Group-guided

OVERVIEW

Few places in Australia offer such a diversity of pristine scenery and hiking options as the Victorian Alps. Striking alpine and stunning forest landscapes make for a mesmerising walk. With breathtaking panoramic views over the Alps and surrounding plains, views like these can only be reached on foot. Take a breath and be filled with the scent of fresh alpine air while the stresses of modern life will be left behind on these stunning alpine hiking trails.

The Great Alpine Walk is a paradise for photographers, wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Every last detail is taken care of so you can fully experience this stunning landscape stress-free. With two experienced guides looking after you, you can pace yourself with easier or harder walking options along the way.

Highlights

  • Remote Mt Tabletop with its sensational views
  • The breathtaking Razorback Ridge to Mt Feathertop walk – the second highest peak in Victoria
  • Descending through stunning Mountain Ash forest to Harrietville
  • Discover and explore historic cattlemen huts along the way
  • Beautiful Bright and its river walk

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
GROUP GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
7 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate

Grade 3 – Moderate

Short, steep hill sections. Chance to ride out on longer walks greater than 12km. A moderate active lifestyle and some walking experience is recommended.  C

PRICE FROM
$ 3295

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 715

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of a room when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

Book now

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7

DAY 1
MELBOURNE TO FALLS CREEK

The Great Alpine Walk begins in Southbank Melbourne at 8:30 am. We will also pick up at Melbourne Airport at 9:00 am. if required. Travel via Milawa, Mt Beauty to Falls Creek Alpine Village. As part of the enormous Australian Alps National Park, the area is covered in a blanket of snow from late May to November. After this, the winter snows melt and flow as life-giving fresh water into Australia’s rivers. The grasslands and boggy areas hold vast amounts of water, allowing a never-ending supply for alpine rivers and streams even during the driest of summers. The rolling plains become a cool refuge from the hot valleys below, supporting masses of spectacular wildflowers and extensive snow grass plains. An easy late afternoon walk provides you with a good orientation to this unique alpine ski village.

Walking: Easy / 3 km / 1 hr

Meals: Lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Apartments at Falls Creek in rooms with ensuites

DAY 2
PRETTY VALLEY VIA COPES AND WALLACE'S HUT TO LANGFORD GAP

The walk begins from Pretty Valley on the Alpine Plain and traverses the Falls to Hotham track to Langford Gap. You also walk the Aqueduct Trail, which connects one of Australia’s early hydroelectricity schemes. The Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric scheme was built between the 1930s and 50s. Mountain cattlemen’s huts feature prominently on this holiday and today you’ll visit the oldest in Victoria – Wallace’s Hut. The ancient snow gum trees here are twisted and gnarled by centuries of harsh winters. After rain or fog, these tree trunks change colour to brilliant shades of red, orange, yellow and green.  This is the first part of the walk that links Falls with Hotham, we complete the link in the next 2 days.

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 15km / 5 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Apartments at Falls Creek in rooms with ensuites

DAY 3
HISTORIC HUTS WALK, HEALTHY SPUR AND ROPER LOOKOUT

Today’s alpine hiking trail will take in some of the Falls Creek peaks and pass another couple of the historic huts. The route begins along easy aqueduct trails again before climbing up through gently graded snow plains to visit secluded Fitzgeralds Hut. One more hut today – historic Edmondsons Hut where we’ll enjoy lunch amongst the twisted but beautiful snow gums.

The easier option for the afternoon takes us along Watchbed Creek and back to the bus.

The more challenging option heads up onto Heathy Spur and then cross country on a compass bearing to Roper Lookout. The track then descends to the shores of Rocky Valley Dam.

