Park Note Walks Around Feathertop

vegetation vegetation Firearms are only permitted in permitted are only Firearms . - park. inNorth is This Ban the accommodation, always carry always carry accommodation, . Area Only ve Sto Fuel by following these guidelines: these by following metres fromany watercourse metres for others to others use, for drained camp site at least site camp drained Water Water instead aportable Use stove stoves) on days of ondays of Fire stoves) Total forecasts. provided, bury your waste at bury your at waste provided, most rubbish will not burn not will rubbish or most scarring no are campfires to scarring Dogs andother are not pets Dogs For further information further For Wash upaway Wash from steams Enjoy avisittobut ahut, do Enjoy Please don’t throw this park this park don’tPlease throw Help us your us after park Help look to protect the fragile stream stream fragile the protect to note away. Keep it, return it away. it, note Keep the park in accordance with accordance park in the of lighting a- lighting fire of archaeological and historic andhistoric archaeological above or near the tree tree aboveline or near the recommended is collected Keep to designated tracks to designated Keep Healthy ParksPeople sites are by law protected sites least 100 waterfrom least m or All native plants, animals, animals, native plants, All Always check fire danger fire check Always be lit on Mt onMt or itsbe lit Bogong your home, rubbish Take hectares ofparklandavailable soul. So,withoverfourmillion to Victorians, whynotescape www.park Choose a firm, dry, well dry, a Choose firm, treatment of any wattreatment your health,mind,bodyand - Visiting aparkcanimprove our website or visit East Fire Ban District Ban Fire East Where toilets are not Where toilets be self Hunting Regulations Hunting damage anddamage visual Centre Information No fires (including No (including fires Caring for the the for Caring not use them not for environment - Parks Victoria Parks sufficient and sufficient Call 13 1963 Call s environment environment

approaches .vic.gov.au or recycle it recycle or camp sites camp to aparktoday! especially especially permitted D a tent ue to ue to ro 2 er er at 0 t t

access was by horse on the track you are 1924 for skiers, the hut had 30 beds. The only see at the Bungalow Hut site. Originally built in underground. crossesre- the creek. At this point the creek continues on the northern side of the gully until it After 300 meters the track crosses the creek and track to the right. foundgood spring be 100 can metersdown the escaped the 1939 fires but deteriorated quickly. A by amore permanent structure in 1912. This hut the Harrietville In 1906, a temporary shelter was erected here by 7.5 was destroyed by fire in 1939 and never rebuilt. Feathertop became less popular. Bungalow Hut destinations, but as there was no vehicle access, by the Victorian Railways the in 1920s touristas hut was one of several huts and chalets managed following. There was aski run beside the site. The forcover 3 at this altitude. Conditions are harsh, with snow Snow Gums are the only eucalypts that can grow 7.0 together after a bush fire. evenlytrees here are aged and cold conditions to break seed dormancy. The compete. Alpine Ash requires fire to regenerate, Ash forest. At this altitude, other eucalypts cannot reached. The track is now well into thick Alpine In this section, the half way point to the summit is 4.0 northern side of the spur. usual. Peppermint Gum forest seenis onthe drier shaded gully, the Alpine Ash occurs lower than Ash which like cool, moist conditions. In this cold fibrousbark hal theof side spur, notice the tall straighttrees with vegetation changethesouthernOn beseen. can also arenowned photographer, adistinct postmaster at Harrietville (1901 - On approaching this point, named after the 2.0 on their way to Bungalow Hut in the 1920s. Harrietville and the Upper Ovens Valley for people provide a clear view of the panorama beyond Picture Point is an area once cleared of trees to 1.5 0 areThese approximate distances only. Bungalow track Spur notes - 1.5 km 1.5 ------7.8 km km 7.8 km 7.5 km 7.0 km 4.0 km 2.0 -

4 months of the year. Little is left to (Creek crossing)

(Spring) Progress Association, but replaced (Bungalow Hut site) Hut (Bungalow (Picture Point) (Tobias (Old Feathertop Hut site) f way upthe trunk. They are Alpine

Gap)

as theygerminated

1913) who was

runs runs

worth it! Mt Feathertop, but the 360 degree views are It is now asteep climb to the exposed s 9.5 9.5 along with the hardy Snow Gum Track. In this area only shrubs andgrasses grow, along the Razorback meets the Bungalow Spur On the right, the track from just belowMt Hotham 9.0 was destroyed during the 2003 bushfires The 7.8 rebuilt in 2004.This is back now weather conditions are poor, consider turning The area beyond the hut is very exposed. If finalthe ascent. track climbs to the Federation Hut - - - -

9.0 km 9.0 11.0 km k 9.5 - on Australian Printed

. . m

(Federation Hut) (The Razorback)

(Summit)

a good area to rest before made paper 100% recycled .

