16 Best Overnight Hikes in Victoria

If you’re looking for the best overnight hikes in Victoria to do on the weekend, this blog post breaks down the 16 best options for all types of hikers. The first section includes overnight hikes that are more beginner friendly, while the second half takes a look at hikes that are best suited to experienced hikers and those who are fit enough to tackle challenging terrain and long ascents.

From the classic overnight hike along the Razorback to Mount Feathertop, to the more obscure options like Mount Cobbler Plateau Circuit and The Bluff Circuit, these are the best overnight hikes to add to your hiking to do list.

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Resources to Prepare for Your Overnight 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

👉 I recommend AllTrails for navigation and finding new trails, with offline GPS maps and trail reviews from other hikers. Use code elisha30 for 30% off an AllTrails+ subscription by clicking here!

Beginner Friendly Overnight Hikes

These first few overnight hikes in Victoria are best for beginners; those either doing their first overnight hike or those trying to gain more experience or testing new gear out before venturing into more difficult terrain.

What makes these hikes beginner-friendly? They’re generally well marked, easy to follow, and more popular trails, while also not being on overly demanding terrain. However, I’d still recommend a good fitness base before attempting most of these, and always remember to pack the essentials, including all safety gear.

Oberon Bay, Wilsons Prom

Distance: 17 km return
Elevation Gain: 300m
Trailhead: Tidal River, Wilsons Prom
Best Time: March-October (avoid the hot summer)
Type: Return same way (can make a loop or extend into longer loop over three days)

Arguably Victoria’s most popular overnight hike, the walk out to Oberon Bay in Wilsons Promontory National Park is a pretty coastal hike. Being a moderate grade trail that is well-used, this is the perfect beginner friendly hike to tackle for first timers or those trying to gain more experience.

The coastal route leaves from the Visitor Centre in Tidal River and heads up and over to Norman Point, offering an incredible vantage point overlooking Norman Bay. Back on the trail, you’ll round the headland and get a nice view of Little Oberon Bay. This is one of the prettiest beaches in Wilsons Prom and is a popular little spot to go for a dip.

From there, the trail hugs the coast with beautiful views until dropping down towards Oberon Beach. You’ll need to cross a small stream here, which is best done at low tide. Then, walk along the beach until you find the turn off for Oberon Beach Campsite. This needs to be booked and paid for in advance online.

The next day you can simply return the same way back to Tidal River. An alternative if the shuttle is running between Tidal River and Telegraph Saddle, is that you can begin at Telegraph Saddle and then follow the inland route to Oberon Beach, which is mostly downhill. The following day you can then head out to Tidal River, forming a half-loop.

For those with an extra night, you can extend this into a longer loop by staying a night at either Little Waterloo Bay or Roaring Meg Camp.

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Burchell Trail, Brisbane Ranges National Park

Distance: 34 km
Elevation Gain: 1,055m
Trailhead: Boar Gully or Friday’s Campground
Best Time: March-November (avoid the hot summer)
Type: One way

The Burchell Trail is a nearly 35km one way trail that runs the length of the Brisbane Ranges National Park. It’s long been considered a great beginner overnight hike in Victoria, due to its easy access from Melbourne and options for shorter or longer distances.

Along the entire 34km trail there are two hike-in campsites that are relatively evenly spaced for hikers to use: Old Mill Campground and Little River Campground. Advance bookings are required through the Parks Vic website.

The trail follows a combination of existing walking trails and management tracks through the forest, with several hill climbs. While it’s designed to be a 2 night, 3 day hike, it’s certainly doable as an overnight hike with short distances between the campsites. This does mean though that one day will be relatively long at just over 20km and the other day will be much shorter at just over 10km, depending on which campground you decide to use.

Alternatively, if you don’t have a car shuffle option to complete the full length of the trail one way, then you can also go out and back for an overnight hike from Friday’s Campground or Boar Gully to one of the hike-in camps.

Don’t rely on the water tanks, especially in summer, as they can run dry. But it’s not ideal to complete in summer anyway, as it can be quite hot. Autumn or spring would be most ideal.

