Mt Bogong Hiking Trails

Mt Bogong is the largest peak in Victoria, its massive bulk looms over the township of Mt Beauty. Standing at 1986 meters above sea level, this peak is a favorite amongst peak baggers, with many returning to climb this massive peak every year.

The summit of Mt Bogong is very broad, with a large 5 kilometer C shaped summit ridge, and many spurs to access the peak. The peak can be climbed in a fairly long day, however there are many safe areas to camp on the main summit ridge, and an overnight stay comes extremely highly recommend.

Mt Bogong Via The Staircase Spur

Arguably the most popular route to the summit, the Staircase Spur is quite challenging for most people, with a lot of people who don’t have good fitness levels opting to turn back half way. The walk starts at Mountain Creek, where the Mountain Creek fire trail is followed for two kilometers over several river crossings before the Staircase Spur track branches off from the right hand side of the track. From here, the track climbs quite moderately through alpine ash forest, and climbs in an almost “staircase” fashion, with steep climbs followed by a flat section. After a particularly sharp climb, the track emerges from the scrub at Bivouac Hut. This very flat section of the spur sits at approximately 1500 meters above sea level, and marks the half way point of the climb. After an extended flat section, the snow gums start to become quite stunted as the track steepens briefly, and some lovely views of the north face of Mt Bogong are viewed from some rock outcrops as you gain altitude. At about 1700 meters, the track very suddenly breaks out of the tree line, and skirts the rock outcrops “Castor” and “Pollux” before arriving in Gorge Gap. From here, the climb becomes extremely steep, making up nearly 200 meters of altitude in under a kilometer. This is the most exposed section of the track, and care must be taken in icy conditions. After reaching the Gadsen memorial, the track skirts into a broad saddle on the main summit ridge. The Mt Bogong summit is reached by walking west for approximately 200 meters to the large cairn that marks the summit. Return can be made via the Staircase Spur, or you can camp overnight at Cleve Cole Hut, which can be found by following the main summit ridge east from the summit following the well defined track for about three kilometers.

Mt Bogong Via Eskdale Spur

Eskdale Spur is the much shorter approach to Mt Bogong with a shorter climb, but is arguably steeper than the Staircase Spur. One thing is for certain, the higher up section of track after Mitchell Hut is one of the most exciting mountain climbs in the area. To reach the base of Eskdale Spur, start following the Mountain Creek track at Mountain Creek camping grounds. You will follow this track for about 5 kilometers until a very easily distinguishable tight hairpin bend where a track is signposted as heading to the Eskdale Spur track. This track can be taken, it only cuts off about 2 kilometers of walking on the fire trail, and is all uphill. At the other end of this track, you will be greeted by a car parking area, and the signpost for the Eskdale Spur track. Alternatively, if you drive a 4WD, you can drive along Mountain Creek track from Mountain Creek, and turn left at Trappers Gap track. This will also take you to the base of Eskdale Spur.

The climb up Eskdale spur starts fairly abruptly, climbing up a very well defined and well cut track that is very slippery with shale. The climb from here is relentless as you climb from approximately 1200 meters in elevation to 1700 meters at Mitchell Hut. Along the way, you will descend slightly to a gully with a creek, from this point, you will climb directly up Eskdale Spur, and arrive at Mitchell Hut amongst stunted snow gums. From this point, the next 1.5 kilometers are much steeper, climbing up the narrow upper reaches of Eskdale Spur, before crossing a very sharp point on the ridge, from which point, the grade will become extremely steep climbing directly up to Hell Gap on the main summit ridge of Mt Bogong. From here, the main track is followed west to the broad summit of Mt Bogong. Camping is available at Cleve Cole Hut, which lies about three kilometers from the summit south of the summit.

Overnight Hiking Warnings

Most of the Bogong High Plains and surrounding peaks involve walking long distances above the tree line at altitudes above 1600 meters. Exposure is very risky in these conditions, with the risk of sunburn being much higher, and exposure to the elements being a severe risk if you are not well prepared in the case of a storm or blizzard.
Blizzards occur all year around, not just limited to Winter. Traveling overnight into this area means that you should have warm clothing, including waterproof pants and a parka. You should have a sleeping back that is rated below 0 degrees Celsius. You should have a good and sturdy tent for camping that will handle bad weather. In al cases, you should leave your walking plan either with a trusted family member, or with the police in case you fail to return on time, and you should always have an exit plan if conditions deteriorate so badly that you need to leave the mountain tops.