Walking: Moderate / 18 km / 5-6 hrs / easy option available

Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Apartments at Falls Creek in rooms with ensuites

DAY 4
FALLS TO HOTHAM WALK

Few people, even locals, have done the walk all the way from Falls Creek to Mt Hotham. Here, we follow a section of the Alpine Walking Track (750 km between Walhalla and Canberra). You’ll be more likely to see brumbies (wild horses) than people here. Along the way, drop steeply down to the Cobungra River and Dibbins Hut (sometimes also called ‘Creep-Inn’ – you’ll see why), and then back through the Mt Hotham ski village. Skiers flock to Hotham for its renowned powdery snow. It is easy to see how the surrounding steep valleys would provide protection from strong winter winds, allowing snow to settle gently into deep drifts. Those taking the more leisurely option will do a shorter walk and then travel by bus to Mt Hotham.

Walking: Challenging / 22 km / 6-7 hrs / easy option available

Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Apartments at Mt Hotham in rooms with ensuites

DAY 5
HOTHAM TO DINNER PLAIN VIA MNT TABLETOP

Today’s alpine hiking trail meanders through snow gum forests and across thick snow grass plains, where there are many spring wildflowers. The standard 10 km track to Dinner Plain is easy, but you can also add an optional 12 km return bushwalk to the aptly named Mt Tabletop. Accessing this remote mountain requires passing over some uneven terrain. Cattle once grazed these plains, and you’ll see the historic huts and cattle yards made by felling trees into piles. Walk into Dinner Plain, the highest freehold land in Australia, where every building is traditionally constructed with mud brick, weathered timber, local rock and galvanized iron.

Walking: Moderate / 22 km / 6-7 hrs / easy 10 km option available

Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Apartments at Mt Hotham in rooms with ensuites

DAY 6
THE RAZORBACK AND MNT FEATHERTOP

Another big walking day today on the Great Alpine Walk. The hiking starts along the breathtaking Razorback Ridge, surely one of the most dramatic walking routes in Australia. As you progress, Mt Feathertop gradually looms more and more impressively. The final (optional) steep climb to the summit of Mt Feathertop standing at 1922m is unparalleled.

Walking: Moderate to challenging / 20 km plus 2 km option / 6-7 hrs / easy option available

Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Apartments at Mt Hotham in rooms with ensuites

DAY 7
BRIGHT RIVER WALK THEN BACK TO MELBOURNE

It’s a short drive to Bright, for an easy two-hour walk through picturesque Bright Gorge and along the Ovens River finishes off the walking for this tour. There are numerous sluices, tailings, mines and shafts remaining from the gold mining days. After lunch in Bright, we travel back to Melbourne, arriving at the airport around 5pm, followed by a drop off at the Mercure Southbank at around 5.30pm.

Walking: Moderate / 7 km / 2 hrs

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • Genuine all inclusive pack free walking holiday
  • Walk the best alpine hiking trails and much more on the Great Alpine Walk
  • 2 engaging, and experienced guides
  • 6 nights’ comfortable accommodation in rooms with ensuites
  • Daily meals
  • All transport from Melbourne, including all luggage transport
  • National Park admission
  • Auswalk guide pack including notes, maps, map case, insulated lunch bag and container

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

We will stay in three very comfortable accommodations all with ensuites on the Great Alpine Walk. The first three nights are spent at Falls Creek Country Club, overlooking Mt Bogong and the beautiful Kiewa Valley. You will be staying in studio apartments.  Then it’s onto Mountain Dreaming at Mt Hotham, staying in either a studio or 2 bedroom self-contained apartment for a further three nights. Please note that whilst you will have your own room, you may have to share a bathroom. This accommodation offer’s some of our best alpine views and is in the heart of Mt Hotham.

Starting the day with either breakfast prepared in your room with breakfast provisions provided by your guides, or prepared by your guides or a local cafe,  you lunch location will be out on the track at incredible locations. Indeed, the walker’s lunches complete the circle ensuring that your appetite is always kept satisfied. Our walker’s lunches are substantial and may include a roll or a wrap, a muesli bar, cake or muffin of some kind and a piece of fruit. Each day is slightly different. Lunch is always augmented by Auswalk’s famous trail mix. Dinner is included, and will be at local restaurants.

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

  • NIGHTS 1, 2 & 3

  • NIGHTS 4, 5 & 6

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed.  Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - BELOW AVERAGE

Distance is not a major consideration in your training program. However, you should still incorporate some long walks as it will increase your cardiovascular fitness.

