17 Best Multi-Day Hikes in Victoria (3+ Days)

We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to hiking trails in Victoria. From the Victorian Alps to coastal parks, there’s a variety of hiking routes to choose from. If you’re looking for the best multi-day hikes in Victoria of three or more days, then I’m going to break down more than 15 of them below.

From trails taking up a long weekend to long distance hikes taking several weeks to complete, this blog covers all the best multi-day hikes in Victoria. Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced hiker, I’ve got options to suit everyone below.

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Resources to Prepare for Your Multi-Day Hike

• Packing List: Overnight Hiking Packing List: Complete Checklist
• Beginner Tips: 10 Tips for Your First Overnight Hike
• Solo Hiking: Complete Guide to Solo Hiking
• Hiking Food: How to Plan Your Food for Hiking
• Leave No Trace: How to Leave No Trace and Be Respectful in the Outdoors

Beginner Friendly Multi-Day Hikes in Victoria

This first section includes multi-day hikes in Victoria that are best for beginners; those either doing their first longer hike or those trying to gain more experience before venturing into more challenging trails.

What makes these hikes beginner-friendly? They’re generally well marked, easy to follow, and more popular trails, while also not being overly demanding. However, I’d still recommend a good fitness base before attempting most of these, as some are even quite long. Always remember to pack the essentials, including all safety gear for every hike.

Obviously these are not only for beginners; they are all great trails for everyone to enjoy! Let’s take a look.

Prefer something shorter, like an overnight hike? 16 Best Overnight Hikes in Victoria

Wilsons Prom Southern Circuit

• Distance: 50-68 km (depending on trails and camps used)
• Time: 3-5 days
• Start: Telegraph Saddle
• End: Tidal River
• Best Time: March-October (best to avoid the hot summer)
• Type: Loop

The Southern Circuit in Wilsons Prom has long been one of the most popular multi-day hikes in Victoria. The circuit is made up of several trails that cover the promontory’s southern-most tip. It passes through beautiful coastal landscapes and spectacular views of Australia’s southernmost point.

The full circuit has always been from Telegraph Saddle heading out to Sealers Cove then following the eastern coast down to Little Waterloo Bay and then, Wilsons Prom Lighthouse, before heading back up and across to Oberon Bay and eventually finishing at Tidal River. However, the trail from Telegraph Saddle to Sealers Cove has unfortunately been closed for several years with no signs of it opening any time soon.

This means it’s been shortened slightly to a 3 night, 4 day hike for now. Still from Telegraph Saddle, you can walk down to Telegraph Junction from where you can head out to Little Waterloo Bay or Refuge Cove for the first night. The next day, you’ll have to backtrack a little and then continue down to the lightstation where you can camp just inland at Roaring Meg.

Then, continue inland and across to Oberon Bay on the western coast to camp on the last night, before following the coast to Tidal River. Don’t forget to do the 7.5km return trip out to South Point from Roaring Meg though.

During summer, autumn and spring school holidays and on weekends from Melbourne Cup to Easter, you can utilise the free shuttle bus dropping hikers off at Telegraph Saddle from Tidal River. There’s a free carpark for hikers at Tidal River.

You’ll need to book the campsites ahead of time online as there’s limited tent sites at each spot. The trail is incredibly well-marked and easy to follow, and is generally considered a moderate hike. You can also shorten it to a two night hike by skipping Little Waterloo Bay.

Read more: Complete Guide to the Southern Circuit Hike Wilsons Prom

Great Ocean Walk

• Distance: 104 km
• Time: 5-8 days
• Start: Apollo Bay
• End: 12 Apostles
• Best Time: March-October (best to avoid the hot summer)
• Type: One way

The Great Ocean Walk is one of the most well-known multi-day hikes in Australia. The incredible 104km one way trail stretches from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles along the southwest coast of Victoria. It offers a completely unique way of exploring the famous Great Ocean Road and many of its highlights, including Cape Otway, Wreck Beach and 12 Apostles.

