Australia — Bright
Ascend Victoria's second-highest peak on the Mount Feathertop Razorback Walk, a 22km moderate day hike through Australia's alpine wilderness. This iconic route traverses a dramatic ridge, offering breathtaking panoramas and a true high-country experience. Prepare for an 8-10 hour adventure across rugged terrain to the summit.
Distance: 22.0 km
Elevation Gain: 1100 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 8-10 hours
The Mount Feathertop Razorback Walk is a spectacular, challenging, and immensely rewarding day hike located in the Victorian Alps of Australia. This iconic route offers a true alpine experience, traversing the dramatic Razorback ridge to the summit of Mount Feathertop, Victoria's second-highest peak. It's a journey that demands good fitness and preparation, but the panoramic views and the sheer exhilaration of walking along a knife-edge ridge make it an unforgettable adventure for experienced hikers.
The Razorback Walk is a classic alpine traverse that leads hikers from the high country plains near Diamantina Hut to the summit of Mount Feathertop, a majestic peak often described as Australia's most beautiful. The trail begins on the relatively flat, open alpine plateau, offering expansive views across the surrounding mountains. As you progress along the Razorback, the terrain becomes more dramatic. The path narrows, with steep, often precipitous drops on either side, creating a thrilling sense of exposure and a truly unique hiking experience. The ridge itself is a geological marvel, a narrow spine of rock and scree that winds its way towards the summit cone.
The walk is characterised by its changing landscapes. Initially, you'll traverse open alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers in the warmer months. As you ascend, the vegetation becomes sparser, giving way to rocky outcrops and the exposed ridge. The summit of Mount Feathertop, at 1922 metres, provides a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Victorian Alps, including views towards Mount Kosciuszko on clear days. The descent follows the same route, offering a different perspective on the terrain you've conquered.
This walk is best undertaken in the warmer months when snow and ice are absent from the higher sections. Even in summer, however, alpine weather can change rapidly, so preparedness is key. The distance and significant elevation gain mean this is a strenuous day hike, requiring a good level of physical fitness and endurance. The reward, however, is immense: a chance to experience the raw beauty and grandeur of the Victorian Alps from a truly spectacular vantage point.
The Victorian Alps, including the area around Mount Feathertop, have a rich history stretching back thousands of years. Indigenous Australians, particularly the Gunaikurnai people, have a deep spiritual and cultural connection to this land, utilising its resources for millennia. The high country was a vital seasonal hunting and gathering ground, and the mountains hold significant cultural importance.
European exploration and settlement in the 19th century brought significant changes. The discovery of gold in the surrounding regions led to increased activity in the mountains, with prospectors and pastoralists venturing into the high country. The area around Mount Feathertop became known for its challenging terrain and stunning alpine scenery, attracting early adventurers and surveyors.
The development of the ski fields at Mount Hotham in the mid-20th century brought more people into the region, and the Razorback Walk became a popular, albeit challenging, route for hikers and skiers. The establishment of national parks, including the Alpine National Park, has helped to preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the area, ensuring that trails like the Razorback Walk remain accessible for future generations to enjoy. The Diamantina Hut, located near the start of the walk, is a historic landmark, originally built as a shelter for travellers crossing the high country.
The best time to undertake the Mount Feathertop Razorback Walk is during the warmer months, from November to April. During this period, the snow generally recedes from the higher elevations, making the Razorback ridge accessible and safer to traverse.
Summer (December to February): This is the most popular time for the walk. Days are longer, and the weather is typically milder. Alpine wildflowers bloom profusely, creating a vibrant carpet of colour across the meadows. However, summer can also bring intense sunshine, high UV levels, and the potential for sudden, violent thunderstorms. Sandflies can also be present, though generally less of a nuisance than in wetter coastal regions.
Autumn (March to April): Autumn offers crisp, clear air and stunning golden hues as the alpine grasses change colour. The crowds are thinner than in mid-summer, and the sandfly activity is usually minimal. The weather can be more settled, but temperatures will start to drop, and early snowfalls are possible towards the end of April.
Spring (November to December): While technically part of the warmer season, spring can be unpredictable. Snow may linger in shaded areas and on the higher sections of the Razorback, potentially making the walk more challenging or even impassable early in the season. Wildflowers begin to emerge, but the weather can be highly variable, with cold snaps and snow showers still a possibility.