Baw Baw to Mushroom Rocks on the AAWT

Distance: 30 km with side trip to Mount Whitelaw Hut Ruins (only 20km, if not doing Whitelaw Hut side trip)
Elevation Gain: 1,088m
Trailhead: Baw Baw Village
Best Time: October-April (avoid snow in winter unless planning to snow camp)
Type: One way (or can opt for return hike via Baw Baw Plateau)

This is one of the best overnight hikes in Victoria’s Alpine Region for beginners. It’s also not too far from Melbourne, beginning at Baw Baw Village in Gippsland. This is a one way hike though, and it’s quite an effort to organise a car shuffle, but it’s certainly worth it I think. For solo hikers, an alternative would be to not continue to Mushroom Rocks and just do an out and back to Whitelaw Hut Ruins or Mount St Gwinear from Baw Baw Village.

From Baw Baw Village, it’s a bit of a climb to leave the resort area and hit the Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT). From there, you can simply head to the right and camp somewhere along the plateau, with several options including Saint Phillack Saddle, Mount Saint Phillack, Rock Shelter, or Talbot Hut Ruins. This would be a shorter option.

If you have time, I suggest heading to the left and walking along the AAWT through the beautiful snow gums to Whitelaw Hut Ruins as a side trip. This is a hike-in camping spot, but it also makes for a great lunch stop too. Then head back the same way and camp at Saint Phillack Saddle (my pick), Mount Saint Phillack, or Rock Shelter.

The final day, you can head down to Mushroom Rocks through the stunning change in vegetation from snow gums to towering mountain ash. Mushroom Rocks is a really unique spot, with huge boulders hidden amongst the ferns.

Be aware there are no facilities on this trail at all, so you must carry a trowel and utilise natural water sources. There’s no camping fees or bookings required. Read more in my guide below.

Beeripmo Walk

Distance: 21 km
Elevation Gain: 1,051m
Trailhead: Richards Campground in Mount Cole State Forest
Best Time: You can complete this hike at any time of year, but be prepared and check the forecast as the summer can be hot and winter can be extremely cold overnight
Type: Loop

If you ask any experienced hiker to recommend a good overnight hike for beginners, the Beeripmo Walk is always mentioned. This wonderful loop hike is relatively short, making it perfect for a weekend and is also really popular for families with kids. However, it’s not overly easy, and you’ll need some decent fitness as the hill climbs are tougher than you think.

There is a carpark at Richards Campground for hikers to leave their car. At just 2 hours from Melbourne, it’s pretty easy to reach for a morning start. You can do the loop in either direction, but many people tend to go clockwise which starts with a 7.5km day with the following day being around 13km.

This takes you steeply up to Raglan Falls first, which can run dry at certain times of the year. Then, the trail continues to climb until Cave Hill where it starts to flatten a little with stunning views through the trees. It’s yet another steep climb to Mt Sugarloaf, from where it’s not too far to Beeripmo Campground, a hike-in camping area with toilets and a water tank. Bookings are not required; there’s about 10 tent pad sites.

The second day is much easier with a mostly descending trail, plus an option to head out to Mt Buangor Lookout for beautiful views. Overall, it offers a fantastic introduction or training hike, with the well-marked trail heading through fern gullies and tall forests with great views mixed in.

Note: This has been fire affected, so check conditions and track closures before heading out here.

Mt Feathertop via Razorback Track

Distance: 23 km
Elevation Gain: 942m
Trailhead: Diamantina Hut
Best Time: November-April (avoid the snow in winter unless well prepared and experienced in winter hiking)
Type: Return same way or options to descend different way with a car shuffle

This is my favourite overnight hike in Victoria and easily one of the most iconic trails in Australia. While it’s popular as a day hike, I highly recommend completing it as an overnight hike, because you really get to enjoy the views and potentially witness one of the best sunsets ever!

The hike begins from Diamantina Hut on the Great Alpine Road just outside of Hotham Village. Parking is limited to just along the side of the road, and on weekends this quickly gets out of control, so arrive early. An alternative is to park your car in Corral parking lot, outside the Resort Management Office, but this will mean an additional couple of kilometres up and over Mt Hotham Summit and down to Diamantina Hut.

The Razorback Track is incredibly easy to follow, as it hugs the ups and downs of the ridgeline towards Mount Feathertop. The best part of this trail is that it does offer views right from the start, as it is almost completely above the treeline.

