Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the rugged beauty of the Alpine National Park on the challenging 28.1km Bluff Trail circuit, starting and ending at Eight Mile Flat. Located just 245km from Melbourne and near Mansfield, this 2-day hike navigates through dry open forests, steep natural ramparts, and brilliant alpine meadows, offering panoramic views from the treeless 1,725-metre summit to Mount Buller and Lake Eildon. With the option for a sheltered campsite at Bluff Hut, this Grade 5 hike is perfect for experienced adventurers.

Length:

28km

Duration:

2 days

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 1715m

Min elevation: 564m

Total Ascent: 1803m

Start: Eight Mile Flat

End: Eight Mile Flat

Alpine National Park

Victoria

Nearby town: Mansfield

From state capital: 245km

Latitude: -37.198242701366055

Longitude: 146.42879878823848

Overview

Map

Gallery

Similar

Region

Weather

8,330 views

Hike overview

From a pleasant grassy clearing beside the Howqua River, The Bluff Trail climbs steadily through dry open forest along Eight Mile Spur. The final stages of the ascent to the rugged natural ramparts of the Bluff are quite steep, but the rewards are soon evident. From the treeless 1,725 metre summit a spectacular alpine panorama unfolds, stretching to Mount Buller in the north and faraway Lake Eildon.

The trail continues through alpine meadows, carpeted with brilliant wildflowers in early summer, to Bluff Hut and a sheltered campsite among the nearby snow gums. Next morning, descend along a 4WD road on Sixteen Mile Spur to the Howqua River, then follow the river valley past Ritchies Hut to the start of the trail at Eight Mile Flat. Commercial tour operators also run horse-riding trips to the Bluff.

Day 1 (13km)

Camp at Bluff Hut. Water should be available at this location.

Day 2 (15km)

Return to the trail head. Water will be available at Ritchies Hut and at various points along the Howqua River.

Best time

Summer, Autumn

All hikers should realise that weather conditions can change rapidly in alpine areas at any time of year. Snowfalls can be experienced at any time, so please be prepared with:

warm clothing
windproof and waterproof jacket
gloves and hat
strong footwear
energy food and water
compass and relevant topographical map

Track grade

Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.

Walk map and GPX file
The Bluff Trail Circuit Hike (28km)

Total distance: 28163 m
Max elevation: 1715 m
Min elevation: 564 m
Total climbing: 1803 m
Total descent: -1803 m

Gallery

Photos: Darren Edwards

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Alpine National Park.

Travel to Mansfield from Melbourne (195km) and Take the Mount Buller Road for 20.6km, turn right onto Howqua Track and travel for 16.4 km to Sheepyard Flats. Drive through Sheepyard Flats and continue along Brocks Road for 13km to 8 Mile Flat. Turn left at the junction and continue to the carpark at the end of the track.

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

Get there with Google Maps

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
The Bluff Trail Circuit Hike (28km)

6 Reviews on “The Bluff Trail Circuit Hike (28km)”

Overall rating

Trail Hiking Australia

I love this hike. Nice steep section waking up 8-mile spur

13/06/2024, 22:08

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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:

April 28, 2025

Hike at a Glance