Winter (May to October): The Razorback Walk is generally not recommended or accessible during winter due to heavy snow, ice, and extreme weather conditions. The Razorback ridge becomes a dangerous avalanche-prone area, and the entire route is covered in snow. Only experienced mountaineers with appropriate winter gear and knowledge should consider attempting this walk during winter conditions.
Weather is the most critical factor for this walk. Alpine weather is notoriously fickle. Be prepared for rapid changes, including strong winds, rain, fog, and a significant drop in temperature, even on a seemingly clear summer day. Always check the forecast before you go and be prepared to turn back if conditions deteriorate.
Early Morning (Approx. 7:00 AM): Start from Diamantina Hut
Morning (Approx. 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM): Traverse the Razorback Ridge
Midday (Approx. 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Ascend the Summit Cone
Afternoon (Approx. 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch and Descent Preparation
Late Afternoon (Approx. 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Return to Diamantina Hut
Important Notes:
The Mount Feathertop Razorback Walk is a significant undertaking that requires thorough preparation. Given its remote alpine location and the potential for rapidly changing weather, meticulous planning is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Start by assessing your fitness level; this is a long hike with substantial elevation gain, so a good level of cardiovascular fitness and leg strength is essential. Ensure you have broken in your hiking boots to prevent blisters, which can quickly end your day.
The closest major town and logistical hub is Bright, Victoria. Bright offers a range of accommodation options, from caravan parks and motels to boutique hotels. It also has supermarkets for stocking up on food and supplies, outdoor gear shops for any last-minute purchases, and cafés and restaurants. From Bright, it's approximately a 1-hour drive to Harrietville, and then a further 45-minute to 1-hour drive up the winding, unsealed (but generally 2WD accessible) road to the Mount Hotham Alpine Resort area, where Diamantina Hut is located. Be aware that this road can be affected by snow and ice during colder months, so check road conditions before you travel.
It is highly recommended to check the Parks Victoria website for any alerts, track closures, or fire bans that may be in effect for the Alpine National Park. Informing a reliable contact of your hiking plans, including your intended route and expected return time, is a vital safety measure.
This is a day hike requiring no overnight accommodation.
No specific permits are required for day hiking the Mount Feathertop Razorback Walk. However, it is essential to be aware of and adhere to the regulations of the Alpine National Park, managed by Parks Victoria.
Key Regulations and Considerations:
Always check the Parks Victoria website for the most up-to-date information regarding alerts, track closures, and any specific regulations that may apply to the Alpine National Park.
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Razorback Feathertop Walk (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Razorback Feathertop Walk, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
The region around Mount Feathertop and Mount Hotham offers a wealth of activities for outdoor enthusiasts:
Pre-Departure Checks:
On the Trail:
Fitness: This is a long and demanding day hike. Ensure you are physically prepared for 8-10 hours of continuous walking with significant elevation gain. If you are unsure about your fitness, consider shorter walks in the area first.
Diamantina Hut: This historic hut, built in the 1930s, serves as a key landmark and shelter for travellers in the high country. While not a destination in itself, it marks the beginning and end of the Razorback Walk and offers a glimpse into the history of alpine exploration and transport in the region.
The Razorback Ridge: The defining feature of this walk. The ridge itself is a geological marvel, a narrow spine of rock and scree that offers a thrilling sense of exposure and unparalleled panoramic views. The constantly changing perspectives as you traverse the ridge are a highlight, with dramatic drops to the valleys below and sweeping vistas of the surrounding peaks.
Summit of Mount Feathertop: At 1922 metres, Mount Feathertop is Victoria's second-highest peak and is renowned for its beauty. The summit offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Victorian Alps. On a clear day, you can see as far as Mount Kosciuszko in New South Wales. It's the ultimate reward for the challenging hike.
Alpine Flora and Fauna: Depending on the season, you may encounter a variety of alpine wildflowers, particularly in the meadows near Diamantina Hut and on the lower slopes of Mount Feathertop. Keep an eye out for native wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, and various bird species. The hardy alpine vegetation is adapted to the harsh conditions and is a testament to nature's resilience.
Views of the Kiewa Valley and Ovens Valley: From the summit and along the ridge, you can often see the distinct patchwork of farmland and forests in the Kiewa Valley to the east and the Ovens Valley to the south, providing a contrast to the rugged alpine landscape.
The Mount Feathertop Razorback Walk traverses a fragile alpine environment. Adhering to Leave No Trace principles is crucial to preserving this beautiful landscape for future generations.
Your responsibility as a walker:
By following these principles, you help ensure that the Mount Feathertop Razorback Walk remains a pristine and enjoyable experience for everyone.