ELEVATION - ~AVERAGE

Elevation training should be a consideration in your overall training program.

Try to include some form of elevation in more than 40% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

TERRAIN

ROCKY TERRAIN

Whilst preparing for walking on rocky terrain, you must focus on the development of balance, strength, and agility.

Integrate targeted strength exercises, such as lunges, squats, and step-ups, to strengthen your leg muscles, with a particular emphasis on improving stability on uneven surfaces. Balancing exercises are essential. Undertake core strength activity, coupled with exercises such as planks and Russian twists to enhance balance. As you progress, include hikes on progressively rougher terrain if you can. Additionally, the appropriate footwear with good ankle support and tread for grip are essential. Stay mindful, watch your step, and use trekking poles for added stability.

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.

Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

GENERAL INFO

The Alpine hiking trails vary in quality but all of the tracks are easily passable. There are some opportunities for fit walkers to challenge themselves but in the main the walks are all moderate, bar the Falls to Hotham walk which is challenging only because there is no easy pull-out point. This trip operates with two knowledgeable engaging guides so we can offer easier and harder walk options along the way. Please ring the office if you need further advice on the Great Alpine walk, if you need to we can have you speak to one of our guides.

Pre and post tour accommodation: There are many good hotels in Melbourne, however, our pick up location for this trip is the Mercure Southbank, 9 Riverside Quay, Southbank, Melbourne with an early departure of 8:00 am. It would be beneficial to stay near here as it is near everything. We also pick you up at Melbourne Airport at 9.00 am. On the last day we arrive back in Melbourne around 5:00pm with a drop off at the airport if needed, and then to Mercure Southbank at approximately 5.30 pm.

For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

WEATHER

We can only walk in the warmer months when the weather is walking friendly and the wild flowers are out in force. See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about temperatures and rainfall ahead of time to ensure proper clothing.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides about the Great Alpine Walk. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

5

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  1. Peter F

    7 January, 2019 at 5:01 PM
    5

    This was my fourth AUSWALK experience and I have just booked my fifth! Threaded through all the past walks, including the one just completed, is a consistency to the commitment to quality, from pre notes, details, meals, accommodation, walking options, nightly briefings, guides and my trekking companions
    Invariably the accommodation has character, often with a communal lounge, where I will always be found in the evening with a book and a quiet Bundy Rum and Coke.
    This particular week had a character test for us all. In the middle of nowhere one of my fellow walkers has an unfortunate small trip/fall, which resulted in a most debilitating arm injury. Our guides Marie and Paul displayed much leadership in the situation, including the use of the emergency satellite phones that they carried. Much care and leadership was also shown by my trekking colleagues. Within a few hours a dozen or so SES and paramedic staff had trekked in to assist or were on hand – this community assistance makes me so proud of Australia

  2. Ness G

    11 January, 2018 at 6:08 AM
    5

    This is an excellent trip with stunning scenery and challenging walks. Our guides were excellent, and the accommodation was good.

  3. Bruce E

    6 January, 2018 at 3:06 AM
    5

    My wife and I just completed the guided version of this tour with 14 other walkers and two wonderful guides, Paul and Marie Killeen. This is a sometimes-challenging week of walks suitable for the avid hiker, with mostly-full days exploring some long (and occasionally steep) stretches of Victoria’s beautiful high country. Easy options accommodate those walkers who need a break from the harder stretches. We are repeat Auswalks walkers for a reason: consistently outstanding experiences. A fantastic package, delivered with passion and personal attention by guides who clearly love their work and connecting with their clients.

  4. Liz E

    8 April, 2017 at 5:27 PM
    5

    In mid March, my husband and I walked the Great Alpine Walk in Victoria’s High Country. This inn-to-inn walk saw us stay at the Diane Alpine Lodge at Falls Creek, an apartment at Hotham and Dinner Plain and a cute BnB in Harrietville. All of the accomodation, meals, track notes and hosts were fabulous. The walk was strenuous in some parts, but amazing. We saw wil brumbies on day three. Auswalks is a great organisation to walk with.