After 9.5km from the trailhead, you’ll come to a T-junction, with a memorial plaque and a beautiful snow gum tree. From here, if you look to the left you’ll be able to see Federation Hut below, which is the camping location for this hike. I’d recommend heading down to set up camp first. You can’t sleep in the hut, so find a tent spot somewhere around it.

Just before sunset, walk the final couple of kilometres up to the summit of Mount Feathertop. The panoramic view from here is the best in Victoria, with layers of mountains in all directions. Remember to carry a head torch for your descent!

The next day you simply return the same way. If you have the option of car shuffling, then you have additional options for an alternative descent. For an overnight hike, I’d recommend descending Bungalow Spur Track which begins at Federation Hut and heads down to Harrietville. But this does mean you’ll have to drive back up to collect your car at Hotham.

The water tank at Federation Hut is often dry in summer and unreliable. You can either carry enough for the 24 hours or you’ll have to collect from natural streams. There is one not far down the Bungalow Spur Track and one on the Tom Kneen/Northwest Spur Track (which can be accessed on your way to the summit).

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Tawonga Huts & Mount Jaithmathang, Falls Creek

Distance: 13 km
Elevation Gain: 534m
Trailhead: Pretty Valley Pondage, Falls Creek
Best Time: November-April (avoid the snow in winter unless prepared for winter hiking)
Type: Return same way

This is one of the best overnight hikes in Victoria for beginners, and I think it’s really underrated. While the distance is obviously very short over two days, it does involve quite a long drive for anyone coming from Melbourne. The hike begins at Pretty Valley Pondage up at Falls Creek, where you’ll find a small carpark just past the free camping area.

From the gate, it’s only 4km on a wide management track to reach Tawonga Huts. This historic area is set near a mountain stream, with beautiful views through the valley of Mount Bogong. There’s plenty of space here on green grass to pitch your tent and set up camp.

From there, hike up to the top of Mount Jaithmathang on the skinny marked trail leading off from the camping area. It’s only about 2km, but it’s a steady climb through the alpine landscape to the rocky outcrop. The panoramic view from the top is outstanding, including views of Mount Feathertop, Mount Bogong and Mount Buffalo in the distance.

Return to camp and you can head back out to your car the next day.

If you want to add a bit more distance onto the hike, you can also head out to The Fainters from Tawonga Huts. Following the Fainter Firetrail, past the turnoff for Mount Jaithmathang, the skinny but well-worn trail undulates over the hills through beautiful alpine vegetation to the twin peaks of Fainter South (1861 m) and Fainter North (1817 m). It’s around 16km return from Tawonga Huts to the Fainters and back, so you could just take a small daypack or empty backpack and leave your camping equipment near the huts for an easier walk.

Two Bays Trail, Mornington Peninsula

Distance: 26 km
Elevation Gain: 621m
Trailhead: Latrobe Parade, Dromana or Cape Schanck Lighthouse
Best Time: March-October (avoid the hot summer weather)
Type: One way

For those really wanting a safe, easier option for their first overnight hike, the Two Bays Trail is arguably the best one close to Melbourne. Stretching from Dromana to Cape Schanck on the Mornington Peninsula, this 26km trail is a popular hike that can be done as a long day hike or more moderate overnight hike.

It’s a stunning coastal walk that takes in the diverse landscapes of Arthurs Seat State Park and Mornington Peninsula National Park, including the spectacular coastal cliffs near Cape Schanck Lighthouse.

You can do the walk in either direction, but many people start in Dromana and walk the 16km to Lightwood Creek Camping Area. This is a hike-in only spot that does not require bookings or payment and is first in first served. There’s a basic toilet and rainwater tank there.

The following day it’s only about 10km to reach Cape Schanck Lighthouse. You can either arrange a car shuffle with a friend or pre-book a tax or Uber to pick you up at the Lighthouse. Be aware phone reception is limited though at the lighthouse.

The trail is only graded moderate, so it’s also a great overnight hike for kids or families. There are some short hills, but nothing too taxing and the views make it all worthwhile.

Mount McLeod, Mount Buffalo National Park

Distance: 17.5 km
Elevation Gain: 432m
Trailhead: Reservoir Road Picnic Area, Mount Buffalo
Best Time: November-April (avoid the snow in winter unless prepared for winter hiking)
Type: Return same way

Located in the more remote part of Mount Buffalo Natioinal Park, the hike out to Mount McLeod is the perfect way to enjoy the rocky, rugged landscape with absolutely no one else around. While it could easily be completed in a day, it offers the only real overnight hike in the whole national park. It’s also not overly challenging with easy navigation, so it’s great for any beginners or those looking to try our camping in the alpine.