From the rugged coastal scenery to the dense forest of the Otway National Park and stunning secluded beaches, the long distance walk has a variety of terrain and landscapes to admire along the way. The chance to see plenty of native wildlife including koalas, kangaroos and echidnas is another highlight too.

The walk is divided into eight sections with seven hike-in campgrounds along the way. However, with the relatively short distances between camps, it’s possible to skip a couple of the campgrounds and finish a little quicker, if you prefer. I comfortably completed the Great Ocean Walk in 6 days, but you could even do it in 5 days if you’re fairly fit.

The campsites do need to be booked and paid for ahead of time, with limited hikers allowed at each site. The campgrounds are fantastic with shelters, water tanks, and a toilet. Some camps, including Johanna Beach offer spectacular views and incredible sunsets.

It’s a very well-worn trail with signs at every intersection. It’s not overly difficult, although some undulations, exposed trail, and beach walking make it a little challenging at times. The weather can also be difficult on the wild south coast, throwing four seasons at you in one day.

Read more: Complete Guide to the Great Ocean Walk

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Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing

• Distance: 39 km
• Time: 3 days
• Start: Heathy Spur Trailhead, Falls Creek
• End: Hotham Ski Resort
• Best Time: November-April (avoid the winter months unless experienced in snow hiking)
• Type: One way

When it comes to the alpine region, the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing is easily the most popular multi-day hike. This 39km one way trail is actually a section of the much longer Australian Alps Walking Track (explained further below). It takes you from one ski resort to another, crossing the Bogong High Plains and visiting a couple of historic High Country huts on the way.

It’s traditionally completed over three days with camping available at two huts on the way. However, some quick hikers will complete it over two days as an overnight hike instead. There are tent platforms at both Cope Hut and Dibbins Hut which need to be booked and paid for in advance. But, wild camping is otherwise free within the Alpine National Park, so you can pitch your tent anywhere near the huts and you’ll see where others have done so before.

While it’s very easy to follow the trail and it’s generally not too demanding, the descent down to Dibbins Hut and then the ascent up Swindlers Spur to Hotham are both quite tiring. You can do the trail in either direction, and arrange a trail transfer or your own car shuffle.

If you prefer to complete a loop rather than a one way hike, the next two multi-day hikes on this list cover parts of this hike but in a loop so you don’t have to worry too much about logistics. They also offer ways you could extend the Falls to Hotham Crossing, including trips to Mount Feathertop and Mount Jaithmathang.

Read more: Essential Guide to the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing

Multi-Day Loop Around Falls Creek

• Distance: 44 km (or 60 km with side trip to the Fainters)
• Time: 3 days (or 4 days with side trip)
• Trailhead: Heathy Spur Trailhead, Falls Creek
• Best Time: November-April (avoid the winter months unless experienced in snow hiking)
• Type: Loop

This loop hike around Falls Creek includes the first half of the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing and then takes in Tawonga Huts with side trip options to Mount Jaithmathang and the Fainters. It’s a great option for solo hikers or those looking to complete a loop with spectacular mountain views and easy-moderate terrain.

It’s best completed in a clockwise direction, which means beginning from Heathy Spur Trailhead and heading to Cope Hut for the first night following the Australian Alps Walking Track. The next day, continue on the Australian Alps Walking Track towards Hotham until the famous Pole 333 intersection. From there, turn off and head towards Tawonga Huts.

Tawonga Huts is a fantastic camping spot on soft grass around historic huts. It’s free to camp there with no bookings required. From there, you can climb up to Mount Jaithmathang, which is just 2km from camp. At 1,852m high, the exposed peak offers spectacular panoramic views over to Mount Feathertop.

You could also spend a second night at Tawonga Huts and complete the 16km return hike out to The Fainters, which are twin peaks accessed on the Fainter Fire Trail from Tawonga Huts. Otherwise, head out from the huts to Pretty Valley Pondage from where you have to follow the dirt road into Falls Creek Ski Resort and then the main road around to Heathy Spur Trailhead. This last section on the road isn’t pleasant but it’s the only way to complete the loop.