  5. Judy H

    23 January, 2017 at 5:15 AM
    5

    I recently did this walk with a small group of five plus two guides. Our guides, Marie and Paul did a fantastic job and really went out of their way to ensure we all had a positive experience as well as having options available which suited our abilitiy and needs at all times. The countryside was glorious and all in all I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was disappointed when it was over.

  6. Rolando64

    18 December, 2016 at 3:54 AM
    5

    7 day walk of Victorian Alps Australia. Organised by Auswalks. Accommodation, Food, Local Transport of self’s and lugage all exceptional!

  7. Julie M

    24 January, 2015 at 9:21 PM
    5

    We have have just completed 7 days in the Victorian Alps with Auswalk. Our first Auswalk experience; interestingly 11 out of 14 participants were returning clients. A superb week of scenic walks. Ratings would be 10 out of 10 all round. Our guides Marie & Lisa were friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and worked so well together. We had confidence in their outdoor skills, their driving and all round management. Accommodation and meals were excellent. We look forward to more Auswalks in the future. Excellent value for money. A huge thank you Marie & Lisa and Auswalk for a very memorable week. We were lucky to also have very congenial walking companions and good weather. Brian & Julie Moore. Brisbane.

  8. Intellek693

    7 August, 2014 at 9:05 PM

    Completed the tour in the last exit before the winter season. Very good route and accommodation was excellent with very good hosts.

    Variable terrain from day to day – and wild brumbies rambling on the Bogong Plain.

  9. geoffe703

    11 May, 0201 at 7:23 AM
    5

    Great walk. A little tough in places for 71 year olds (Swindler’s Spur). The organisation (taxi, transfer of luggage, accommodation, dinners, lunches etc) were all excellent with very friendly and attentive staff.
    Would recommend Auswalk to anyone contemplating a hassle free adventure.

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Overview

OVERVIEW

Few places in Australia offer such a diversity of pristine scenery and hiking options as the Victorian Alps. Striking alpine and stunning forest landscapes make for a mesmerising walk. With breathtaking panoramic views over the Alps and surrounding plains, views like these can only be reached on foot. Take a breath and be filled with the scent of fresh alpine air while the stresses of modern life will be left behind on these stunning alpine hiking trails.

The Great Alpine Walk is a paradise for photographers, wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Every last detail is taken care of so you can fully experience this stunning landscape stress-free. With two experienced guides looking after you, you can pace yourself with easier or harder walking options along the way.

Highlights

  • Remote Mt Tabletop with its sensational views
  • The breathtaking Razorback Ridge to Mt Feathertop walk – the second highest peak in Victoria
  • Descending through stunning Mountain Ash forest to Harrietville
  • Discover and explore historic cattlemen huts along the way
  • Beautiful Bright and its river walk

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
GROUP GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
7 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate

Grade 3 – Moderate

Short, steep hill sections. Chance to ride out on longer walks greater than 12km. A moderate active lifestyle and some walking experience is recommended.  C

PRICE FROM
$ 3295

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 715

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

Book now
Itinerary

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7

DAY 1
MELBOURNE TO FALLS CREEK

The Great Alpine Walk begins in Southbank Melbourne at 8:30 am. We will also pick up at Melbourne Airport at 9:00 am. if required. Travel via Milawa, Mt Beauty to Falls Creek Alpine Village. As part of the enormous Australian Alps National Park, the area is covered in a blanket of snow from late May to November. After this, the winter snows melt and flow as life-giving fresh water into Australia’s rivers. The grasslands and boggy areas hold vast amounts of water, allowing a never-ending supply for alpine rivers and streams even during the driest of summers. The rolling plains become a cool refuge from the hot valleys below, supporting masses of spectacular wildflowers and extensive snow grass plains. An easy late afternoon walk provides you with a good orientation to this unique alpine ski village.

