The hike is strenuous and requires a good level of fitness. The hike is exposed and there is little shelter from the elements. During the winter months you should consider this a Grade 5 hike. Weather conditions can change rapidly and without warning in the alpine region.
Mount Bogong, Victoria's tallest mountain, stands at an impressive 1986 meters, towering over its neighboring peaks. The Mount Bogong via Staircase Spur Trail provides a direct route to the summit, starting from the Mountain Creek Picnic Area and culminating at the peak.
The journey begins at the Mountain Creek Picnic Area, where a vehicle track leads to the base of the Staircase Spur. From there, the ascent commences through a forest of Peppermint Gums. Approximately halfway up, Bivouac Hut offers a well-deserved respite before the trail transitions through Snow Gums and out onto a steep, rocky ridge that winds up to the summit plateau.
The summit's exposed, treeless expanse provides minimal protection from inclement weather. Strong winds, fog, frigid temperatures, rain, and snow are all prevalent at this altitude. Navigation can become exceptionally challenging under these conditions, prompting the decision to turn back at the tree line if conditions worsen.
From the summit, the descent takes a steeper route via Eskdale Spur, passing Michell Hut and Camp Creek, before rejoining the Mountain Creek and Tree Fern Tracks, leading back to Mountain Creek. Alternatively, hikers can opt to return via the Staircase Spur, resulting in an approximate 16-kilometer round trip.
Overnight Camping
If you intend on making this an overnight hike, camping is available outside the following huts.
- Bivouac Hut. Staircase Spur, approximately 6km from the trail head and 3km from the summit. This is a small hut with pit toilet but no water tank.
- Cleve Cole Memorial Hut, approximately 4km south of the summit (this will add to your overall hike length as a return trip is required). This is a small hut with pit toilet and water tank.
- Michell Hut, approximately 2km from the summit down Eskdale Spur. This is a small hut with pit toilet and water tank.
Note: Huts in alpine areas are intended for emergency use only and you should not plan to sleep in them or use the emergency firewood.
Be Prepared
This hike requires that you have a sufficient level of equipment (in good working order), fitness and self-reliance.
- Gravel Path
- Rough Trail
- Alpine Region
- Alpine Huts
- Exposed Ledges
- Steep Terrain
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Untreated Water
- Overnight Campsites
Total distance: 21402 m
Max elevation: 1975 m
Min elevation: 595 m
Total climbing: 1541 m
Total descent: -1542 m
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Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
The hike starts and ends at Mountain Creek Camping Area. From Melbourne, drive to the small town of Tawonga (4km north of Mount Beauty). From Towonga, Mountain Creek Roads heads east for 10.5km to the camping area. There are pleasant campsites and a pit toilet here.
- 2WD Access
- Bitumen Road
- Large Car Park
- Public Toilets
- Picnic Table
- Camping Area
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.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Looking for things to do in Alpine National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
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.
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.Â
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.
1 Review on “Mount Bogong - Staircase Spur Hike (21.5km)”
Beautiful hike! Tough slog uphill but views were worth it. I started at the very bottom at Mountain Creek campground but you can drive further up and park at the trailhead of the staircase, or if you have a 4wd you can park up at the trailhead of Eskdale. Camped at Michele Hut.
The staircase trail is a bit rougher than I remembered it. No tourists for last 18 months; it has a lot of loose stones and rocks along the path and although big tree trunks have been removed there were a few unexpected short stumps and lots of stones along the way especially between the Bivouwac hut and the tree line. It was very windy and cold along the top and there was still some melting snow on 28.11.21.
A very important note coming back down the staircase: Once you have descended the staircase and are coming along the mountain creek path there are 4 bridges along the creek before you arrive at the camp ground.
After tossing the 3rd bridge the path to cross to final bridge is off to the left and NOT SIGNPOSTED . Do not follow the 4 wheel drive keep to the left and you will see the path to cross the final bridge ( unless you want to cross the creek by foot.)
Hi Darren/or Anyone with info
it says it’s a 21.4 Hike but everyone in the comments is saying 19.3, has that been updated or is that just a shorter trail? Because I’m interested in the 19.3 to be honest.
Also when it comes to gear, I know the obvious like proper clothing and water+Food. what else should I take, we are a group of around 13 Men/Boys.
your response will be much appreciated 🙂
Thanks Omar
I just did this yesterday. From Mountain Creek campground to the staircase and down via Eskdale spur. I’ve done some difficult hikes and this one surprised me a little. It was quite some work. Well worth it, but a hard day out. Quite cold and windy at the top. For parts of the descent it was quite slow progress, checking your footing and pole placement is pretty critical. Great day out.
My friends and I are keen to do this hike in a couple weeks.
Just wanting to clarify, is it 19km one way? or 19km up and back?
Hey folks, wondering if anyone can give me some advice regarding hiking in the alpine regions. A mate and I are looking at doing this hike and Feathertop this summer. But we are wondering when does the snow melt reach a point that snow/ice equipment isn’t necessary?
Appreciate any information you can send our way.
Cheers