The hike starts on Reservoir Road which is a dirt road but 2WD accessible. There is a picnic area with a small car park where you can leave your car for the night and start the walk back at the Management Track gate.

The first near-8km of the hike follows the management track to Mt McLeod Camping Area. It’s quite undulating, which is deceivingly tiring but nothing too demanding for fit hikers. The camp is a wild camping area, with just a drop toilet. You can find a spot to pitch on the soft grass and water can be collected just off the side of the trail before camp.

Just before sunset, I suggest hiking up to Mt McLeod Summit, which is undoubtedly the highlight of the overnight hike. It’s only 2.4km return, but it does climb up and over rocks and boulders towards the end with some light scrambling to reach the top.

The views are beautiful over Mount Buffalo National Park and down into the Buckland Valley. Carry a head torch in case you’re up there til dark. The following day, head back the same way to your car.

More info: A Guide to the Mt McLeod Overnight Hike at Mount Buffalo

Mount Stirling Summit — Hiking at Mount Buller

Mount Stirling Circuit, Buller

Distance: 14.5km
Elevation Gain: 626m
Trailhead: Telephone Box Junction, Mt Stirling
Best Time: November-April (avoid the winter months unless prepared for snow hiking)
Type: Loop

Another fantastic hike for beginners in the alpine region, Mount Stirling Circuit is one of the best overnight hikes in Victoria that packs a lot of punch for the short enough distance. It’s also a bit closer to Melbourne than other alpine hikes like Feathertop and Bogong, so it’s perfect for a weekend.

The trail starts at Telephone Box Junction, where there’s a huge carpark safe to leave your car for the night. I recommend completing the loop in an ant-clockwise direction, which begins with a steady climb on the Baldy Loop Trail and then the Bluff Spur Trail to Bluff Spur Hut.

From there, you’re not too far away from the summit, which is accessed from a short side trail off the Howqua Gap Track for about 150m. At the trig point, you’ll have sweeping panoramic views over most of the highest peaks in the Alpine National Park.

I also recommend taking the short side trail on the opposite peak as well, for a different view and a closer look at the famous snow gum tree (the only tree on the entire summit), recognised by the National Trusts of Australia’s Register of Significant Trees.

Continue on the Howqua Gap Trail until you reach GGS Hut. From there, it’s more straight forward as you follow the Summit Trail down to King Spur Hut, Cricket Pitch Shelter and King Saddle Shelter until you reach the Circuit Road once more. There are a couple of shortcuts to take, so I definitely recommend having AllTrails or Maps.Me downloaded so you know your options.

You can camp at any of the huts, although most people tend to choose GGS Hut because of it’s close proximity to the summit and fairly even distance for both days. The hut is for emergency use only but has a drop toilet and rainwater tank and some grassy space around it for tents.

View of Lake Tali Karng from Gillios Track

Lake Tali Karng Via Wellington Plains

Distance: 26 km
Elevation Gain: 780m
Trailhead: McFarlane Saddle, Moroka Road (Alpine National Park)
Best Time: November-April (avoid the winter months due to road closures)
Type: Return same way (option to descend different way with a car shuffle, but significantly increases difficulty of hike)

Perhaps more of a hidden gem than some of the other hikes on this list, Lake Tali Karng is a fantastic alpine overnight hike. This high alpine lake is the only natural lake in the Alpine National Park and a sacred place for the Gunaikurnai people. Lying deep in a valley down from the Wellington Plains, it’s only accessible on foot.

There are a couple of routes to reach the lake, but the most popular option and best for beginner hikers or those looking for a moderate hike is beginning from McFarlane Saddle. This is accessed on a dirt road up from Licola, which is usually kept in decent condition but can be a bit rough for 2WD vehicles (though usually doable), check road conditions before heading out.

This route begins at a lofty elevation with the pretty straightforward trail to the campground crossing the mostly soft grassy Wellington Plains. It’s only 8.5km to Nyimba Camp, a great remote camping area that has a drop toilet. You can find water in a nearby stream just down from the camp on the track heading towards Millers Hut.