Read more: Guide to the Three Day Loop Hike Around Falls Creek

3 Day Loop Around Hotham

• Distance: 35 km
• Time: 3 days
• Trailhead: Hotham Ski Resort
• Best Time: November-April (avoid the winter months unless experienced in snow hiking)
• Type: Loop

This is a fantastic alpine loop hike that can be very comfortably completed over three days. It takes in the mighty Mount Feathertop as well as half of the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing.

It’s best to park your car and begin from Hotham Resort Management Office. From there, you can climb under the ski lifts to the summit of Mount Hotham before dropping down to Diamantina Hut, the trailhead for the Razorback Track to Mt Feathertop.

The Razorback Track is easily one of the most spectacular hiking trails in Australia, as it follows the ups and downs of the ridge leading to Victoria’s second highest peak. At the end of the track, you can turn down to Federation Hut to set up camp for the night. It’s free with no bookings required. Then, head up to Mt Feathertop peak for sunset just 1.8km up from the hut, which is one of the best places to watch the sun sink below the horizon.

The next day, you have to backtrack a little along the Razorback and then turn off down the Diamantina Spur Track, which is a steep, rough trail down to the bottom of the valley (this is the most difficult part of this loop, hiking poles will help). Then, turn right and follow the West Kiewa Logging Road to Red Robbin Mine Battery. From there, turn off on the walking trail for the last couple of kilometres to Dibbins Hut for the night.

From Dibbins Hut, you simply follow the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing up Swindler’s Spur and back to Hotham. It’s worth taking the short little side trip to Mount Loch off Machinery Spur track. This track meets back up with the Great Alpine Road, and then you just need to follow that into the village.

It’s best to carry enough water on this hike for the whole first day and half the second day. You won’t come across a water source until you get down the bottom of the Diamantina Spur and meet up with the logging road where you’ll see a river. Then, you’ll be camped right next to a stream at Dibbins Hut. If you really need water, there are a couple of sources on the slopes of Mount Feathertop but you’ll need to walk down Bungalow Spur or Northwest Spur Track to find them.

Read more: Guide to the Three Day Loop Hike at Hotham via Mt Feathertop

Little Desert Discovery Walk

• Distance: 75 km
• Time: 4 days
• Trailhead: Horsehoe Bend Campground
• Best Time: March-October (avoid the hot summer)
• Type: Loop

Victoria’s Little Desert National Park is probably somewhere you haven’t heard much about before. The park sits just north of the Grampians National Park and Mount Arapiles, and is characterised by its desert heathlands, salt lakes, dry woodlands and the Wimmera River.

This circuit hike is a wonderful beginner-friendly hike because there’s minimal elevation gain and it’s incredibly easy to follow. There are four campgrounds along the way, two of which are vehicle accessible and the other two are hike-in only.

While you can start at either of the vehicle accessible camps, most people tend to start at Horseshoe Bend Campground because it’s the closest to the city and 2WD accessible. You can park your car there for the hike.

From there, it’s only 13km to Mallee Walkers Camp (hike-in only). Then it’s 20km to Kiata Campground and 21km to Yellow Gums Walkers Camp. The final day is 21km back to Horseshoe Bend Campground.

While it’s certainly not as spectacular as other hikes on this list, it’s a great alternative and you’ll likely have the place all to yourself. You also don’t need to book any of the camps, except Horsehoe Bend (but it’s free to park your car there), so it’s pretty easy to organise.

Be prepared for sandy trails and plenty of wildlife out and about. Spring is arguably the best time to be there, as the wildflowers are out and very colourful during this time.

