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OVERVIEW

Few places in Australia offer such a diversity of pristine scenery and hiking options as the Victorian Alps. This self-guided walking holiday traverses striking landscapes of alpine forests, grassland, snow-blanketed mountains, precipitous ridges and high plains. The alpine hiking trails cover some of the most spectacular sections of the 700km Alpine Walking Track from Walhalla to Canberra.

With each breath of fresh alpine air, the stresses of modern life will slowly be left behind. Take in dramatic views from the breathtaking Razorback Ridge to Mt Feathertop, the second highest peak in Victoria. The walk from Falls Creek to Hotham via the Cobungra Valley, Derrick Hut and Dibbins Hut is not only epic but provides a real sense of accomplishment. Importantly, there are additional short walks in the area for those who would like to do more exploring.

Highlights

  • Dramatic views from the breathtaking Razorback Ridge to Mt Feathertop, the second highest peak in Victoria
  • Stunning alpine hiking trails
  • Discover and explore historic cattlemen huts along the way
  • Opportunity to see wild brumbies
  • Challenge of tackling Mt Tabletop

WALK OVERVIEW

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

Grade 3 – Moderate

Short, steep hill sections. Walks that are longer than 12km with varied terrain. A moderate active lifestyle and some walking experience is recommended.
PRICE FROM
$ 2895

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 555

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

DOWNLOAD PDF
Departure Dates
Book now

ITINERARY

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

DAY 1
BRIGHT AND WALK ALONG OVENS RIVER & FALLS CREEK

Start in Bright any time before 4.00 pm. There’s no walking scheduled for today, however, there is a nice walk along the Ovens River that passes through the middle of town. If you arrive early enough, you’ll also have time to explore the small township of Bright. We will arrange for you to be met in Bright and be driven to Falls Creek where you will stay tonight. If you have driven your own vehicle, you can leave it at Bright. We will pick you up from there and take you to Falls Creek.

Accommodation: Falls Creek in rooms with ensuites

Meals: None

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. After lunch, walk along the southern edge of Rocky Valley Dam, before climbing to Falls Creek ski resort.

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 13.7km / 3 – 4 hrs

Meals: Breakfast and Walkers Lunch

Accommodation: Falls Creek in rooms with ensuites

DAY 3
ROPER LOOKOUT AND HUTS WALK TO FALLS CREEK

An easier walking day, following more alpine hiking trails along an aqueduct track and crossing gently graded snow plains. All the walking terrain yesterday and today provide superb cross-country skiing during winter. The day ends with a trek to the summit of a small peak with a fine view over Falls Creek and the Kiewa Valley before strolling along another aqueduct trail back to the village.

Walking: Moderate to challenging / 25.5km / 6 – 7 hrs / shortening this walk is possible

Meals: Breakfast and Walkers Lunch

Accommodation: Falls Creek in rooms with ensuites

DAY 4
FALLS CREEK TO HOTHAM

Follow a section of the Alpine Walking Track (750 km between Walhalla and Canberra) all the way to Mt Hotham. Very few people have done this bushwalk, even amongst the locals. You certainly won’t see many people out here, in fact, you are more likely to see Brumbies, Australia’s iconic wild horses. Along the way, drop steeply down to the Cobungra River and Dibbins Hut (sometimes also called Creep-Inn – you’ll see why), then back through the Mt Hotham alpine ski village. Skiers flock to Hotham for its powder 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.

Walking: Challenging / 20.6km / 6–7 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, Walkers Lunch and two-course dinner

Accommodation: Hotham Alpine Village in rooms with ensuites

DAY 5
DINNER PLAIN VIA MOUNT TABLETOP TO HOTHAM

Today’s alpine hiking trail meanders through snow gum forests and across thick snowgrass plains, with many spring wildflowers. The standard 12 km track from Dinner Plain, the highest freehold land in Australia, to Hotham is easy, but you can also add an optional 10 km return walk to the aptly named Mt Tabletop. You can build anything you like in Dinner Plain, so long as it resembles a cattleman’s hut. Cattle grazed these plains until recently, and you’ll see historic huts and even some cattle yards made by felling trees into piles.

