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Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing

Embark on the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing, a breathtaking 37-kilometre, three-day trek through Victoria's Alpine National Park. This iconic hike connects the vibrant resort villages of Falls Creek and Mt Hotham, winding along alpine ridges that soar above 2000 meters and offering stunning vistas at every turn. Each night, unwind under the stars and enjoy the peaceful beauty of sunsets over endless peaks.

Accessible from November to April, this journey is perfect for those eager to embrace the great outdoors and take on a rewarding challenge. There are two campsites on the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing: Cope Hut Campsite, amongst the snowgums on the Bogong High Plains, is 14km from the Falls Creek trailhead; and Dibbins Hut Campsite, on a snowgrass plain near the headwaters of the Cobungra River. Enjoy platform camping at the beautiful Cope Hut and Dibbins Hut sites or opt for wild camping in the national park.

A permit is required to camp  at the five camping platforms at each of the two campsites on the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing. These must be pre-booked - Book online or call Parks Victoria on 13 1963.

Falls - Hotham Alpine Crossing Track Notes


 

Suggested Itinerary 

Day 1: Falls Creek to Cope Hut

Distance: 14km

Time: 4-6 hours

Start your adventure refreshed after a peaceful night at one of Falls Creek’s cozy alpine accommodations. As you set off, take in breathtaking views from Heathy Spur and explore the historic Wallace and Cope Huts. In spring and summer, delight in vibrant swathes of wildflowers, enhancing the natural beauty around you. After a rewarding day of hiking, settle in at Cope Hut and prepare for an enchanting night under the stars. You can either book a camping platform for a fee, or camp on the grassy plains among the snowgums.

Cope Hut amenities: Drop toilet, water tank, picnic tables

Day 2: Cope Hut to Dibbins Hut

Distance: 14km

Time: 4-6 hours

Wake up and open your tent to the sounds of nature, taking a leisurely morning to prepare for a day filled with unforgettable views. As you hike, immerse yourself in the breathtaking panoramas from the famous Pole 333, where the majestic Mount Feathertop, Victoria's second-highest peak, will leave you in awe. Don’t forget to pack a lunch to enjoy at a scenic lookout, soaking in the stunning alpine scenery around you. Set up camp at Dibbins Hut, a beautiful spot where you can set up camp next to the stunning creek.

Dibbins Hut amenities: Drop toilet

Day 3: Dibbins Hut to Mt Hotham

Distance: 9km

Time: 3-4 hours

Your final day features highlights like the abandoned Quintet Mine and the charming Derricks Hut before approaching the finish line at the Alpine Gateway, kitted out with fresh water, toilets and showers. Celebrate your accomplishment with a well-deserved meal and drink at The General, where you can enjoy delicious local fare and unwind after your hike. To enhance your experience, treat yourself to one of Hotham’s inviting accommodations. Refresh and relax without the hassle of returning home after your adventure.

Explore accommodation options at Mt Hotham


 

Getting to Falls Creek

From Melbourne: The Falls Creek Alpine Resort is 380km or a 5-hour drive away from the CBD via Seymour, Benalla, Myrtleford and Mount Beauty.

Travel & Transport:

This is a point-to-point walk, so you’ll need transport to the start of the walk and a way to get home at the end. The drive between trailheads takes approximately 2½ hours.

Car shuffle:

Using two vehicles in a car shuffle is a popular option. Drive in convoy to the end of the walk, drop off one vehicle, then return to the start of the walk in the other vehicle. Vehicles can be left at the Heathy Spur or Mt Loch car parks at either end.

Snow Dog Transport:

For added convenience, Snow Dog offers a daily shuttle service between Falls Creek and Mt Hotham from 1 November to 30 April.

Price: $80 per person, one way (bookings essential)

Departure Times:

  • From Hotham: 8:30am, arriving in Falls Creek at 11:15am
  • From Falls Creek: 11:30am, arriving in Hotham at 2:15pm

Capacity: 4 people maximum

Book Snow Dog Transport


ALPINE NATURE EXPERIENCE - ALL-INCLUSIVE CURATED HIKE

This Falls to Hotham Crossing all-inclusive curated hike is the best way to tackle Victoria’s most iconic hike with all the comfort you could dream of! Forget about the heavy packs and dehydrated food, we carry everything for you! Not only that, the camp site will be set up, complete with our tree tents, delicious local food, a wood-fired BBQ, G&T on ice and even a hot shower! This is a 3-night, all inclusive adventure designed to maximise comfort while still being an active weekend getaway.