Nov . ummit of of ummit This hut ember , , but was

2011

parknotes usually snow covered during the winter and early spring. early and winter the during covered snow usually Bogong to Mt Hotham. died ain blizzard while attempting to ski from Mt Charlie Derrick was a cross country skier who use of maps and compass. first andcamping aid gear, andbeskilledinthe Walkers must be self sufficient with food, water, day (4 night) hike. high country section of the AAWT as a 60 Bogong. Many people undertake this beautiful Pole 1 is at the Loch Carpark and Pole 1285 at Mt spaced 40 metres apart adjacent to the AAWT. Bogong there is anumbered snow line pole Between Loch Carpark (Mt Hotham) and Mt Canberra, ACT).(near from Walhalla (Gippsland, Victoria) to Tharwa (10km week) journey through the Australian Alps passes through the area on its mountainous 650 The Australian Alps TrackWalking (AAWT) 2. Mt Return Loch. by the same route. summit along a track on the north westernof side the rocky basalt columns for 0.5 km. Climb to the the pole line here, follow avehicle track north past following the AAWT for 3.5 km to pole 60. Leave face of Mt Feathertop. It can be reached by the High Plains, Mt Hotham Mt (1887 Loch metres) affords impressive views of 1. Track AlpsWalking Australian west (Harrietville side) of Mt Hotham Vil Severalwalks start at the Loch Carpark, 1 km Mount area Loch and rests. Let someone know before you go. allowances for long steep climbs, photography kilometres an hour. Remember to make In good weather, a fit person can cover 3- howHow far, fast possibilities many Resort Alpine Hotham Mt adjacent andthe Park National Alpine in the walks of variety wide a is There Plain Dinner and Hotham Country High The Alpine National or visitour website at www.parks.vic.gov.au For more information calltheParks Victoria Information Centre on13 1963

Derrick Hut Derrick Mount Loch

. The day and overnight walks described in this leaflet are just a selection from from aselection just are leaflet in this described walks overnight and day The

(9 kmreturn)

(8 km return) km (8

season walking The

and the rugged east

- (650 km)

walks around Feathertop, Feathertop, walksaround lage. km, 5 5 km, 4 to earlyNovember from lasts

Park Park

Cobungra River near Dibbins Hut. overnight walk, the best campsite is on the follow it back to the Loch Carpark. For an Continue for 0.5 km to rejoin the pole line and Climb Mt Loch and towards the summit of Mt Loch. climbs Machinery Spur, past the Red Robin Adit, Turn left along the four wheel drive track. This a junction where the Red the pole line here and follow the track for 2 tokm Cobungrato HutGap, further 0.5 km on. overnight walk Dibbins Hut can be included in alonger day or Spur to the hut near pole 187. pol for aday walk or an overnight hike Cobungra River it makes apleasant destination design. Standing on a snow beside plain the 1987using in site similar constructionlog and beyond repair, anew hut was built onthe same Hut, Dibbins original the As the Loch Carpark to pole 94 and on to Derrick Hut. accommodation. Follow the AAWT pole line from country skiers and is not for overnight Derrick Hut was built as a day shelter for cross (19 (19 5. 4. 3. for 1 tokm the hut. Return by the same route. unmarked walking track downhill and to the south Follow the AAWT pole line to pole 84 and then an guest house. Robin local identity who discovered and opened the Red Spargo Hut belonged to Bill Spargo, a well known

e line past Derrick Hut and down Swindlers Dibbins Dibbins Hut Dibbins Spargo Hut km return)

Mine and ran the first Hotham Heights

- . Mount Loch Circuit Loch Mount

Follow the pole line past Dibbins

(11 km return)(11 km (18 kmreturn)

return to the vehicle track. late May late Robin battery is located. built in 1920, was