Walking: Moderate / 12km or 22km / 3 or 5.5–7 hours / optional 10km short walk available

Meals: Cooked breakfast, Walkers Lunch and two-course dinner

Accommodation: Hotham Alpine Village in rooms with ensuites

DAY 6
HOTHAM VIA THE RAZORBACK AND MOUNT FEATHERTOP

After an early start, you’ll be transferred to the breathtaking Razorback Ridge, surely one of the most dramatic walking routes in Australia. As you walk along the track, Mt Feathertop gradually looms more and more impressively. The final optional steep climb to the summit is wonderful. It affords views all the way to Mount Bogong and over the whole Alpine Mountain Range.

Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 21km or 22.5km/ 7–8 hrs / optional shorter walk available

Meals: Cooked breakfast and Walkers Lunch

Accommodation: Hotham Alpine Village in rooms with ensuites

DAY 7
PRIVATE TRANSFER BACK TO BRIGHT

The trip ends after breakfast when you will be transferred back to Bright to either your vehicle or public transport connections.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 30+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • 7 day pack free walking holiday
  • Australia’s best alpine hiking trails
  • 6 nights’ accommodation with ensuites
  • Breakfast, 2 chef-prepared two course dinners and 5 substantial Walkers Lunches
  • Luggage transport and vehicle transfers
  • We shift you along the track from accommodation to accommodation to limit time in a vehicle, creating more time to relax and enjoy the region
  • National park admission
  • Worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s navigation app, travel book, maps & info pack
  • Insulated lunch bag and luggage tags
  • Support from Auswalk’s representatives on the ground

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

The accommodations are excellent on the Great Alpine Walk, we use high quality self contained apartments all in excellent locations. You will have a private room at Falls Creek and Hotham Alpine Village. All rooms come with their own ensuites. Most importantly our suppliers on the ground offer a level of unsurpassed friendly service that you can only find in the mountains.

Dinners are not included while in Falls Creek as there are many great restaurants within walking distance. You will be provided with locally sourced ingredients to cook your own breakfast. During your stay in Hotham, the 2 included two-course dinners are prepared by chefs as are the cooked breakfasts.

Each day whilst you’re walking you’ll be provided with a substantial Walkers Lunch and get to eat it at a fabulous location on the track. A Walkers Lunch is varied and may include a high protein type salad, roll or a wrap, muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit.

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 - ABOVE AVERAGE

Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 17-25 km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.

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

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

This Great Alpine Walk starts and finishes in Bright. It’s a 5-hour drive from Melbourne, with public transport services available from the city. Contact us for more details.

This is one of the more challenging inn-to-inn walks. The terrain on the alpine hiking trails is sometimes undulating, some up and down, but with plenty of flat sections along well-marked trails. Rougher tracks progress along with gradual ascents to the summits for spectacular views, then down steeper downhill sections through snow gums to forested valleys below.

You’ll be walking an average of 17 km a day over five days. Those that enjoy the solitude of nature will appreciate some days where you are probably more likely to see deer and wild horses than other walkers.

There are five walking days on this seven-day itinerary, starting in Bright and ending in the village of Hotham. We include accommodation from day one to day six, including breakfast each morning, lunch each walking day and 2 dinners, transfers and comprehensive trip notes and walking maps. We transfer your luggage to the next accommodation so you can focus on enjoying the walking with just your daypack and what you need for the day.

Not included: alcohol, meals not listed in the itinerary, drinks with meals (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

WEATHER

This walk can be done any time from the start of December to 20th April. This mountain environment is about 10–15 degrees cooler than Melbourne and Sydney, and there is a possibility of bad weather even during summer. January and February are usually warm and the alpine wildflowers are at their best. December and March are usually mild and considered by many people to be the best times to visit.