Limited weekends are available and group numbers are capped at 8 people to ensure a personalised and unforgettable experience. Add-on options are available for a fully- catered experience, such as return transport from Melbourne, or an accompanying local walking guide.

Find out more Find out more

Safety Information

Wildlife: The park is home to diverse wildlife, including some protected species. Maintain a safe distance from animals, store food securely, and be mindful of minimising environmental impact. If you encounter a snake, remain calm, back away slowly, and give it space to move away. Snakes will generally not attack unless they feel threatened.

Navigation: While the trail is marked and well-worn, parts of the route are remote. Carry a detailed map, compass, GPS device or a free app that doesn’t need service such as Maps.Me for navigation.

Emergency contacts and Plan: Inform someone of your hiking plans, estimated return time, and key contact information. Mobile coverage is unreliable in many areas, so carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite phone is highly recommended for emergency situations.

Weather: Weather in the Alpine National Park can change rapidly. Be prepared for sudden temperature drops, high winds, and precipitation, even in summer. Check forecasts regularly and pack layers, including waterproof and thermal clothing.

First aid: Bring a basic first aid kit, including blister care, pain relief, and any personal medications. Knowledge of basic first aid, such as treating sprains or injuries, is helpful in remote areas.

Water sources: Reliable drinking sources are limited, with no guarantees of the campsite water sources being full. Make sure you carry enough water for your travels and ensure you use a filter or treatment for natural water sources to avoid illness.

Packing List

Essential Gear:

-         Backpack: 40-60L with rain cover for added protection

-         Tent: lightweight (under 2kg), suitable for alpine conditions

-         Sleeping bag: rated for below-freezing temperatures

-         Sleeping mat: for comfort and insulation

-         Maps and compass (or GPS device and an offline app backup like Maps.Me)

Clothing:

-         Base layers: moisture-wicking tops and bottoms

-         Insulating layers: fleece or down jacket

-         Waterproof and windproof jacket

-         Hiking pants/shorts

-         Hiking socks

-         Warm hat and gloves

-         Sun hat

-         Sunglasses

-         Sturdy hiking boots

-         Gaiters (optional, but helpful for keeping out debris and protecting from snake bites)

Food and Water:

-         Water filter or purification tablets: reliable sources can be scarce - ensure you carry enough water for the 3-day hike

-         Camping Cookware

-         Food: Energy-dense and lightweight options like freeze-dried meals, energy bars, and trail mix for the three-day trip.

-         Reduce packaging as much as possible – you must carry all rubbish with you

Health and Safety:

-         First aid kit

-         Sunscreen

-         Insect repellent

-         Power bank/portable charger

Camping essentials:

-         Torch/headlamp

-         Toilet paper in a ziplock bag

Optional extras:

-         Camera

-         Small, lightweight towel

-         Notebook


Things to Note

Respect the Environment: Alpine ecosystems are delicate. Stick to marked trails, avoid picking plants, and take all your rubbish with you to preserve the beauty of the landscape for others and future generations.

Be Mindful of Wildlife: Give animals space and avoid feeding them. Secure food properly to avoid attracting wildlife to campsites.

Respect Others: Many hikers share the trails, so keep noise levels low, especially in camping areas. Respect the peaceful environment and leave spaces as you found them.

Book Camping Spots Early: Campsites can book out quickly, especially Cope Hut and Dibbins Hut due to their popularity. Have a back-up plan for alternative dates or campgrounds.  

Camp Responsibly: Use designated camping platforms where available, and if wild camping, follow Leave No Trace principles. Minimise impact by camping away from water sources and keeping campsites tidy.

Mind Water Sources: Avoid contaminating water sources by washing and cleaning up well away from streams and lakes. Use biodegradable soap only when necessary.

Fires: Fires are not permitted in alpine regions to protect the environment. Use a portable stove if cooking and follow all fire safety regulations.


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Activities

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Hike or bike to some amazing places, learn about our history or have some fun in the village.

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Accommodation

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Need a place to to rest after a day of adventure? There are plenty of comfortable options.

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