Walking: Easy / 3 km / 1 hr

Meals: Lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Apartments at Falls Creek in rooms with ensuites

DAY 2
PRETTY VALLEY VIA COPES AND WALLACE'S HUT TO LANGFORD GAP

The walk begins from Pretty Valley on the Alpine Plain and traverses the Falls to Hotham track to Langford Gap. You also walk the Aqueduct Trail, which connects one of Australia’s early hydroelectricity schemes. The Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric scheme was built between the 1930s and 50s. Mountain cattlemen’s huts feature prominently on this holiday and today you’ll visit the oldest in Victoria – Wallace’s Hut. The ancient snow gum trees here are twisted and gnarled by centuries of harsh winters. After rain or fog, these tree trunks change colour to brilliant shades of red, orange, yellow and green.  This is the first part of the walk that links Falls with Hotham, we complete the link in the next 2 days.

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 15km / 5 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Apartments at Falls Creek in rooms with ensuites

DAY 3
HISTORIC HUTS WALK, HEALTHY SPUR AND ROPER LOOKOUT

Today’s alpine hiking trail will take in some of the Falls Creek peaks and pass another couple of the historic huts. The route begins along easy aqueduct trails again before climbing up through gently graded snow plains to visit secluded Fitzgeralds Hut. One more hut today – historic Edmondsons Hut where we’ll enjoy lunch amongst the twisted but beautiful snow gums.

The easier option for the afternoon takes us along Watchbed Creek and back to the bus.

The more challenging option heads up onto Heathy Spur and then cross country on a compass bearing to Roper Lookout. The track then descends to the shores of Rocky Valley Dam.

Walking: Moderate / 18 km / 5-6 hrs / easy option available

Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Apartments at Falls Creek in rooms with ensuites

DAY 4
FALLS TO HOTHAM WALK

Few people, even locals, have done the walk all the way from Falls Creek to Mt Hotham. Here, we follow a section of the Alpine Walking Track (750 km between Walhalla and Canberra). You’ll be more likely to see brumbies (wild horses) than people here. Along the way, drop steeply down to the Cobungra River and Dibbins Hut (sometimes also called ‘Creep-Inn’ – you’ll see why), and then back through the Mt Hotham ski village. Skiers flock to Hotham for its renowned powdery snow. It is easy to see how the surrounding steep valleys would provide protection from strong winter winds, allowing snow to settle gently into deep drifts. Those taking the more leisurely option will do a shorter walk and then travel by bus to Mt Hotham.

Walking: Challenging / 22 km / 6-7 hrs / easy option available

Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Apartments at Mt Hotham in rooms with ensuites

DAY 5
HOTHAM TO DINNER PLAIN VIA MNT TABLETOP

Today’s alpine hiking trail meanders through snow gum forests and across thick snow grass plains, where there are many spring wildflowers. The standard 10 km track to Dinner Plain is easy, but you can also add an optional 12 km return bushwalk to the aptly named Mt Tabletop. Accessing this remote mountain requires passing over some uneven terrain. Cattle once grazed these plains, and you’ll see the historic huts and cattle yards made by felling trees into piles. Walk into Dinner Plain, the highest freehold land in Australia, where every building is traditionally constructed with mud brick, weathered timber, local rock and galvanized iron.

Walking: Moderate / 22 km / 6-7 hrs / easy 10 km option available

Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Apartments at Mt Hotham in rooms with ensuites

DAY 6
THE RAZORBACK AND MNT FEATHERTOP

Another big walking day today on the Great Alpine Walk. The hiking starts along the breathtaking Razorback Ridge, surely one of the most dramatic walking routes in Australia. As you progress, Mt Feathertop gradually looms more and more impressively. The final (optional) steep climb to the summit of Mt Feathertop standing at 1922m is unparalleled.

Walking: Moderate to challenging / 20 km plus 2 km option / 6-7 hrs / easy option available

Meals: Breakfast, walkers lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Apartments at Mt Hotham in rooms with ensuites

DAY 7
BRIGHT RIVER WALK THEN BACK TO MELBOURNE

It’s a short drive to Bright, for an easy two-hour walk through picturesque Bright Gorge and along the Ovens River finishes off the walking for this tour. There are numerous sluices, tailings, mines and shafts remaining from the gold mining days. After lunch in Bright, we travel back to Melbourne, arriving at the airport around 5pm, followed by a drop off at the Mercure Southbank at around 5.30pm.