The hike from Nyimba Camp to Lake Tali Karng is a very steep trail that is 8.5km return, including a 635m decent over less than 4km to reach the lake’s edge. There are technically two trails going down to the lake, Gillios Track and Riggall Spur Track. We took the Gillios Track there and back, as it’s shorter (but steeper) and more commonly used (so clearer to follow).

The trail stops quite abruptly at the lake’s edge. Depending on the year, the lake’s water level changes, but usually you can walk down and around the lake a bit, although it’s quite often overly full and these trails can be flooded (as was the case when we were there).

Walk back to Nyimba Camp and back to McFarlane Saddle the same way you came. We decided to do Lake Tali Karng on our second day, as we’d arrived late on the first day after a long drive. From camp, you only need to take a day pack down to the lake with you and back, making it much easier to manage.

A more difficult option for experienced hikers is to continue from the lake on the one way route option that will have you finishing down at Wellington River Bridge near Licola. This means packing up your gear at Nyimba Camp, walking down to the lake and then finding the trailhead for Clive Lanigan Walking Track on the other side of the lake that takes you down through the Valley of Destruction and along the Wellington River.

This requires up to 16 river crossings and good navigation skills, as the trail changes year to year depending on river levels (the trail can be almost impassable if the river is too high). It’s 17km from the lake to Wellington River Bridge, where you can leave a car in the carpark.

Best Overnight Hikes for Experienced Hikers

If you’re up for a bit of a challenge on your weekend hike, then these overnight hikes in Victoria are fun adventures. Most of these are still on relatively good trails, but are generally on more difficult terrain with steeper ascents than those mentioned above.

Check out these overnight hikes for a challenging but rewarding weekend.

Mount Bogong from Mountain Creek

Distance: 30 km (including Cleve Cole Hut)
Elevation Gain: 1,300m
Trailhead: Mountain Creek Carpark
Best Time: November-April (avoid the winter months unless experienced in snow hiking)
Type: Loop

Mount Bogong is Victoria’s highest peak, making it an incredibly popular hiking destination. There are a few trails leading to the summit of Bogong, and all have a huge elevation gain, making it one of the toughest climbs in Australia. While the trails are generally very clear and easy to follow, it’s a demanding hike, especially when carrying a heavy pack, so I recommend decent fitness to make this enjoyable.

You can technically climb Mount Bogong and return as a day hike from Mountain Creek, just outside of Mount Beauty. There are two trails leading to the summit from this side of the mountain: Staircase Spur and Eskdale Spur. For the quickest option (although only about 3km less), you can take Staircase Spur Trail up and back, or for a more varied experience, ascend the Staircase Spur and descend via Eskdale Spur forming a loop from Mountain Creek. The latter is 22km all up, taking between 8-10 hours for most people.

However, you can do this as an overnight hike as well, which will mean less distance per day and a great way to really appreciate the mountain. For a Mount Bogong overnight hike, you can do the 22km loop and camp at one of the two huts on the slopes of Bogong: Bivouac Hut on the Staircase or Michell Hut on Eskdale Spur. There is some flattish ground around the huts for camping, as the huts are for emergency use only.

But if you’re going to do this as an overnight hike, I’d actually recommend adding an extra 8km onto the hike and camping at Cleve Cole Hut on the southern side of the mountain. This stone hut is one of the best in the entire High Country region and an iconic spot, with plenty of camping space under snow gums around it. Water is pumped from a natural stream into the hut, which you can use for cooking and drinking (but filter it first).

This would mean from Mountain Creek, take the Staircase Spur up to the summit and then start heading towards Eskdale Spur but turnoff to Cleve Cole Hut, following the snow poles. This will be 13km.

The following day hike back towards the summit, but this time descend down Eskdale Spur and head back to Mountain Creek along the 4×4 only Mountain Creek Road. This would be 17km for the second day.

On weekends in summer, Cleve Cole Hut camping area can get extremely busy, but there’s generally plenty of room for everyone to spread out amongst the snow gums. You can leave a car at Mountain Creek Campground/Trailhead, where you can also free camp the night before or after your hike if you need.