Great South West Walk

• Distance: 254 km
• Time: 12-14 days
• Trailhead: Portland
• Best Time: March-October (avoid the hot summer)
• Type: Loop

The Great South West Walk flies under the radar when it comes to multi-day hikes in Victoria. The 250km loop is one of the best ways to explore the far southwestern coast of the state, with a well looked after trail and good campsites.

The trail takes around two weeks to complete for most hikers, with 14 hike-in campgrounds, each with a shelter, toilet, and a water tank. It’s looked after by both volunteers and Parks Victoria. The campsites now require booking online with a small fee.

The Great South West Walk is divided into four distinct sections: the forest, the Glenelg River, beaches, and coastal cliffs. This means that you really get to explore each of the different environments around the southwest, including Lower Glenelg National Park, Discovery Bay Coastal Park, Cobboboonee National Park and Cape Nelson State Park.

Each camp is evenly spaced between 10-20km apart, making it pretty achievable for most people. Plus, the trail has minimal elevation gain across the whole walk, so it’s a great long distance walk for those looking to tackle a longer trail without the difficulty of those mentioned further below.

Some people even choose to canoe or kayak the river section, adding a little bit of fun to the walk. You can find out more on the official website.

More info: Official GSWW Website

Walk Into History

• Distance: 33 km
• Time: 3 days
• Start: Big Pats Creek, Warburton
• Finish: Powelltown
• Best Time: Any time of the year
• Type: One way

This is another underrated trail that is a great for those looking for a different multi-day hike in Victoria. The Walk Into History follows along old tramways and past old bush mill sites with relics still scattered around the Yarra State Forest.

It’s quite dense, beautiful forest with much of the trail underneath the thick canopy of mountain ash. You can complete it in any direction but most people agree it’s best done from Warburton to Powelltown.

From Big Pats Creek just a few kilometres out of Warburton, the trail heads up to Starlings Gap for the first night of camping. This campground is also vehicle accessible, but free with no bookings required.

From there, the trail follows along the Ada River to Ada No.2 Mill Campground (hike-in only). But just before reaching the camp, you have the option to take a side trip to the Ada Tree. This is a worthy side trip and also offers the option of camping at Federal Mill Campground instead.

The final day, you can head back to the main trail and into the steep descent to the Big Creek Valley via the knee-destroying High Lead. There’s a carpark at the Yarra Junction-Noojee Road for day hikers, but the trail continues through the bush following the road and cutting across into Powelltown.

The trail can be incredibly muddy and is almost always damp, even in summer. But, there’s plenty of boardwalks and timber crossings in the worst parts so you can stay dry. Be prepared for leeches, which are prolific in this area.

Multi-Day Hikes for Experienced Hikers

If you’re up for a bit of a challenge or something a bit longer, then these multi-day hikes in Victoria are the ultimate adventures. There are some shorter trails here on difficult terrain, as well as, long distance trails that require extensive planning, decent fitness and significant hiking experience.

Add these multi-day hikes to your list.

Mount Feathertop to Mount Bogong

• Distance: 82 km
• Time: 4-6 days (depends on fitness level and desired daily distance covered)
• Start: Razorback Track Trailhead, Diamantina Hut, Hotham (Alternative start point at Harrietville if taking the Bungalow Spur Trail)
• Finish: Mountain Creek Campground
• Best Time: November-April (avoid the winter months unless experienced in snow hiking)
• Type: One way

The ultimate Victorian Alps multi-day hike is the Mount Feathertop to Mount Bogong one way adventure. This is not an official hike in itself, but it combines many of the other hikes mentioned in this post to create an epic 80km traverse between the highest and second highest peaks in the state.

To complete this hike, you’ll be following well-worn trails, but it does include some pretty gnarly ascents and descents so a good level of fitness is recommended. You could complete this in either direction, but I’m going to detail it here from Feathertop to Bogong.

For a more leisurely experience, allowing enough time to take plenty of breaks and enjoy the views along the way, this hike would take 6 days. But if you’re incredibly fit and limited on time, then you could do it in 4 or 5 days.

