dropping sharply to the right and descending for 300m.
At the Corn Hill Road intersection turn right to the picnic table. At the Picnic Table follow the short steep climb up the ridgeline to your right, to Howqua Gap. Cross the main Circuit Road to Howqua Gap Hut, then continue to Mount Stirling on the Howqua Gap 4WD track climbing steeply from the hut.
Head to the Mount Stirling Summit for incredible views then return either:
- The way you came along the Corn Hill track from Howqua Gap, with steep rocky sections, or:
- Via Corn Hill Road which is longer and shared with cars, but flatter
Variation - Craigs' Hut
Add a dash of popular culture to your walk by continuing on to nearby Craigs' Hut, a film set used in the making of The Man from Snowy River. Mount Buller (1,807 metres) itself offers exciting walking and riding alternatives. This will add approximately 10km (return) to the length of this hike making it close to 29km return.
See GPX file below.
Please note this track is subject to seasonal closures. When covered with snow, snowshoes must be worn. As a general guide, walking/hiking is encouraged from October to May inclusive and snowshoeing from June to September inclusive. For more information regarding access, snowshoe etiquette and the most up-to-date information to help you plan your trip, please contact the Mansfield Visitor Information Centre on 03 5775 7000.
Mount Stirling has a number of locations for enjoying the Australian alpine wilderness by staying overnight during a bushwalk. Please read the tips below to ensure you have a fantastic camping experience and leave the alps in pristine condition for all to enjoy.
- Camp amongst the snow gums rather than in the lower Mountain Ash areas - Mountain Ash are prone to falling unpredictably.
- Be prepared for all weather conditions. The weather can change suddenly and without warning in alpine areas.
- Be sure to take a map and compass and learn to use them before you head off.
- Tell someone where you are going or complete a trip intention form.
- Use the toilets provided, or ensure you dig deep holes 100 metres from waterways in order to protect the health of both animals and humans.
- Take note of fire safety and evacuation locations. DO NOT light fires on fire ban days- if you are not sure, then don't light it!
- Be sure you haven't disturbed any precious flora or fauna on your hike.
- Use the rubbish bins provided or carry your litter away with you.
Reference
Mount Buller website
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Total distance: 17027 m
Max elevation: 1745 m
Min elevation: 1399 m
Total climbing: 1075 m
Total descent: -1075 m
Variation to Craigs' Hut
Total distance: 9437 m
Max elevation: 1727 m
Min elevation: 1432 m
Total climbing: 607 m
Total descent: -607 m
Getting to the trailhead: Alpine National Park.
From Melbourne, take the Hume Fwy/National Highway M31, C382, Goulburn Valley Hwy/B340, B300 and Mount Buller Rd/C320 to Summit Rd in Mount Buller. Continue on Summit Road Drive to the Buller Village. The trail head is opposite Georges along Athletes Walk. View in google Maps
Closest towns to this walk: Benalla, Bright, Dinner Plain, Falls Creek, Harrietville, Hotham Heights, Mansfield, Mitta Mitta, Mount Beauty, Mount Hotham, Myrtleford, Omeo, Porepunkah, Tawonga South, Wangaratta
Stirling is the only Victorian alpine resort with a largely undeveloped and unspoilt true alpine summit, offering a readily accessible 'semi-wilderness' experience for visitors. This fact, combined with the resort's wealth and diversity of environmental characteristics and its close proximity to Melbourne (230 km), makes Mount Stirling unique in the Australian Alps.
The summit at Mount Stirling is located at 1749 metres and offers a 360 degree panoramic view of surrounding mountain ranges. The breathtaking high country landscape features sub-alpine Alpine Ash forests, Snow Gum woodlands and wide expanses of alpine meadows that are simply stunning during summer and winter.
The Alpine National Park is a national park 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.
Looking for more walks in or near Alpine National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Howqua Hills Historic Area
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Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
10 Reviews on “Mount Buller to Mount Stirling Hike (17km)”
Has anyone done this as an overnighter, returning along the same way back?