Hiking along the razorback track — Hiking along the Razorback Track

Cathedral Range Circuit Hike

Distance: 18.5 km (add 650m for South Jawbone Peak)
Elevation Gain: 925m
Trailhead: Cooks Mill Campground
Best Time: Any time of year, but avoid hot days and any bad weather
Type: Loop

A spectacular, demanding, fun, and challenging hike not too far from Melbourne, the Cathedral Range Ridgeline Circuit is the ultimate hike in the Cathedral Ranges. It joins both the northern circuit and southern circuit, allowing you to see the highlights of the entire state park in one long loop.

This can be done as a day hike, as it’s only 18.5km. However, this is a tough day hike for experienced and fit hikers and it takes around 7-8 hours or longer. There’s lots of rock scrambling and climbing which makes progress slow on some sections. For this reason, I actually prefer to do this as a day hike with a smaller pack, but many people do like to complete it as an overnight hike.

The full length is best completed in a clockwise direction, which is even more important with an overnight pack on, because you do not want to be descending Sugarloaf Peak. Begin the hike at Cooks Mill and head along the Tweed Spur 4WD Road until you see the turnoff for the Messmate Track. This will bring you to Sugarloaf Saddle Picnic Area, from where there are two ways to ascend Sugarloaf Peak.

For an overnight hike, do NOT take the Wells Cave option as this is extremely difficult requiring you to squeeze and climb through tight spaces which is impossible with a pack on. Take the Canyon Track instead, which still requires plenty of scrambling and careful balancing to get to the top. This hike is not recommended for those unstable on their feet.

From the top of Sugarloaf Peak, continue along the Razorback Track until you reach a spot known as The Farmyard. This saddle is the only wild camping area on the loop, so you can set up camp here, no bookings required. There are no facilities available and no water source, so be completely self-sufficient. For sunset, you could do the short side trip up to South Jawbone Peak for beautiful views.

The next morning, continue along the Ridge Track taking you across exposed rocky outcrops to Cathedral Peak. Keep going along the ridge to Little Cathedral Peak, the northernmost peak of the range. Then, head back to the junction and down to Neds Gully Track, which joins up to Little River Track that leads all the way back to Cooks Mill.

Mount Howitt hike in summer — Mount Howitt hike amongst the wild flowers

Mt Speculation and Crosscut Saw, Alpine National Park

Distance: 27 km (includes 2km return side trip to Mount Howitt)
Elevation Gain: 1,290 m
Trailhead: Howitt Carpark,
Best Time: November-April (avoid the winter months due to road closures)
Type: Return same way

A challenging but rewarding hike in Victoria’s Alpine National Park, the infamous Crosscut Saw is one of the most beautiful trails in Australia. Infamous because as the name suggests, the trail follows an incredibly rugged and undulating ridgeline that exhausts even the fittest of hikers. While the Crosscut Saw to Mt Speculation is part of the long distance Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT) and also part of the 4 day Viking Circuit, it makes for a great out and back overnight hike for something shorter.

The hike begins from Mount Howitt Carpark, which is accessed on a dirt road up past Licola. From Licola, take Tamboritha Road along Wellington River which becomes dirt after crossing the last bridge. From there, the road climbs up to Arbuckle Junction where you need to turn left onto Howitt Road. While this is generally kept in good condition, the road can get quite rough in parts so a 4×4 is recommended. However, it is technically 2WD accessible if you drive with care.

From the carpark, it’s an easy 5km walk to the iconic Vallejo Gantner Hut and Macalister Springs. This is a popular camping area with a wonderful drop toilet with a view. Keep following the trail past the hut and after nearly 1.5km, you’ll come to an intersection with the AAWT. You can drop your packs there and take the trail to the left for 1km to the top of Mount Howitt. This is one of the highest mountains in Victoria and offers an absolutely breathtaking panorama of the Aussie Alps.

Back at the intersection, continue on the AAWT now heading out across the Crosscut Saw. You’ll see the rugged ridge in front of you. The trail gets more rugged as you continue over steep, rocky sections to the top of Mount Buggery. From there, it’s another 2.5km to Mount Speculation, but this is the hardest section of the trail for most people. There’s a steep descent from Mt Buggery followed by small sections of rock scrambling.

If the weather forecast is looking fine, the best place to camp is around the summit of Mt Speculation. It’s arguably one of the best tent camping spots in the state, with stunning views, but a very exposed site. You can also camp on the summit of Mt Buggery, if you need. None of these places have any facilities.