Follow the the area is is area the

Leave

vegetation vegetation Firearms are only permitted in permitted are only Firearms . - park. inNorth is This Ban the accommodation, always carry always carry accommodation, . Area Only ve Sto Fuel by following these guidelines: these by following metres fromany watercourse metres drained camp site at least site camp drained Water Water instead aportable Use stove stoves) on days of ondays of Fire stoves) Total forecasts. provided, bury your waste at bury your at waste provided, most rubbish will not burn not will rubbish or most scarring no are campfires to scarring Dogs andother are not pets Dogs For further information further For Wash upaway Wash from steams Enjoy avisittobut ahut, do Enjoy Help us your us after park Help look to protect the fragile stream stream fragile the protect to the park in accordance with accordance park in the of lighting a- lighting fire of archaeological and historic andhistoric archaeological above or near the tree tree aboveline or near the recommended is collected Keep to designated tracks to designated Keep Healthy ParksPeople sites are by law protected sites least 100 waterfrom least m or All native plants, animals, animals, native plants, All Always check fire danger fire check Always Take your home, rubbish Take be lit on Mt onMt or itsbe lit Bogong hectares ofparklandavailable soul. So,withoverfourmillion to Victorians, whynotescape www.park Choose a firm, dry, well dry, a Choose firm, treatment of any wattreatment your health,mind,bodyand - Visiting aparkcanimprove our website or visit East Fire Ban District Ban Fire East Where toilets are not Where toilets be self Hunting Regulations Hunting damage anddamage visual Centre Information No fires (including No (including fires Caring for the the for Caring not use them not for environment - Parks Victoria Parks sufficient and sufficient Call 13 1963 Call s environment environment approaches .vic.gov.au camp sites camp to aparktoday! especially especially permitted D a tent ue to ue to ro 2 er er at 0 t t

access was by horse on the track you are 1924 for skiers, the hut had 30 beds. The only see at the Bungalow Hut site. Originally built in 0 areThese approximate distances only. Bungalow track Spur notes was destroyed by fire in 1939 and never rebuilt. Feathertop became less popular. Bungalow Hut destinations, but as there was no vehicle access, by the Victorian Railways the in 1920s touristas hut was one of several huts and chalets managed following. There was aski run beside the site. The forcover 3 at this altitude. Conditions are harsh, with snow Snow Gums are the only eucalypts that can grow 7.0 together after a bush fire. evenlytrees here are aged and cold conditions to break seed dormancy. The compete. Alpine Ash requires fire to regenerate, Ash forest. At this altitude, other eucalypts cannot reached. The track is now well into thick Alpine In this section, the half way point to the summit is 4.0 northern side of the spur. usual. Peppermint Gum forest seenis onthe drier shaded gully, the Alpine Ash occurs lower than Ash which like cool, moist conditions. In this cold postmaster at Harrietville (1901 - On approaching this point, named after the 2.0 on their way to Bungalow Hut in the 1920s. Harrietville and the Upper Ovens Valley for people provide a clear view of the panorama beyond Picture Point is an area once cleared of trees to 1.5 underground. crossesre- the creek. At this point the creek continues on the northern side of the gully until it After 300 meters the track crosses the creek and track to the right. foundgood spring be 100 can metersdown the escaped the 1939 fires but deteriorated quickly. A by amore permanent structure in 1912. This hut the Harrietville In 1906, a temporary shelter was erected here by 7.5 fibrousbark hal theof side spur, notice the tall straighttrees with vegetation changethesouthernOn beseen. can also arenowned photographer, adistinct - 1.5 km 1.5 ------7.5 km 7.5 km 7.0 km 4.0 km 2.0 7.8 km km 7.8 -

4 months of the year. Little is left to (Creek crossing)

(Spring) Progress Association, but replaced (Bungalow Hut site) Hut (Bungalow (Picture Point) (Tobias (Old Feathertop Hut site) f way upthe trunk. They are Alpine

Gap)

as theygerminated

1913) who was

runs runs

worth it! Mt Feathertop, but the 360 degree views are It is now asteep climb to the exposed s along with the hardy Snow Gum Track. In this area only shrubs andgrasses grow, along the Razorback meets the Bungalow Spur On the right, the track from just belowMt Hotham 9.5 9.5 9.0 was destroyed during the 2003 bushfires The 7.8 rebuilt in 2004.This is back now weather conditions are poor, consider turning The area beyond the hut is very exposed. If finalthe ascent. track climbs to the Federation Hut - - - -

9.0 km 9.0 11.0 km k 9.5 - on Australian Printed

. . m

(Federation Hut) (The Razorback)

(Summit)

a good area to rest before made paper 100% recycled .

