Mt Hotham's free guided walks are back in March!

Curious about Hotham's local history, flora and fauna?

Always wanted to try hiking at Hotham but not confident to do it alone?

Due to popular demand, our free guided walks are back for one day only in March - Saturday 18 March.

The March walks are designed for more experienced hikers who are fit and able to handle a longer walk but are not familiar with Mt Hotham’s rugged terrain.

With two challenging options to choose from, hikers will either take on the sky-skimming Huts Walk over the highest points of the Mt Hotham skifields, then dip down into Swindlers Valley, or alternatively try a journey of discovery down through the history-laden Cobungra Ditch Walk via the West Access Track.

Full of interesting facts and stunning views, these walks are a great way to spend a few of hours with an expert guide in an amazing environment high above the clouds.

There’s no better way to discover Mt Hotham’s diverse and extensive trail network, the gateway into the hiking mecca of Victoria’s alpine high country.

Free BBQ and drinks at Silver Brumby Hut

At the end of the walks, both groups will meet for a complimentary BBQ and drinks at Silver Brumby Hut, one of the many historic huts located in the Mt Hotham resort.

 

What to Bring

• Sturdy walking/hiking shoes or boots

• Warm socks (we recommend avoiding cotton for hiking).

• Comfortable hiking pants or shorts.

• Warm jacket 

• Water bottle with a minimum of 1 litre water  

• Camera (you won't want to miss capturing some of the best views in Victoria!)

• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and lipbalm - don't forget to always slip, slop and slap when adventuring outside! 

• Walking poles, if you require them

• Snacks and food adequate for the length and timing of your chosen hike

• Small backpack for water, rain jacket, and snacks.   

Weather can be unpredicatable at ALL times of the year in the alpine environment, so we  recommend packing rainwear and an extra dry warm laye.

Don't miss out! Numbers are limited and registration is required

To secure your spot, email info@mthotham.com.au or call (03) 5759 3550.

Walk details

Walk 1: Mt Loch and the Mt Hotham Huts Walk - finishing at Silver Brumby Hut
9.30am to 4pm, approx 11-12 km

Meeting point: outside the Mt Hotham Visitor Information office.

Duration: approx 6.5 hours.

Difficulty: A more challenging walk, suitable for those with a reasonable level of fitness. Total ascent approx 300 metres, total descent 320 metres. 

Group size: Max 12 guests. 

Details:

Join us for a guided walk with our experienced guide, and learn about Mt. Hotham's local history, flora and fauna. This walk will cover an abundance of opportunity to stop and take photos.

Rough itinerary: 

Start at the RMB office, venturing over the Mt Hotham Summit and onto to the Mt Loch trail out to Mt Loch. (approx 1hr 30 min)

We join the Australian Alps Walking Track for a short section before we arrive at the trailhead of the Mt Hotham huts walk.   We will then follow the Huts Walk Trail to Spargo’s Hut – Mt Loch to Spargo’s Hut (approx 1hr 30 min)

Enjoy a short break at both Mt Loch and Spargo’s Hut, before making our way down into Swindlers Creek Valley.

We will follow the trail and begin to climb to join the Cobungra Ditch Trail and onto the West Access Trail to Christmas Hill Picnic Area.

Here we will enjoy a short break at the Picnic Area before we follow the trail taking in the Brandy Creek Mine lookout and back towards Davenport Village

Following the trail back to Davenport Village and down to Silver Brumby Creek (Approx 3 Hrs 30 min)

Finally, arriving at the Silver Brumby Hut, we will enjoy a BBQ and Drinks to finish off a wonderful day! 

 

There will be transport available to drive guests back up to the village if they do not want to walk.

 

 

Walk 2: Village to Christmas Hill, Cobungra Ditch Via West Access Trail - finishing at Silver Brumby Hut
11am to 3.30pm. approx 9-10 km

Meeting point: outside the Mt Hotham Visitor Information office

Duration: approx 4.5 hours

Difficulty:  An easier walk for walkers that have experience or perhaps just starting out;  total ascent approx 220 metres, total descent 200 metres. 

Group size: Max 12 guests 

Details:

Leaving from outside the Visitor Information office, join our experienced guide as they introduce you to some of our favourite Hotham trails, and share information on the mountain's local history plus its diverse alpine flora & fauna.

Rough itinerary: 

Walk over Mt Higginbotham and stop at the lookout - one of our favourite photo spots! 

11:30am - Arrive at the General Store (optional pick-up point for guests)

From here, we will walk through the quaint Davenport Village and head toward Christmas Hill and the Big spur. Pausing at both the Big Spur Picnic Point and Brandy Creek lookout.

Dropping down from here, we will follow Cobrunga Ditch (a favourite trail, keep your eyes peeled for evidence of the region's gold mining history!), through to Davenport Access Trail and finish at the Silver Brumby Hut where we will join the Walk One's group for a BBQ and drinks at the Silver Brumby Hut! 

There will be transport available to drive guests back up to the village if they do not want to walk.

 

 

Please note: Advertised hikes are weather dependant and the program will be adjusted to best suit the conditions.