If you need water, you can continue down from Mt Speculation to Camp Creek for about 1.2km where there is a reliable water source. You can also camp there, which is more protected from bad weather. Otherwise, carry enough with you from McAllister Springs, just 100m from Vallejo Gartner hut.

The next day return to your car the same way.

Mount Cobbler Plateau Circuit

Distance: 29 km
Elevation Gain: 1,315m
Trailhead: Intersection of Speculation Rd and King Basin Rd
Best Time: November-April (avoid the winter months due to road closures)
Type: Figure 8 circuit

A bit more obscure than some of the other overnight hikes in Victoria on this list, the Mount Cobbler Plateau Circuit is a wonderful hike that takes in some of the most incredible features of the Alpine National Park.

The trailhead is located at the junction of Speculation Road and King Basin Road. For 2WD vehicles, this is best approached from Mansfield. Head to Telephone Box Junction at Mt Stirling and take the Circuit Road around until Speculation Road. Turn right onto Speculation Road and continue until the intersection with King Basin Road. Once you leave Mt Buller Road, you’ll be on dirt roads, but these are generally kept in good condition. However, King Basin Road is 4×4 only, so check your map and check current road conditions before heading out.

This is more of a figure eight route rather than a true circuit and you can technically do it in either direction. However, I’d recommend going counter-clockwise, starting with Muesli Spur Track first. This is a long slog of a few kilometres until you reach the upper section of Speculation Road. Turn left onto this 4×4 track and follow it around and down to Lake Cobbler (be careful of vehicles on weekends).

The lake was made in the 1960s by damming the swamp area around the Dandongadale River near Mt Cobbler. It’s now a popular free camping area for 4×4 drivers. From there, you can take the side trip to Dandongadale Falls, the third highest waterfall in Australia (but rarely visited).

You can reach it by taking the unmarked worn trail starting down to the right of the hut, (it’s also marked on Maps.Me). From there, you have to cross a little river and then take a sharp right. Follow this trail and it will bring you to a small waterfall.

From there, you’ll see a faint but fairly worn trail to the left heading up. You need to take this for another 450m to the edge of the escarpment where you can look over the edge of Dandongadale Falls. While you can’t see much of the falls themselves, the view across the valley is pretty incredible. Return the same way.

Then, take the Mount Cobbler Walking Track beginning next to Lake Cobbler Hut. The trail is well-worn, so it’s easy to follow all the way to the top. At first, it rambles along before dipping down into a gully and over a creek. From there, the steady climb begins as you make your way above the treeline.

After 3km from the hut, you’ll come to a trail junction and a wild camping area. This is the best spot to camp on this overnight hike. Alternatively, you could also camp back down at Lake Cobbler, but camping up on the rocky plateau, means you can hike up to Mt Cobbler for sunset or sunrise, which is just 1.5km one way from camp.

The next day, take the left trail at the intersection near camp and head down until it pops out onto Lake Cobbler Track. Continue on this until Speculation Road turns off on your right. You need to follow Speculation Road as it zig zags down to your car.

Water can be collected at Lake Cobbler, sourced from Dandongadale River, which should be treated before drinking. Always be aware of vehicles on some of the roads, as this circuit is around half on popular 4×4 roads.

Spion Kopje to Ropers Hut, Falls Creek

Distance: 31km (including a couple of short side trips)
Elevation Gain: 1,341m
Trailhead: Howmans Gap
Best Time: November-April (avoid the winter months unless prepared for snow hiking)
Type: One way with a car shuffle

A fantastic, yet challenging overnight hike in the Falls Creek area, the climb up Spion Kopje is rugged and relentlessly steep. However, it’s a much less frequented trail than others in the Bogong High Plains region, so it does make for a good option for those looking for something different. Plus, of course it includes a night camped at Ropers Hut, my favourite alpine hut in Victoria!

You’ll need a car shuffle for this one way hike. Leave a car at Heathy Spur Trailhead at Falls Creek and then drive back to start at Howmans Gap just down from Falls Creek Village. From the small carpark off the side of the road, it’s well-signposted as you walk steeply down to Rocky Valley Creek. You need to cross the river here, where you’ll find a log across the water.

Once on the other side, you begin the very steep climb for nearly a kilometre up Spion Kopje Track. It pops out onto Spion Kopje Firetrail, which you need to turn right onto as it continues to climb up towards the peaks above the treeline.