August . ummit of of ummit This hut , , but was

2012

parknotes usually snow covered during the winter and early spring. early and winter the during covered snow usually Bogong to Mt Hotham. died ain blizzard while attempting to ski from Mt Charlie Derrick was a cross country skier who high high country section of the AAWT as a 60 Bogong. Many people undertake this beautiful Pole 1 is at the Loch Carpark and Pole 1285 at Mt spaced 40 metres apart adjacent to the AAWT. Bogong there is anumbered snow line pole Between Loch Carpark (Mt Hotham) and Mt Canberra, ACT).(near from Walhalla (Gippsland, Victoria) to Tharwa (10km week) journey through the Australian Alps passes through the area on its mountainous 650 The Australian Alps TrackWalking (AAWT) use use of maps and compass. first andcamping aid gear, andbeskilledinthe Walkers must be self sufficient with food, water, day (4 night) hike. Mt Return Loch. by the same route. summit along a track on the north westernof side the rocky basalt columns for 0.5 km. Climb to the the pole line here, follow avehicle track north past following the AAWT for 3.5 km to pole 60. Leave face of Mt Feathertop. It can be reached by 2. the High Plains, Mt Hotham Mt (1887 Loch metres) affords impressive views of 1. Track AlpsWalking Australian west (Harrietville side) of Mt Hotham Vil Severalwalks start at the Loch Carpark, 1 km Mount area Loch and rests. Let someone know before you go. allowances for long steep climbs, photography kilometres an hour. Remember to make In good weather, a fit person can cover 3- howHow far, fast possibilities many Resort Alpine Hotham Mt adjacent andthe Park National Alpine in the walks of variety wide a is There Plain Dinner and Hotham Country High The Alpine National or visitour website at www.parks.vic.gov.au For more information calltheParks Victoria Information Centre on13 1963

Derrick Hut Derrick Mount Loch

. The day and overnight walks described in this leaflet are just a selection from from aselection just are leaflet in this described walks overnight and day The

(9 kmreturn)

(8 km return) km (8

season walking The

and the rugged east

- (650 km)

walks around Feathertop, Feathertop, walksaround lage. km, 5 5 km, 4 to earlyNovember from lasts

Park Park

overnight walk Dibbins Hut can be included in alonger day or Hut to Cobungrato HutGap, further 0.5 km on. Cobungra River near Dibbins Hut. overnight walk, the best campsite is on the follow it back to the Loch Carpark. For an Continue for 0.5 km to rejoin the pole line and Climb Mt Loch and towards the summit of Mt Loch. climbs Machinery Spur, past the Red Robin Adit, Turn left along the four wheel drive track. This a junction where the Red the pole line here and follow the track for 2 tokm for aday walk or an overnight hike Cobungra River it makes apleasant destination design. Standing on a snow beside plain the 1987using in site similar constructionlog and beyond repair, anew hut was built onthe same Hut, Dibbins original the As Spur to the hut near pole 187. pol the Loch Carpark to pole 94 and on to Derrick Hut. accommodation. Follow the AAWT pole line from country skiers and is not for overnight Derrick Hut was built as a day shelter for cross (19 (19 5. 4. 3. for 1 tokm the hut. Return by the same route. unmarked walking track downhill and to the south Follow the AAWT pole line to pole 84 and then an guest house. Robin local identity who discovered and opened the Red Spargo Hut belonged to Bill Spargo, a well known

e line past Derrick Hut and down Swindlers Dibbins Dibbins Hut Dibbins Spargo Hut km return)

Mine and ran the first Hotham Heights

- . Mount Loch Circuit Loch Mount

Follow the pole line past Dibbins

(11 km return)(11 km (18 kmreturn)

return to the vehicle track. late May late Robin battery is located. built in 1920, was

Follow the the area is is area the

Leave

Dinner Plain area 10. Bon Accord Spur (24 km return) The Bon Accord Spur was the route taken by walkers, 6. Hotham - Dinner Plain ‘Ski’ Trail horseriders and pack horses to Mt Hotham before the (13 km one way) Great Alpine Road was built. Today it provides a This multi-purpose trail meanders through Snow Gum pleasant walk to Mt Hotham, or it can be part of a route woodland and open snow plains, making it a very taking in the Razorback and Bungalow Spur. For this, an pleasant walk or cycle. Starting at the Hotham General overnight camp would be necessary. Take the first left Store and finishing at Dinner Plain Village the trail is after the Snowline Hotel in Harrietville (towards Hotham). never far from the Great Alpine Road. Drive along the road for 1 km to the signposted start of