The first day of this multi-day hike has you heading across the Razorback Track to Mt Feathertop from Hotham. This is 13km (including a summit trip to Feathertop and back) and gets you to Federation Hut to camp for the night. An alternative is starting at Harrietville and taking the steep Bungalow Spur track up to Federation Hut for a similar distance.

The following day you have to backtrack a little along the Razorback until the intersection with the trail that heads down Diamantina Spur. From there, follow the West Kiewa Logging Road to Red Robbin Mine Battery and turn off on the walking trail for the last couple of kilometres to Dibbins Hut for the night for about 12km all up.

The next day, follow the Australian Alps Walking Track (and Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing) from Dibbins Hut to Cope Hut for the night. This is around 14km as you climb out of the valley and across the Bogong High Plains towards Falls Creek.

Day 4 has you continuing on the AAWT around to Falls Creek, but instead of taking the Heathy Spur Track into the ski resort, continue on the Big River Firetrail towards Mt Nelse. It’s a short side trip up to the summit of Nelse, before you can continue on the firetrail to Ropers Hut for the night for a total of 18km.

From Ropers Hut, you’ll have 12km to get to Cleve Cole Hut on the slopes of Mount Bogong, but it’s a very steep trail down to Big River, across the fast flowing river and back up the other side to the old stone hut.

The final day has you climbing up to the summit of Mount Bogong, and then down to Mountain Creek Campground following the steep and relentless Staircase Spur for a total of 13km.

If you wanted to shorten this, you could skip Dibbins Hut and head up to Cope Hut for the night on day 2 and even skip Cleve Cole Hut and walk from Ropers Hut to Mount Bogong and out to Mountain Creek in a day. If you do plan on doing these longer days, leave early in the morning as the steep trails may take you longer than expected.

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Mount Bogong Circuit

• Distance: 56 km
• Time: 4 days (can be done in 3 days if incredibly fit)
• Trailhead: Mountain Creek Carpark
• Best Time: November-April (avoid the winter months unless experienced in snow hiking)
• Type: Loop

If you prefer more of a circuit, this is a fantastic multi-day hike around Mount Bogong, Victoria’s highest peak. This is one of my favourite hikes I’ve ever done in the alpine region, but it does have some incredibly steep climbs and descents to tackle (similar to the Feathertop to Bogong traverse described above).

On the first day, you climb up the Staircase Spur to Mount Bogong summit from Mountain Creek, one of the steepest climbs in all of the Aussie Alps. Then, you follow the Quartz Ridge down the west side of Bogong to the Bogong Creek Saddle Camp. This is a wild camping spot, with a reliable stream nearby for water.

The next day you climb up to Ropers Hut, mostly following a fire trail that offers expansive views across to Mount Feathertop, The Fainters, and Mount Buffalo. Ropers Hut is one of the prettiest places to camp on the High Plains, with plenty of space on the grass around the hut and a flowing stream nearby.

On day 3, you have the steep climb down Duane Spur and then the equally steep climb up T Spur to Cleve Cole Hut. It’s worth taking the short side trip just before the hut to Howman Falls for a nice cool off in the cascades. Cleve Cole Hut is one of the most popular camping spots in the area, with running tank water inside.

The final day, you climb back up to Mt Bogong summit and down the Staircase Spur again. You could also head down the Eskdale Spur trail instead for a different, and only just slightly longer, return to Mountain Creek.

This circuit can also be completed by starting at Falls Creek and heading out to Ropers Hut on the first night via Big River Firetrail. This would actually be slightly easier as you skip the steep climb up and down the Staircase Spur.

Read more: Guide to Mount Bogong Circuit Hike

Wilderness Coast Walk

• Distance: 100 km
• Time: 5-6 days (longer if continuing into NSW)
• Start: Bemm River
• Finish: Mallacoota (possible extension on the Nadgee Wilderness Walk)
• Best Time: March-October (best to avoid the hot summer)
• Type: One way

This is a lesser explored long-distance walk along the far-eastern Gippsland coast of Victoria. The Wilderness Coast Walk is no walk in the park though, it’s a true wilderness walk as its name suggests, taking you along wild sandy beaches, over rocky headlands, across river estuaries, and through thick coastal vegetation.

