Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the less-trodden paths of Victoria with the Mount McDonald and The Nobs circuit hike, situated in the vast Alpine National Park, not far from the town of Mansfield. This 19.8km trail, starting and ending at Brocks Road, offers a challenging Grade 4 hike through rugged terrain, rewarding bushwalkers with a sense of escape and the rarely visited summit of Mount McDonald. Notable for its steep climb and proximity to the secluded Macalister and Jamieson Rivers, this hike is a must-do for those seeking an authentic Australian bush experience. Be ready for a full day adventure, as it typically takes around 7 hours to complete.

Length:

19.8km

Duration:

7 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 1597m

Min elevation: 783m

Total Ascent: 1138m

Start: Brocks Road

End: Brocks Road

Alpine National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Mansfield

From state capital: 275km

Latitude: -37.2594635

Longitude: 146.4657031

Overview

Map

Gallery

Similar

Region

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Hike overview

The Mount McDonald and The Nobs hike summits Mount McDonald which lies at the heart of one of the wildest and least known regions deep within the Alpine National Park. Sandwiched between the remote Macalister and Jamieson Rivers, its rarely visited summit offers hikers a genuine sense of escape. The rugged north ridge provides a direct steep climb to the summit.

Mount MacDonald is a 1,402 m mountain peak near Mansfield, Victoria, Australia. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 17th highest mountain in Victoria and the 82nd highest mountain in Australia. The nearest peaks are Mount Magdala, Mount Skene, Mount Buller, Mount Howitt, Mount Tamboritha, and Mount Cobbler.

Be Prepared

This hike requires that you have a sufficient level of equipment (in good working order), fitness and self-reliance.

Trail features

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Walk map and GPX file
Mount Mcdonald & the Nobs Hike (19.8km)

Total distance: 19798 m
Max elevation: 1597 m
Min elevation: 783 m
Total climbing: 1138 m
Total descent: -1138 m

Gallery

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Alpine National Park.

From Mansfield, continue along the Mount Buller Road for 19.5km to Merijig, then a further 2km to the Howqua Track turnoff on the right. Follow the unsealed Howqua Track for 16.5km to Sheepyard Flat. Continue through the flat and along Brocks Road (which becomes a bit rougher) for 19.5km to Eight Mile Gap. Turn right and descend the steep winding road to the banks of the Jamieson River. Continue a further 800m to park in the clearing next to the river, about 200m before reaching the Low Saddle Road turnoff.

Camping at Sheepyard Flat on the first night and heading to the start point will ensure you get an early start. Return to Sheepyard Flat on the last night to camp is you are feeling tired.

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

Get there with Google Maps

Access conditions

2WD Access
Gravel Road
Steep Road
Winding Road
Untreated Water
Camping Area

About the region

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.

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: Benalla, Bright, Dinner Plain, Falls Creek, Harrietville, Hotham Heights, Mansfield, Mitta Mitta, Mount Beauty, Mount Hotham, Myrtleford, Omeo, Porepunkah, Tawonga South, Wangaratta

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.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Alpine National Park? 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 Mcdonald & the Nobs Hike (19.8km)

5 Reviews on “Mount Mcdonald & the Nobs Hike (19.8km)”

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Ola Kasperska

Laura Tonzing

24/03/2022, 05:23

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Acknowledgement of Country

Mount mcdonald & the nobs hike (19. 8km)

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