Mount Buller Traverse is a 20km, grade 4 hike located in Alpine National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 7 hours to complete.
Hike overview
The Mount Buller Traverse (also known as West Ridge Circuit) offers a challenging and rewarding hike through stunning alpine landscapes. This 20 kilometer loop, classified as Grade 4, traverses the scenic West Ridge and rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views.
The hike ascends the dramatic West Ridge, offering a mix of open Snowgum woodlands and exciting rock scrambles. As you gain elevation, prepare to be awestruck by unparalleled vistas unfolding from the summit of Mount Buller. The descent provides a scenic counterpoint, following a well-maintained track that brings you back to your starting point.
Important considerations are essential before embarking on this trek. The trail demands a good level of fitness and experience with challenging trails. Sustained uphill sections require endurance, and basic rock scrambling skills are necessary, particularly in higher elevation sections with potential exposure. Winter conditions significantly increase the difficulty. Attempt this hike only with proper snow and ice gear and expertise in traversing snow, mixed scrambling, and using crampons and ice axes. The southern face is extremely steep and hazardous when icy. Always check weather conditions before setting off and be prepared for sudden changes.
The traditional route begins at the junction of Doughty and Summit Roads. Ascend the West Ridge track, taking in the scenic surrounds. The path is steep and involves rock scrambles, so be prepared for a challenging but rewarding climb.
There are a couple of options for the descent. You can descend the mountain's northeastern summit to access the McLaughlin Shoulder. This section can be steep and rocky but is well-defined. After roughly 3 kilometers, it connects with the Klingsporn Bridle Track, a gentler path leading back to the base.
To avoid a long walk along Mount Buller Road, consider a car shuffle. This typically involves leaving one car at your starting point (e.g., Loch Street) and another at Doughty Road's base or the West Ridge track's trailhead further up.
Remember, safety is paramount. Undertake this hike only with appropriate experience and preparedness for the conditions. Enjoy the challenge and the breathtaking scenery!
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 1773 m
Min elevation: 599 m
Total climbing: 1321 m
Total descent: -1320 m
Tips
- Only for the very fit, this involves over 1300m of accumulated vertical ascent.
- This is a challenging hike that should not be underestimated. Do not attempt this hike during Summer or Winter unless you are experienced in Alpine conditions and have the necessary equipment for snow hiking (crampons/ice axe/snow shoes)
- 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!
Trail location
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Getting there
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 along Summit Road to just beyond Sawmill Settlement to Doughty Road. The hike commences from the junction of Summit Road and Doughty Road. You can park your vehicle in a number of picnic areas opposite this junction on the northern side of Summit Road.
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.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
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.
1 Review on “Mount Buller Traverse Hike (20km)”
The Mount Buller West Ridge Circuit lived up to the hype! It wasn’t for the faint of heart – the climb up the West Ridge was a real leg burner, and those rock scrambles got my adrenaline pumping. But wow, the views from the summit? Totally worth it. Everything stretched out before me like a giant map, and the crisp alpine air was amazing.
The descent via McLaughlin Shoulder was a bit tricky, definitely needed to watch my footing on the loose rocks. But then popping onto the Klingsporn Bridle Track was a relief – nice and easy on the knees for the rest of the way down.
This hike definitely requires some experience. If you’re fit and up for a challenge, though, I highly recommend it. Just be sure to check the weather and come prepared – conditions can change quickly up there.
Just spent the weekend doing this hike and it is spectacular.
Jack Stanton Might find button man here ?
Jill Wren get the message !!
It is a great hike just the section on the way back is really overgrown and a bit hard to navigate.
Larissa Machado Tobias
grade 4 idk lol that’s a definite maybe lol yeah
Jenn Aedo Marjorie Andrea shall we ladies?
Marie Painter – here’s one for you to try next ??
Phil Garside will this hike being closed to those day hikes you talked about in the car last Sat? Like driving to Bright for a day hike
Jessica Raslan
Suzie Sharp can we book this one in when I get back??
Thomas WoodsKristy Hope Arvaj think we could snowboard/ski down? ?
Liam Jordan
Sure….we should stay there tho. ….it seems I will start a new warehousing job soon…so I will have only sundays free…