Mt Bogong Circuit from Falls Creek is a 63km, grade 4 hike located in Alpine National Park, Victoria. The hike should take around 4 days to complete.
Hike overview
The Mt Bogong Circuit commences at Falls Creek where you will find plenty of parking outside of the ski season.
Day 1 (25 km) - Falls Creek to Bogong Creek Saddle
Cross the Rocky Valley Dam wall and take the Heathy Spur Track to the Big River Firetrail. Easy walking across an undulating treeless plain towards Timms Spur where an unbelievable view of Mt Bogong can be had. (you need to leave the trail and clamber up to the ridge line to get the view). Returning to the Big River Firetrail , the track steadily drops down to Big River. Cross the river and the trail climbs to Bogong Creek Saddle (around 1km). Level and open space for pitching the tent, with water source not far away.
Day 2 (12 km) - Bogong Creek Saddle to Cleve Cole Hut (via Mt Bogong)
Return down Big River Firetrail half a kilometre and take the Quartz Ridge track which climbs, eventually, to above the treeline. Spectacular views in all directions, with the summit clearly in view . After the obligatory photo from the highest point in Victoria head towards Camp Valley, pitching the tent around Cleve Cole hut. (one of the best huts in the high country)
Day 3 (12 km) - Cleve Cole Hut to Ropers Hut
Head south and take the side trip to Howmans Falls for a dip if it's hot, returning to the main track south. The track joins the AAWT and eventually drops steeply to Big River, where a chain across the river helps you stay on your feet (nice spot for lunch).
After the crossing the track climbs very steeply to Ropers Hut, where there is plenty of space to spread out.
Day 4 (15 km) - Ropers Hut to Falls Creek
Head south along the AAWT and join up with the Big River Firetrail above the treeline. Head back to Falls Creek for a well deserved coffee.
Alternatives
This circuit could just as easily be done from the North, starting at Mountain Creek Campsite, climbing up the Staircase and returning via Eskdale Spur (and not going across the plains to Falls Creek) - although this would make effectively 3 climbs rather than the two if you came from the south (having driven to elevation via Falls Creek)
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 1985 m
Min elevation: 1033 m
Total climbing: 3206 m
Total descent: -3203 m
Tips
- Take Walking Poles if your knees don't like descents
- A Water Bladder, as water sources are 300/500m from suggested campsites
- Sunscreen, as much of the hike is in treeless country
- Do not undertake this hike in winter unless you have adequate experience and gear.
Trail location
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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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Gear to consider
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Acknowledgement of Country
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