The 100km one way trail starts in Bemm River on the shores of Croajingolong National Park and finishes in Mallacoota. However, there is the option to extend the hike into New South Wales by walking through the Nudge Nature Reserve.

It’s a very isolated walk with limited facilities. You must be comfortable digging a hole for a toilet, collecting water, navigating off track, and being aware of tide times. Due to bushfires and floods, the trail has seen significant damage in recent years but it remains open. I recommend giving Parks Victoria a call for the latest updates, as they continue to rebuild some of the facilities and upgrade the trail along the way.

The sections of the hike are currently as follows:

Bemm River to Clinton Rocks: 14km
Clinton Rocks to Thurra River: 14km
Thurra River to Wingan Inlet: 20km
Wingan Inlet to Benedore River: 14km
Benedore River to Mallacoota: 18km
Mallacoota to Nadgee (NSW): 55km (Nadgee Wilderness Walk extension)

More info: Parks Victoria Website

Grand Strzelecki Track

• Distance: 100+ km
• Time: 3-5 days
• Start: Jeeralang Junction
• Finish: Macks Creek
• Best Time: Any time of the year
• Type: One way (possible loops also)

The Grand Strzelecki Track is a collection of walking tracks and fire trails that make up around 100km in the eastern end of the Strzelecki Range. It links Morwell National Park with Tarra-Bulga National Park, both important pockets of old rainforest that have survived decades of logging in the area.

Basically, there is a point to point trail from Jeeralang Junction at the northern end to Macks Creek in the southern end, with various loops that can be completed off this trail to take in some of the highlights of the area, particularly in Tarra Valley.

Most of the track is actually a moderate grade hike, with well-formed trails and minimal elevation change. However, it’s not an overly popular hike and you’ll likely have large sections of it to yourself. Free camping is permitted in the picnic areas along the way, but not inside the national park areas. Ensure you’re comfortable with wild camping and leave no trace principles.

There’s some good information on the official website here for those interested in completing a loop or one way hike in the ranges and you can find a good map here.

Viking Circuit

• Distance: 40 km
• Time: 3-4 days
• Trailhead: Mt Howitt Carpark
• Best Time: November-April (avoid the winter months due to snow and road closures)
• Type: Loop

The Viking Circuit is widely considered the hardest multi-day hike in Victoria. With features like Mt Despair, Horrible Gap, Mt Speculation, Crosscut Saw, Mount Buggery, and The Viking, it’s no surprise that it’s a rugged and wild adventure for those that attempt it.

The first part of this hike is a wonderful overnight hike in Victoria to Mt Speculation, but for those who are fit and experienced, the full Viking Circuit is the real test. The hike starts at the Howitt Carpark up on the Howitt Plains north of Licola.

You can leave your car there and take the easy trail to Valejo Gantner Hut and Macalister Springs first. From here, the trail climbs up past Mt Howitt (although it’s worth the short detour to the summit) and along the infamous Crosscut Saw, one of Australia’s most incredible ridge lines. This brings a lot of ups and downs, making it a fairly slow and tiring day to Mt Speculation.

Camping at Mt Speculation is one of the most beautiful spots in Victoria, with outstanding sunrises and sunsets if the weather is clear.  

The next day, the trail continues through to Mount Despair and the Razor, before reaching Viking Saddle for the second night. While this day is only around 10km, the trail is faint and can be hard to follow at times with some seriously steep terrain.

Day 3 begins with the steep ascent of The Viking requiring some scrambling and squeezing through rocky openings, with a rope in one section attached to the rock for help. You then have to navigate off the ridge and down to the banks of the Wonnangatta River for the night.

