Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the beauty of Victoria's Alpine National Park with the 17km Mount Buller to Mount Stirling return walk. Starting and ending at the Mount Buller Resort, this Grade 3 moderate hike is just a stone's throw away from Mount Buller town and 258km from Melbourne. The trail features a diverse landscape of forest walks, ridgelines, and panoramic mountain views, with a rewarding view across the high country from the Mount Stirling summit. This six-hour hike is perfect for those seeking a day trip immersed in classic alpine landscapes.

Length:

17km

Duration:

6 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 1745m

Min elevation: 1399m

Total Ascent: 1075m

Start: Mount Buller Village

End: Mount Buller Village

Mount Buller Alpine Resort

Victoria

Nearby town: Mount Buller Village

From state capital: 258km

Latitude: -37.146284153789104

Longitude: 146.45005019216612

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Hike overview

The Mount Buller to Mount Stirling walk is a 17 km, Grade 3 return hike in Alpine National Park, Victoria, typically taking around six hours to complete. Linking two of the Victorian Alps’ most recognisable peaks, the route offers a rewarding day walk through classic alpine landscapes, with a mix of forest walking, ridgelines, and expansive mountain views.

The walk begins on Mount Buller at an elevation of just over 1660 metres, setting off from the village near the clock tower. From here, the route passes south past Kooroora, follows The Avenue, and turns left toward Stirling Road. After around 600 metres the road becomes gravel, and another short distance on you will pass the Wastewater Treatment Plant on your left. The road then drops away sharply to the right, descending for roughly 300 metres toward the Corn Hill Road intersection.

At Corn Hill Road, turn right and head toward the picnic table. From here, a short but steep climb leads up the ridgeline to Howqua Gap. Crossing the main Circuit Road brings you to Howqua Gap Hut, a useful landmark and rest point. Beyond the hut, the route continues toward Mount Stirling via the Howqua Gap four wheel drive track, climbing steadily through snow gum woodland and alpine forest.

The final approach to the Mount Stirling summit reaches 1747 metres and rewards the effort with wide ranging views across the high country. On a clear day, you can take in Mount Buller, Mount Buffalo, and the rugged outline of the Crosscut Saw, making this a memorable high point of the walk.

For the return journey, there are two main options. You can retrace your steps via the Corn Hill Track, which includes steep and rocky sections and suits confident walkers. Alternatively, you can return via Corn Hill Road, which is longer and shared with vehicles but offers a gentler gradient underfoot.

Those looking to extend the walk can add a visit to nearby Craigs Hut, well known as a filming location for The Man from Snowy River. This side trip adds around 10 km return, taking the total distance close to 29 km. With Mount Buller itself offering a network of additional walking and riding tracks, this area provides plenty of flexibility for those wanting to tailor the day to suit their time, energy, and experience.

Tips

Check seasonal access before you go. This track is subject to seasonal closures, and when snow is present, snowshoes are required. Walking and hiking are generally suitable from October to May, with snowshoeing recommended from June to September. For the latest access conditions, snow cover, and advice on snowshoe etiquette, contact the Mansfield Visitor Information Centre on 03 5775 7000.
Choose safe and appropriate campsites. When camping overnight, set up among snow gums rather than in lower Mountain Ash forests, as Mountain Ash trees can drop limbs or fall without warning. Select durable surfaces and avoid fragile alpine vegetation.
Prepare for rapid weather changes. Alpine weather can shift quickly, bringing cold, wind, fog, or storms with little notice. Carry warm layers, wet weather gear, and extra food in case conditions deteriorate.
Carry navigation tools and know how to use them. Always take a map and compass, and be confident using them, as cloud or poor visibility can make navigation challenging even on well-used tracks.
Leave a trip plan with someone you trust. Let a reliable contact know your intended route and return time, or lodge a trip intention form before heading out.
Manage waste responsibly. Use the toilets where provided. If toileting in the bush is unavoidable, dig a deep hole at least 100 metres from waterways to protect water quality and wildlife.
Be mindful of fire safety. Take note of fire danger ratings and evacuation locations. Never light a fire on fire ban days, and if conditions are unclear, do not light a fire at all.
Respect alpine plants and animals. Take care not to damage fragile flora or disturb wildlife, and keep to existing tracks where possible.
Carry out what you carry in. Use rubbish bins where available, or take all litter home with you to help keep the alpine environment clean and healthy.

Track grade

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.

Walk map and GPX file
Mount Buller to Mount Stirling Hike (17km)

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

Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Mount Buller Alpine Resort.

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

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

Get there with Google Maps

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Barwite, Bonnie Doon, Goughs Bay, Jamieson, Kevington, Macs Cove, Maindample, Mansfield, Merrijig, Merton, Mount Buller, Mount Buller Alpine Resort, Mount Buller Village, Sawmill Settlement, Tolmie

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

About the region

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.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Mount Buller Alpine Resort? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

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.

Packing checklists

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.

Reviews
Mount Buller to Mount Stirling Hike (17km)

10 Reviews on “Mount Buller to Mount Stirling Hike (17km)”

Overall rating

Sanja Ansell

Has anyone done this as an overnighter, returning along the same way back?

11/02/2021, 08:00

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Acknowledgement of Country

Mount buller to mount stirling hike (17km) 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:

January 5, 2026

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Mount Buller to Mount Stirling Hike (17km)