Mount Feathertop: North West Spur Hike (22km)

The Mount Feathertop - North West Spur hike offers a challenging but rewarding ascent to Mount Feathertop, Victoria’s second-highest mountain. Known for its striking profile, Mount Feathertop’s rugged slopes rise sharply to the summit, offering a distinct, steep peak without the rounded dome typical of other high country mountains. Feathertop is accessible from Mount Hotham via the Razorback ridge, but the North West Spur trail provides a more direct and less-travelled route, demanding significant stamina and skill. The mountain attracts hikers and mountaineers year-round, though winter conditions elevate its difficulty, requiring advanced snow and ice skills for safe navigation.

The North West Spur trail, starting from Stoney Creek Road, is well-regarded among experienced hikers for its unrelenting ascent. From the trailhead, follow a grass footpad that runs along private property, marked clearly by signage to keep you on course. Early on, the path follows Stoney Creek, where two river crossings await, the second of which has a bridge. This lower section, dense with grass and shrub, is straightforward to follow, although vegetation may occasionally encroach on the trail.

After crossing the bridge, the climb intensifies with steep switchbacks leading to the crest of the spur, where the path then rises directly upwards. This section can be particularly treacherous on the descent due to loose rock, dirt, and debris; extra caution is recommended if you choose to return this way. About 6.5 km from the trailhead, you’ll reach the MUMC Hut at roughly 1,650 metres. This hut provides a rest point before the final push towards the summit.

Beyond MUMC Hut, the trail follows the narrow spur towards the western face of Mount Feathertop. As you approach, the trail skirts below the summit to the right, passing a natural spring that typically flows outside of winter. Eventually, the track meets the Razorback Track, from which you can continue to Feathertop’s summit or return to Harrietville via the Bungalow Spur. The summit offers panoramic views of the alpine landscape, though reaching it safely requires skill, especially in winter conditions.

Winter hikes on Mount Feathertop demand Grade 5 skills and should only be undertaken with proper equipment, including crampons and an ice axe, in stable weather. The mountain’s icy conditions have proven dangerous even for seasoned mountaineers, so be cautious and avoid summit attempts in poor weather. Along this trail, you’ll find two huts: MUMC Hut, situated 6.5 km from the North West Spur trailhead, and Federation Hut, located just 1.5 km from Feathertop’s peak. While these huts provide emergency shelter, always plan to carry a tent, as alpine conditions can change rapidly.