The final push to the Spion Kopje summit is through some scrubby sections, but the incredible views make it worthwhile. The fire trail is easy to follow from there as it crosses the ridge and some marshy sections to Mount Nelse West. At the end of the Spion Kopje Track, you’ll come to the T-intersection with the Big River Firetrail. Turn left and walk the remaining 3km to Roper’s Hut, which is mostly downhill on a wide trail, rocky trail.

This lovely camping area is nestled amongst the snow gums and has a drop toilet and water source just behind the hut.

Camping at Roper's Hut — Camping at Roper’s Hut

The following day, you need to backtrack along Big River Firetrail and continue past the Spion Kopje turnoff as you follow the firetrail up towards Mount Nelse. To access the summit, it’s a 500m side trip, which is well worth it.

Continue on Big River Firetrail, where you can take a couple of side trips to high country huts if you have energy and time. Edmonson Hut is 1km off the track and makes for a great alternative camping spot, if you don’t want to make the trip down to Ropers the night before.

Keep following the firetrail until the intersection with the Heathy Spur Track, which is well signposted. This takes you across the plains and down to Rocky Valley Dam following the AAWT, where your car will be parked.

You can easily collect your other car as you drive back down to Mount Beauty.

The Bluff Circuit Hike

Distance: 28 km
Elevation Gain: 1,805m
Trailhead: Eight Mile Flat Campground
Best Time: November-April (avoid the winter months due to road closures)
Type: Loop

This is undoubtedly one of the most challenging overnight hikes on this list, as it requires a very good level of fitness and endurance to complete. It includes overgrown trails, ridiculously steep climbs and rock scrambling. Some people complete this over three days, but it’s definitely doable in 2 days if you start early enough on the first day.

The hike starts at Eight Mile Flat Campground. To get there, take the Mount Buller Road from Mansfield to Merrijig, where you need to turn onto the Howqua Track for 16km to Sheepyard Flat (a huge and popular free camping area). Drive through the camp and along Brocks Road until you reach Eight Mile Flat. Take this down to the campground, where you can leave your car. From Merrijig, this is all on dirt roads but generally in good condition for 2WD.

The loop can be done in either direction but I highly recommend going anti-clockwise, so you’re going up the rock scrambling section rather than down. From 8 Mile Flat, take the Howqua River High Track for 500m until Eight Mile Spur on your right. This spur trail is skinny but you should be able to follow the footpad as it climbs relentlessly to Refrigerator Gap. Turn left onto Bluff Link Road and follow this for less than a km until you see the trailhead for The Bluff.

You might want to have a quick break here, as this next section is the most difficult. The Bluff Walking track begins with a moderate trail through the trees until it hits the base of the sheer escarpment. From here, you need to carefully begin the scramble to the top, requiring some basic rock climbing. Once you reach the top, the trail swings around to the left to the summit of The Bluff marked by a cairn.

You’ll be rewarded with one of the best panoramic views of the Victorian Alps. From here, the trail is nothing short of spectacular as it follows the ridge of the escarpment towards Bluff Hut. You’ll pass the Blowhole rock feature and Mount Eadley Stoney, before finally descending to the hut.

Bluff Hut is a popular wild camping area for 4×4 drivers and hikers, with plenty of flat grass to pitch your tent and a water tank. If the weather permits, some people like to camp somewhere near The Bluff summit or along the plateau, but be aware that it’s very exposed to the weather.

The next day, follow Bluff Track down to Bluff Link Road where you’ll locate 14 Mile Spur Track across the road. This isn’t as commonly used and can be a bit overgrown, so be vigilant that you’re still on track as you go. It’s a steep, rough descent through the bush all the way to Ritchie’s Hut. This is also a nice little camping area, where you can access the river quite easily.

Otherwise, continue from Ritchies Hut, across Fourteen Mile Creek and along the Howqua River High Track back to 8 Mile Flat. There’s also the option for the low track which requires several river crossings. Be aware that both the high and low routes are snake territory, we saw 5 along this 5.5km section alone!

Essential Gear for Overnight 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.

Looking for longer hikes? 17 Best Multi-day Hikes in Victoria

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

16 Best Overnight Hikes in Victoria

Resources to Prepare for Your Overnight Hike