Mount Feathertop – Bon Accord Spur (45.7km)

Summary

This Mount Feathertop – Bon Accord Spur hike summits Mt Feathertop, the second highest mountain in Victoria and one of the most picturesque peaks in the state. It is linked to the nearby Mt Hotham ski resort by The Razorback, a high narrow ridge, but otherwise surrounded by steep slopes which continue right to the summit. Unlike most nearby mountains, Mt Feathertop has steep slopes right to the top and does not have the rounded summit dome that is typical of many nearby peaks.

Mt Feathertop is probably the most appealing peak in the high country. It provides terrific hiking in summer and in winter it is a great venue for mountaineering and extreme skiing. But be careful, as it averages a death per decade. Most deaths are in winter and most come from not treating cornices with the respect they deserve.

Maps

The most useful and accurate map is Mt Feathertop – Hotham 1:30,000. 2nd edition. Rooftop, 2009.

Water Procurement

Water can be found at a natural spring approximately 500m along the North West Spur Track from Feathertop Track. You will find it on the right hand side of the track.

Overnight Camping

Continue 500m west along the Bungalow Spur Track from the junction of the Razorback Track to Federation Hut where you will find an open camping area and toilet facilities.

Access and Trail Notes

The Bon Accord Spur was the route taken by walkers, horseriders and pack horses to Mt Hotham before the Great Alpine Road was built. Today it provides a pleasant walk to Mt Hotham, or it can be part of a route taking in the Razorback and Bungalow Spur. For this, an overnight camp would be necessary. Take the first left after the Snowline Hotel in Harrietville (towards Hotham). Drive along the road for 1 km to the signposted start of the walk. Follow the Ovens River – East Branch for 5 km. The steep climb up the spur starts from the bridge at Washington Creek. The Bon Accord Hut ruin is 9.5 km from the start of the track. From here it is 2 km up to the Razorback, then 0.5 km to the Great Alpine Road.

 

Download GPX File  Please note that you need to be registered and logged in to download GPX Files. If you aren't you will automatically be redirected to the registration/login screen before the download begins. By downloading any GPX files from this site you agree its use, and reliance upon, is entirely at your own risk. These files are for non-commercial, personal use only. I will endeavour to ensure the accuracy and currency of the data, but accept no responsibility in this regard, or the results of any actions taken, when using the digital route files.