The final day is arguably one of the toughest as the trail first pushes through scrub to join up with the Zeka Spur Track, a 4WD track, before leaving it and heading back up to Howitt Carpark through thick bush that requires a lot of pushing through with no visible trail.

The important things to note about this trail is that all camping is wild camping, so there are no facilities along the way after Valejo Gantner Hut. Water is also scarce and only reliably found at Camp Creek (down from Mt Speculation) and the Wonnangatta River, so you must carry enough for more than a day. A GPS and good navigation skills are required for this hike.

Grampians Peaks Trail

• Distance: 164 km
• Time: 13 days
• Start: Mt Zero
• End: Dunkeld
• Best Time: March-October (best to avoid the hot summer)
• Type: One way

The new kid on the block when it comes to multi-day hikes in Victoria, the Grampians Peaks Trail (GPT) traverses the entire Grampians National Park from one end down to the other. It takes in the most notable peaks of the ranges including Gar (Mt Difficult), Redman Bluff, Mount William, Major Mitchell Plateau, Signal Peak, Mt Abrupt, Mt Sturgeon and more.

There are 11 hike-in campgrounds along the trail with most hikers also opting for a night in Halls Gap to resupply, bringing the trail to around a 13 day adventure if opting to stay in each camp. A lot of work has gone into the trail with tent platforms, shelters, rainwater tanks and good signage along the entire track.

However, it’s not an easy hike, with plenty of rugged terrain and rocky hills to navigate, it does tire most even on the shorter distance days. The reward is huge though with spectacular panoramic views almost every day from the many open vantage points and summits.

You must book and pay for the trail in advance, with options for a full traverse or shorter multi-day sections.

Buller Huts Trail

• Distance: 96 km
• Time: 7 days 
• Trailhead: Mount Buller Alpine Resort
• Best Time: November-April (avoid the winter months unless experienced in snow hiking)
• Type: Loop

A fantastic initiative from Darren Edwards of Trail Hiking Australia, the Buller Huts Trail is a circuit hike that takes in some of the most notable peaks and huts of the Victorian High Country using existing trails. However, this is a very rugged adventure that is best undertaken by those with previous alpine experience, as you’ll need to be self-sufficient and know how to find water sources along the way.

Around the loop you’ll visit Bluff Hut, Lovicks Hut, Vallejo Ganther Hut, King Hut, Craigs Hut, Bluff Spur Hut, and Howqua Gap Hut, giving you a good feel for the history of the region. Plus, the various peaks and ridges you’ll traverse offer some of the best views in all of Victoria.

The circuit is perfectly set out to be completed over 7 days with suggested camping at Eight Mile Flat, Bluff Hut, Hells Window, Speculation Road, King Hut, and Craigs Hut. With a start and end point at Mount Buller Resort, it’s also easy to leave a car for the week without any hassle.

Darren has put together an excellent website that details everything you’ll need for planning and executing this hike. It’s essential reading for anyone attempting to complete the Buller Huts Trail.

Read more: Buller Huts Trail Official Website

Wilsons Prom Northern Circuit

• Distance: 60 km
• Time: 3-4 days
• Trailhead: Five Mile Road
• Best Time: March-October (best to avoid the hot summer)
• Type: One way

If you thought all the walking at Wilsons Prom is for beginners, then think again. The northern circuit at the prom is for anyone who is well versed and experienced in off track navigation. It’s incredibly rewarding though, as you get to visit some of the untouched wilderness of the prom that few ever get to see.

There are five hike-in campgrounds in the northern wilderness which can be worked into a circuit; Barry Creek, Lower Barry Creek, Five Mile Beach, Tin Mile Cove and Johnny Souey Cove. Most hikers opt for a 4 day trip, beginning and ending at Five Mile Road carpark.

This is a challenging hike with minimal navigational aids and only a faint trail and at times no trail at all. You have to be comfortable traversing headlands, crossing rivers and walking through muddy swamp areas.