Paw Paw Plain (2 km return) the walk. Follow the Ovens River - East Branch for 5 km. The steep climb up the spur starts from the bridge at Paw Paw Plain is only a short distance from the Great Washington Creek. The Bon Accord Hut ruin is 9.5 km Alpine Road and affords fine views of the remote Dargo from the start of the track. From here it is 2 km up to the River Valley and Mt Tabletop. The track leaves the Great Razorback, then 0.5 km to the Great Alpine Road. Alpine Road 100 metres on the Omeo side of Mother Johnson Entrance Station. It climbs steeply at first, then 11. Bungalow Spur (22 km return) follows a ridge to the plain. Return by the same route. The Bungalow Spur Track is the most popular approach 7. Brandy Creek Mine to Cobungra River to Mt Feathertop. It is well graded and sheltered for most

(8 km return) of its length. To reach the start of the track, turn left off the Great Alpine Road at Harrietville, just before the This disused vehicle track leaves the Great Alpine Road school bridge over the Ovens River. Follow the road for 6 km towards Omeo from Hotham Village. After a 1 km 0.5 km to the parking area and notice board. well defined track, the extensive works of what was once the Brandy Creek Gold Mine can be seen on the right. 12. North West Spur (18 km return) Continue down the track to the delightful flats of the This is a less frequently used route to Mt Feathertop. It is Cobungra River. Allow some time to explore the river rough and very steep in places. Leave the Great Alpine and return by the same route. Road at the Stony Creek Trout Farm, 6 km south of 8. Mount Tabletop (10 km return) Harrietville. Cross the bridge and park your vehicle. Walk up the track beside Stony Creek avoiding private Mt Tabletop is a distinctive flat plateau linked to the property by staying close to the creek. Within 0.5 km you Great Dividing Range by a low ridge. In this untracked come to sign marking the boundary of the Alpine area at the headwaters of the Dargo River there is a National Park. The track crosses the creek twice before distinct feeling of isolation. From JB Plain, 9 km towards climbing steeply to the spur. The domed MUMC Hut is 7 Omeo from Hotham Village, walk south (following an old km from the start of the walk. From here it is 2 km to the fence line) across the plains for 0.5 km. From here the summit along a flat ridge and up a steep climb. Return route is marked by orange triangular markers. After via Bungalow Spur to Harrietville or retrace your steps. crossing snow plains and Snow Gum woodland the route drops down to Tabletop Creek and then follows a long 13. The Razorback (22 km) ridge up to the plateau. The track is marked to a rocky The Razorback Walking Track beings at Diamantina Hut, outcrop just below the summit. Return by the same 2.5 km on the Harrietville side of the Hotham Village. It route. crosses the high ridge linking Mt Hotham and Mt

9. Carmichael Falls (2 km return) Feathertop. The route is generally above the tree line so you will enjoy excellent views most of the way. The ridge The walk starts at the sign post on the Dinner Plain is very exposed and should be not be crossed in Track (4WD) directly south of the Dinner Plain Village. unsettled or bad weather. The junction with the The track leads to a lookout over picturesque falls Bungalow Spur Track is 1.5 km from the summit at a site among the Snow Gums. Do not leave the track or called The Cross. The final climb to the top is steep but approach the cliff edge. well worth the effort. Return by the same route or, if you Precipice Plain (9 km return) have made suitable transport arrangements, walk down Walk along the Dinner Plain Track to a lovely natural to Harrietville via the Bungalow Spur Tack. lookout across the remote Dargo Valley. Fire in the Alps

Mount Feathertop area During the summer of 2003 and 2006 a number of fires

Mt Feathertop (1922 metres) rises sharply on all sides to swept through the Australian Alps. Fire killed tress which a spectacular alpine peak. Carved into the steep eastern now may be unstable and fall at any time. Take care in fire assisted areas. To assist regeneration, please keep face, Avalanche and Hell Fire gullies graphically describe its ruggedness. The mountain should be to tracks and trails, especially in fire affected areas. treated with respect and walkers should be fit and prepared for the sudden onset of bad weather. In winter, only experienced parties should attempt to ski in the area. There are three access tracks to the summit, the Bungalow Spur, North West Spur and the Razorback.

Mount Feathertop area During the summer of 2003 and 2006 a number of fires