Trail Fast Facts

Bogong High Plains Circuit is an 82km, grade 5 hike in the Alpine National Park, Victoria. This challenging hike should take around 5-6 days to complete.

Length: 82km

Duration: 5-6 days

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Style: Circuit

Start: Mountain Creek Campground

End: Mountain Creek Campground

Location: Alpine National Park

State: Victoria

Nearby town: Tawonga

From state capital: 356km

Latitude: -36.699995181420725

Longitude: 147.2524594674443

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

Similar Trails

Weather

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Warning

Victoria's alpine region is known for its unpredictable weather. Be prepared for anything by packing for all conditions and checking the forecast before you go. Don't hesitate to adjust your plans based on the latest weather information.

Hike Overview

Victoria's Alpine National Park holds a hidden gem: the Bogong High Plains Circuit. This challenging, multi-day trek promises breathtaking scenery, diverse landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.

This 5-6 day adventure demands physical fitness and a sense of adventure, rewarding you with stunning vistas and a unique alpine ecosystem. Immerse yourself in nature with a hike above the treeline and enjoy refreshing swims in crystal-clear rivers, waterfalls, and even a lake. The Bogong High Plains hold deep cultural significance for the Taungurung and Gunaikurnai People. Learn about their rich traditions as you explore this historic land.

Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1 (12.5km)

Mountain Creek Campground to Cleve Cole Hut
Begin your journey at Mountain Creek Campground. Ascend gradually towards Bivouac Hut, taking a moment to admire the unfolding panorama. Continue above the treeline, reaching Bogong Saddle with the option to conquer the summit. Your day concludes at the charming Cleve Cole Hut, nestled beside a gurgling creek.

Day 2 (19.5km)

Cleve Cole Hut to Johnstons/Edmondsons Hut
Consider a detour to the refreshing Howmans Falls before descending to the Big River. Cross the river and conquer Duane Spur, leading you to Ropers Hut with its breathtaking panoramic views. Follow the Big River Fire Track, with the option to climb Mt Nelse for even more stunning views. Finally, settle in for the night at either Edmondsons or Johnstons Hut.

Day 3 (23km)

Edmondsons (or Johnstons) Hut to Spion Kopje
Descend via Heathy Spur Track, arriving at the lively resort town of Falls Creek. Recharge with a swim in Rocky Valley Lake or explore the shops and restaurants. Leaving Falls Creek, follow a well-maintained trail to Howmans Gap and Spion Kopje Track. Ascend Spion Kopje for panoramic views before finding your campsite for the night. The vegetation around Spion Kopje is quote dense, so you'll need to find a suitable clearing on approach to Grey Hills Track.

Day 4 (17km)

Spion Kopje to Michell Hut
Navigate the Grey Hills Track, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings. Descend to Bogong Creek Campground and replenish your water supplies before ascending Quartz Ridge Track. Here, you'll return above the treeline with the possibility of attempting the summit of Mt Bogong. Enjoy a scenic descent on Eskdale Spur, leading you to Michell Hut for your overnight stay.

Day 5 (10km)

Michell Hut to Mountain Creek Campground
Celebrate your accomplishment with a leisurely downhill walk on Eskdale Spur, concluding your journey back at the Mountain Creek Campground. Follow Mountain Creek back to the trailhead, where you can reminisce about your incredible adventure.

This is just a taste of the unforgettable experiences that await you on the Bogong High Plains Circuit. Are you ready to embark on this epic journey?

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.

Tips

Be prepared to navigate at least two unbridged river crossings. One may have a chain to assist, while another might require crossing on a log.
The Grey Hills Track might be faint or even nonexistent in sections. Strong navigational skills and a reliable map and compass are crucial for wayfinding across the high plains.
Embrace the love-hate relationship with switchbacks! This region features many steep tracks that require hand-over-foot climbing and descending techniques in some places.
While encountering Highland Copperheads is always a possibility, practicing safe wildlife awareness will minimise any risks.
Be prepared for anything. Victoria's alpine region is known for its unpredictable weather. Be prepared for anything by packing for all conditions and checking the forecast before you go. Don't hesitate to adjust your plans based on the latest weather information.
Falls Creek offers a convenient resupply point. Check the opening hours of the Foodworks in advance, especially if your hike coincides with 'green' season. While not offering a vast selection you'll find the essentials.

Trail features

Rough Trail
Waterfalls
Rivers
Alpine Region
Alpine Huts
Exposed Ledges
Steep Terrain
River Crossings
Scenic Viewpoints
Untreated Water
Swimming Spots
Overnight Campsites

Map and GPX file

Bogong High Plains Circuit

Total distance: 82452 m
Max elevation: 1979 m
Min elevation: 600 m
Total climbing: 4711 m
Total descent: -4710 m

Download

Trailhead

Getting there

Bogong High Plains Circuit

The Bogong High Plains Circuit begins and concludes at Mountain Creek Campground. This campground sits on the edge of Alpine National Park, roughly 12 kilometers east of Tawonga.

Reaching the Trailhead:

By car: Parking is available at the Mountain Creek Campground. It's a free option, but the campground can fill up on weekends, especially during peak season.
For the more adventurous with a four-wheel drive vehicle, consider driving further along the unsealed Mountain Creek Road to the Staircase Spur Trailhead. This shaves off a few kilometers of walking on unsealed roads.
Public transport: Currently, public transportation options to reach the trailhead are limited.

Get directions

Access conditions

2WD Access
Large Car Park
Public Toilets
Untreated Water
Camping Area

Photo gallery

Upload your photos

If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.

A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.

About the region

The Bogong High Plains lie within the traditional lands of the Taungurung and Gunaikurnai Peoples. Their connection to the region stretches back thousands of years, leaving behind a rich tapestry woven from cultural exchange, social connection, and a deep respect for the natural world.

This area is now part of the vast Alpine National Park, Victoria's largest national park.

For generations, First Nations people journeyed to the Bogong High Plains throughout the year. This served as a central meeting ground, fostering cultural exchange and strengthening ties between different groups. Grand gatherings, known as corroborees, filled the High Plains with music, dance, and storytelling. These events facilitated the settling of disputes and fostered a sense of unity among diverse communities.

The Bogong High Plains weren't just a place for cultural exchange; they were also a hub for trade and social connection. Trade networks flourished, allowing essential goods and knowledge to circulate between groups. Marriages were arranged, further strengthening the social fabric of the region.

The High Plains held a special significance in the lives of young men. They played a role in the initiation ceremonies that marked their passage into adulthood, connecting them to the land and their ancestors.

Perhaps the most well-known aspect of these gatherings revolved around the Bogong Moth. This protein-rich insect provided a vital food source, particularly during the summer months. The abundance of Bogong Moths during this time likely played a significant role in the timing and importance of these gatherings.

The arrival of Europeans in the 19th century dramatically altered the landscape. Following the displacement of the traditional custodians, the area became a popular spot for settlers and cattlemen for grazing purposes. This marked a significant shift in the history of the Bogong High Plains, forever changing the relationship between humans and this special environment.

Suggest an edit

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Looking for things to do in Alpine National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

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Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

Explore Safe

While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.

Weather

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.

Trail Fast Facts

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