Walking: Moderate / 7 km / 2 hrs

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

What’s Included

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • Genuine all inclusive pack free walking holiday
  • Walk the best alpine hiking trails and much more on the Great Alpine Walk
  • 2 engaging, and experienced guides
  • 6 nights’ comfortable accommodation in rooms with ensuites
  • Daily meals
  • All transport from Melbourne, including all luggage transport
  • National Park admission
  • Auswalk guide pack including notes, maps, map case, insulated lunch bag and container
Accommodation & Dining

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

We will stay in three very comfortable accommodations all with ensuites on the Great Alpine Walk. The first three nights are spent at Falls Creek Country Club, overlooking Mt Bogong and the beautiful Kiewa Valley. You will be staying in studio apartments.  Then it’s onto Mountain Dreaming at Mt Hotham, staying in either a studio or 2 bedroom self-contained apartment for a further three nights. Please note that whilst you will have your own room, you may have to share a bathroom. This accommodation offer’s some of our best alpine views and is in the heart of Mt Hotham.

Starting the day with either breakfast prepared in your room with breakfast provisions provided by your guides, or prepared by your guides or a local cafe,  you lunch location will be out on the track at incredible locations. Indeed, the walker’s lunches complete the circle ensuring that your appetite is always kept satisfied. Our walker’s lunches are substantial and may include a roll or a wrap, a muesli bar, cake or muffin of some kind and a piece of fruit. Each day is slightly different. Lunch is always augmented by Auswalk’s famous trail mix. Dinner is included, and will be at local restaurants.

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

  • NIGHTS 1, 2 & 3

  • NIGHTS 4, 5 & 6

Fitness Guide

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed.  Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - BELOW AVERAGE

Distance is not a major consideration in your training program. However, you should still incorporate some long walks as it will increase your cardiovascular fitness.

ELEVATION - ~AVERAGE

Elevation training should be a consideration in your overall training program.

Try to include some form of elevation in more than 40% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

TERRAIN

ROCKY TERRAIN

Whilst preparing for walking on rocky terrain, you must focus on the development of balance, strength, and agility.

Integrate targeted strength exercises, such as lunges, squats, and step-ups, to strengthen your leg muscles, with a particular emphasis on improving stability on uneven surfaces. Balancing exercises are essential. Undertake core strength activity, coupled with exercises such as planks and Russian twists to enhance balance. As you progress, include hikes on progressively rougher terrain if you can. Additionally, the appropriate footwear with good ankle support and tread for grip are essential. Stay mindful, watch your step, and use trekking poles for added stability.

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.

Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

General Info

GENERAL INFO

The Alpine hiking trails vary in quality but all of the tracks are easily passable. There are some opportunities for fit walkers to challenge themselves but in the main the walks are all moderate, bar the Falls to Hotham walk which is challenging only because there is no easy pull-out point. This trip operates with two knowledgeable engaging guides so we can offer easier and harder walk options along the way. Please ring the office if you need further advice on the Great Alpine walk, if you need to we can have you speak to one of our guides.

Pre and post tour accommodation: There are many good hotels in Melbourne, however, our pick up location for this trip is the Mercure Southbank, 9 Riverside Quay, Southbank, Melbourne with an early departure of 8:00 am. It would be beneficial to stay near here as it is near everything. We also pick you up at Melbourne Airport at 9.00 am. On the last day we arrive back in Melbourne around 5:00pm with a drop off at the airport if needed, and then to Mercure Southbank at approximately 5.30 pm.