Hikers must fill out a Hiker Self Assessment Form before a hiking permit is issued by Parks Victoria, ensuring that they assess anyone before they head out. There’s also a fee to be paid for remote camping within the park, more info can be obtained on the Parks website or at the Tidal River Office.

Australian Alps Walking Track

• Distance: 650 km
• Time: 5-8 weeks
• Start: Walhalla, VIC
• Finish: Tharwa, ACT 
• Best Time: November-April (avoid the winter months unless extremely experienced in snow hiking)
• Type: One way

Technically this crosses the border into NSW and ACT, but this is one of Australia’s premier long distance hiking trails that starts or ends in Walhalla, Victoria. Arguably, it’s also one of the toughest, as it traverses the length of the Australian Alps, including the highest peaks in the country, along trails that are not always easily defined and marked.

The trail stretches from Walhalla to Tharwa near Canberra, passing through Baw Baw National Park, Alpine National Park, Kosciusko National Park, and Namadgi National Park. It can be hiked in either direction, but it’s commonly considered easier to go southbound, beginning in Tharwa, as the Victorian half of the trail is significantly more challenging and this allows you to get acclimatised to the trail first.

The AAWT follows a combination of walking tracks, barely visible foot pads, fire access trails, and four-wheel drive vehicle tracks. However, sometimes the trails are not well marked or hard to define, particularly in the Victorian half. You must be proficient in navigation skills, including map and compass before attempting it.

The entire trail requires wild camping along the way. There’s no facilities associated with the trail, so you’ll have to research water sources and recommended camping spots prior to beginning. Most thru hikers also tend to leave food drops along the trail, stashed in large sealed containers in the bush. The trail doesn’t pass through any towns, only a couple of ski resorts including Hotham and Thredbo, which means you’ll need to arrange food resupplies for yourself.

There’s a lot that goes into planning a thru hike of the AAWT. I recommend purchasing John Chapman’s guidebook to the trail, which is widely considered to be the premier resource for completing the trail. Otherwise, there’s also a helpful Facebook group dedicated to the trail too.

I’ve mentioned several multi-day hikes above that cover sections of the AAWT in Victoria’s High Country. This is a great alternative to completing the entire trail or as a way to gain experience before attempting the full track.

Navigation for long distance trails: I recommend the FarOut App for any long distance hiking trail, including the Heysen Trail, Bibbulmun Track, Australians Alps Walking Track and more!

Essential Gear for Multi-Day Hiking

Sleeping bag | You’ll want a good sleeping bag for the High Country, one that will keep you warm no matter the temperature and be lightweight enough to pack easily in your backpack. Sea to Summit is one of the best brands on the market and you can’t go wrong with their Spark -9 degree bag.

Backpack | A 65L pack is usually a good option for multi-day hikes, especially in the Alpine region when you’re going to be carrying warm gear.

Hiking boots | I’m a bit old fashioned when it comes to my footwear and I can’t hike without my hi-cut boots. I’ve been wearing Keen Targhee boots for a couple of years and I’m super happy with them on all adventures.

PLB | Any hiker, especially a solo hiker, should carry a Personal Location Beacon. For the cost, these small devices can save your life anywhere, anytime. If you don’t want to buy one, you can hire one from any Macpac store, find out more here. 

Power bank | I rely on my phone (maybe too much) while I’m hiking. From Maps.Me to recording videos to listening to music, I can recommend the BioLite power bank which will easily last days off the grid.

Tent | Try to keep your tent below 2kg as this can quickly become your heaviest piece of gear. I currently have the Big Agnes Copperspur 2-person tent, and it’s been my go-to for all my alpine hiking adventures.

Down jacket | You should be prepared for any weather on alpine adventures, so a down jacket is a must to ensure you keep warm. This Patagonia Nano Down is lightweight, warm and water repellent, so it’s perfect for the High Country.

HAPPY HIKING! Let me know if you’ve done any of these in the comments below!

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