Great Alpine Walk
Australia

Great Alpine Walk

Walk some of the most spectacular alpine terrain in Australia through the Victorian Alps, from the breathtaking Razorback Ridge to the summit of Mt Feathertop and across the high plains between Falls Creek and Mt Hotham.

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  • 30+ Years Experience
  • Pack-Free Walking
  • Flexible Itineraries
  • Comfortable Stays
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Overview

The Victorian Alps offer a side of Australia that many walkers never discover, and the Great Alpine Walk traverses some of its finest country. The route follows sections of the 700-kilometre Alpine Walking Track through a striking diversity of landscapes: alpine forests, snowgrass plains, precipitous ridges and vast high plains that stretch to the horizon.

The standout walk is the Razorback Ridge to Mt Feathertop, the second-highest peak in Victoria, where panoramic views across the Alps and surrounding plains reward every step of the climb. The trek from Falls Creek to Mt Hotham via the Cobungra Valley, Derrick Hut and Dibbins Hut is one of the finest alpine walks in the country, combining remote high country with a genuine sense of accomplishment. The descent through stunning Mountain Ash forest to Harrietville brings the journey to a fitting close.

Few places in Australia pack as much natural beauty into a single walk, and on the Great Alpine Walk, the stresses of everyday life are quickly left behind.

Available Walks

Great Alpine Walk - 7 Days
Self-Guided

Great Alpine Walk - 7 Days

Duration7 days
Walking Grade
3
From$3,130
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Great Alpine walk, forest.jpg
Self-Guided

Great Alpine Walk - 6 Days

Duration6 days
Walking Grade
4
From$2,810
View Walk

The Great Alpine Walk experience

Wonder
Walk a dramatic linear route through the Victorian Alps from one alpine village to the next
Experience the Australian high country's vast and remote landscapes, rarely visited outside of ski season
Pass through historic cattlemen's country with high plains huts and stories of the mountain tradition
Wellness
The Great Alpine Walk suits walkers seeking genuine mountain terrain, solitude, and the satisfaction of a rewardning day's walking
The cattlemen's huts and the stories of the high country are preserved in the landscape and interpreted on the trail
Clear mountain air, expansive views, and the silence of the Victorian Alps are the walk's great daily rewards
Nature
Snow gum woodlands, wildflower-carpeted alpine meadows, and granite tors across the Victorian Alps
Native wildlife including wombats, lyrebirds, and wedge-tailed eagles throughout the high country
The Razorback Ridge's exposed walking above the clouds, with the Kiewa Valley far below, is extraordinary
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Great Alpine Walk reviews

More About This Destination

The climate in the south of  Victoria is temperate. However, this is a high snow country, so please be aware that the weather can change quickly to very cold.

The Victorian Alps self-guided and guided walking holidays are available from December to April.

Please see our What To Bring section in FAQ’s for more information.

For more information, please see the Bureau of Meteorology’s information concerning average temperatures and rainfall levels throughout the year.


September to November is great for walking this track as this is wildflower season. Summer can be warm, but still an excellent time to walk, as you can take a dip in the ocean or at the hot springs. It then cools down by March. Autumn is also brilliant for walking in this area, as the days are cool and crisp, and the weather is very steady with less wind. This trip is available all year round, but in the winter months between June and August, there can be some rain,  making walking more challenging.


The tracks are well are in good condition and well maintained, so we would class them as quite good. There is limited walking on beaches, but all the rest of the tracks are flat and very solid underfoot. Your walking fitness level will not be challenged by an incline. However, as you can see, the walks are all reasonably lengthy and thus you will need to be reasonably walking fit and capable of walking over 21kms a day.

It is important to come prepared for walking the Mornington Peninsula walk. We believe that what you need to bring is determined always by how long you intend to walk on the track, what time of year you are walking and whether you are going to stick around to enjoy the peninsula after the walk. What is outlined here is what we expect our walkers to have with them if they are doing one of our walks.

  • walk notes, map and map case
  • picnic lunch packed in an insulated container (when supplied)
  • quality waterproof jacket with a hood
  • warm jumper or jacket
  • sunhat
  • sunscreen (at least 15+)
  • 1 to 2 litres of water
  • first aid kit
  • toilet paper
  • some money
  • mobile phone (note that reception is not available in all walk areas)
  • personal insect repellent & Band-Aids & a small container of salt mixed with rice grains

Whether or not to carry some of these items may depend on the prevailing conditions.

  • waterproof overtrousers
  • warm hat
  • sunglasses
  • camera
  • binoculars
  • notebook and pen
  • matches
  • small torch
  • walking stick

Frequently Asked Questions

The Victorian Alps are accessible from Melbourne, with all transport from Melbourne included in the package. Your luggage is shifted along the route so you're never doubling back — more time walking, less time in a vehicle.

You'll stay in comfortable ensuite accommodation throughout, shifted along the track to match your daily walks. Each property is chosen for its location and character within this stunning alpine setting.

The walk is available from December through to April. September to November is beautiful for wildflowers, and autumn brings cool, crisp days and steady weather. Winter months can bring rain and make walking more challenging. Being high snow country, the weather can change quickly — always pack for all conditions.

This is a pack-free walking holiday. Your luggage is transported between accommodations each day and you carry only a light daypack on the trails.

A good level of fitness is recommended. The terrain is well-maintained alpine trail with significant daily distances — you should be comfortable covering longer distances on consecutive days. The elevation and mountain environment add to the physical demand, so building endurance before departure is worthwhile.

Despite being a summer walk, alpine conditions can change rapidly — a quality waterproof jacket, warm layers, and sun protection are all essential. Broken-in hiking footwear with good ankle support is a must. Note that mobile coverage can be patchy in some areas of the park.

Yes, and it's a condition of booking. Your policy should cover injury, cancellation, and loss of luggage.

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