For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

WEATHER

We can only walk in the warmer months when the weather is walking friendly and the wild flowers are out in force. See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about temperatures and rainfall ahead of time to ensure proper clothing.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides about the Great Alpine Walk. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

Map

MAP

Departure Dates

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
Reviews

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

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  1. Peter F

    7 January, 2019 at 5:01 PM
    5

    This was my fourth AUSWALK experience and I have just booked my fifth! Threaded through all the past walks, including the one just completed, is a consistency to the commitment to quality, from pre notes, details, meals, accommodation, walking options, nightly briefings, guides and my trekking companions
    Invariably the accommodation has character, often with a communal lounge, where I will always be found in the evening with a book and a quiet Bundy Rum and Coke.
    This particular week had a character test for us all. In the middle of nowhere one of my fellow walkers has an unfortunate small trip/fall, which resulted in a most debilitating arm injury. Our guides Marie and Paul displayed much leadership in the situation, including the use of the emergency satellite phones that they carried. Much care and leadership was also shown by my trekking colleagues. Within a few hours a dozen or so SES and paramedic staff had trekked in to assist or were on hand – this community assistance makes me so proud of Australia

  2. Ness G

    11 January, 2018 at 6:08 AM
    5

    This is an excellent trip with stunning scenery and challenging walks. Our guides were excellent, and the accommodation was good.

  3. Bruce E

    6 January, 2018 at 3:06 AM
    5

    My wife and I just completed the guided version of this tour with 14 other walkers and two wonderful guides, Paul and Marie Killeen. This is a sometimes-challenging week of walks suitable for the avid hiker, with mostly-full days exploring some long (and occasionally steep) stretches of Victoria’s beautiful high country. Easy options accommodate those walkers who need a break from the harder stretches. We are repeat Auswalks walkers for a reason: consistently outstanding experiences. A fantastic package, delivered with passion and personal attention by guides who clearly love their work and connecting with their clients.

  4. Liz E

    8 April, 2017 at 5:27 PM
    5

    In mid March, my husband and I walked the Great Alpine Walk in Victoria’s High Country. This inn-to-inn walk saw us stay at the Diane Alpine Lodge at Falls Creek, an apartment at Hotham and Dinner Plain and a cute BnB in Harrietville. All of the accomodation, meals, track notes and hosts were fabulous. The walk was strenuous in some parts, but amazing. We saw wil brumbies on day three. Auswalks is a great organisation to walk with.

  5. Judy H

    23 January, 2017 at 5:15 AM
    5

    I recently did this walk with a small group of five plus two guides. Our guides, Marie and Paul did a fantastic job and really went out of their way to ensure we all had a positive experience as well as having options available which suited our abilitiy and needs at all times. The countryside was glorious and all in all I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was disappointed when it was over.

  6. Rolando64

    18 December, 2016 at 3:54 AM
    5

    7 day walk of Victorian Alps Australia. Organised by Auswalks. Accommodation, Food, Local Transport of self’s and lugage all exceptional!

  7. Julie M

    24 January, 2015 at 9:21 PM
    5

    We have have just completed 7 days in the Victorian Alps with Auswalk. Our first Auswalk experience; interestingly 11 out of 14 participants were returning clients. A superb week of scenic walks. Ratings would be 10 out of 10 all round. Our guides Marie & Lisa were friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and worked so well together. We had confidence in their outdoor skills, their driving and all round management. Accommodation and meals were excellent. We look forward to more Auswalks in the future. Excellent value for money. A huge thank you Marie & Lisa and Auswalk for a very memorable week. We were lucky to also have very congenial walking companions and good weather. Brian & Julie Moore. Brisbane.

  8. Intellek693

    7 August, 2014 at 9:05 PM

    Completed the tour in the last exit before the winter season. Very good route and accommodation was excellent with very good hosts.

    Variable terrain from day to day – and wild brumbies rambling on the Bogong Plain.

  9. geoffe703

    11 May, 0201 at 7:23 AM
    5

    Great walk. A little tough in places for 71 year olds (Swindler’s Spur). The organisation (taxi, transfer of luggage, accommodation, dinners, lunches etc) were all excellent with very friendly and attentive staff.
    Would recommend Auswalk to anyone contemplating a hassle free adventure.

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