Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the natural beauty of Victoria's Alpine National Park with the 10km, Grade 4 Mount Tabletop hike. Starting and ending at JB Hut, near Mount Hotham, this challenging bushwalk takes you through sub-alpine forests and grassy plains, offering glimpses of Mount Tabletop and panoramic views from the summit. The trail tells a story of the area's history, from cattle grazing to bushfire regrowth, making it a captivating journey for nature lovers. Don't forget to pack your camera and plenty of water for this 4-hour adventure.

Length:

10km

Duration:

4 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 1636m

Min elevation: 1435m

Total Ascent: 198m

Start: JB Hut

End: JB Hut

Alpine National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Mount Hotham

From state capital: 386km

Latitude: -37.02185766

Longitude: 147.2207201

Overview

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Hike overview

The Mount Tabletop hike begins at the treeline on the south east corner of JB Plain about 0.5 km from JB Hut, beyond a solitary strainer post.

After a few minutes the trail emerges from woodland to a small grassy plain. In this area the remnants of log fencing and a gate are evident. Cattle were grazed here in the summer months for 100 years until 1989 when the Alpine National Park was created.

On the far side of the plain the track enters sub-alpine forest and drops steeply down to Tabletop Creek. Mount Tabletop can be glimpsed to the south through the trees. From here the track rises slightly before skirting the southern edge of another grassy plain.

From here the hike follows the southerly spur that links the Great Dividing Range with Mount Tabletop. This section of the spur was burnt in the 2003 bushfires and again in 2013. Some of this area has been aerially reseeded with Alpine Ash to help stimulate regrowth, some of it now 2-3 metres tall and quite dense in places. The final 0.5 km of track climbs steeply to the northern edge of the mountain. There are panoramic views in all directions from the summit.

Return via the same route.

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 Tabletop Hike (10km)

Total distance: 4968 m
Max elevation: 1636 m
Min elevation: 1435 m
Total climbing: 198 m
Total descent: -250 m

Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Alpine National Park.

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

Get there with Google Maps

Access conditions

2WD Access
Gravel Road
Entry Fee

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 Tabletop Hike (10km)

9 Reviews on “Mount Tabletop Hike (10km)”

Overall rating

Amelia McLean

This track is amazing but you can only access it by booking with Phil, the only guide who can currently take you through the area – the ridge line is landlocked by private property trying to protect and conserve the area (and they are doing an amazing job).

24/03/2022, 05:21

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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Mount Tabletop Hike (10km)