See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

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 about the Great Alpine Walk, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. 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
  • 1 Dec 2024 - 20 Apr 2025
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $2895

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $555
    BOOK NOW
  • 1 Dec 2025 - 20 Apr 2026
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $3010

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $575
    BOOK NOW

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

5

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  1. Rob H

    18 July, 2022 at 10:36 AM
    5

    We loved this walk. The high plains were exceptional and to see Brumbies in the wild was a treat. Going to the huts and through the varied terrain was special. The walking notes were very clear and easy to follow. Overall the walk exceeded expectations

    Reply

  2. Nathan G

    5 July, 2022 at 11:48 AM
    5

    The General was a fantastic venue with excellent accommodation. Falls Creek accomm great also (small rooms with huge bed) – food was very good. Was most enjoyable to experience the varied environment, terrain and weather in a beautiful part of the country whilst hiking with dear friends. Thanks.

    Reply

  3. Simon B

    1 July, 2022 at 1:24 PM
    4

    The Great Alpine Walk was very well organized. Excellent hosts and meals, and very good walking – some of which would have not been easily possible without the transfers provided. We have walked with Auswalk before and we were not disappointed with the arrangements or walking this time either.

    Reply

  4. Janie W

    1 July, 2022 at 12:41 PM
    5

    Our favourite day was the 5th along Razorback Ridge which was a real challenge, past the “Ancient Snowgum”, Federation Hut, down a long though not unpleasant 8.5km descent, and ending up at the absolutely gorgeous town of Harrietville where we stayed for our final night in the luxury of Shady Brook Cottage. Truly a memorable trip and I’m glad we have our lovely photos to remind ourselves of the great time.

    Reply

  5. Ian D

    11 November, 2020 at 2:14 PM
    5

    Once again Auswalk provided us with a great experience, both in terms of the walks and the accommodation and our hosts. A big thanks to the Auswalk team who rearranged our walks to meet our changed circumstances. We enjoyed the walks and they were the right length and difficulty for us. Accommodation and meals were great and it was enjoyable to sit around chatting with our hosts and learning more about the Victorian alpine region. This was our second walk with Auswalk and we can highly recommend them.

    Reply

  6. Dixon J

    29 March, 2016 at 3:52 AM
    5

    The Great Alpine Walk by Auswalks traverses spectacular country in the Victorian Alps. Every phase of the organisation of the walk by Auswalks was faultless. The booking staff were always friendly and helpful, even when we changed our plan midway to skip our rest day. The accommodation and hosts were fantastic in the Alpine region. It was just so relaxing to walk at our own pace with all the details taken care of and fantastic notes to guide us along the way.

    Reply

  7. Jess H

    20 March, 2016 at 12:26 PM
    5

    My mum, sister and I did the self guided Great Alpine Walk just before Easter. The walk is a selection of stunning tracks across the Vic Alps. Aside from the walk being brilliant – Aus walks were amazing to deal with. Everything, at every stage was managed expertly. Booking the trip was painless. The accommodation and hosts were delightful. The food was excellent (not ‘basic’ as it was sometimes described in the notes, perhaps ‘rustic’ is a better term!). Can recommend highly enough!

    Reply

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Overview

OVERVIEW

Few places in Australia offer such a diversity of pristine scenery and hiking options as the Victorian Alps. This self-guided walking holiday traverses striking landscapes of alpine forests, grassland, snow-blanketed mountains, precipitous ridges and high plains. The alpine hiking trails cover some of the most spectacular sections of the 700km Alpine Walking Track from Walhalla to Canberra.

With each breath of fresh alpine air, the stresses of modern life will slowly be left behind. Take in dramatic views from the breathtaking Razorback Ridge to Mt Feathertop, the second highest peak in Victoria. The walk from Falls Creek to Hotham via the Cobungra Valley, Derrick Hut and Dibbins Hut is not only epic but provides a real sense of accomplishment. Importantly, there are additional short walks in the area for those who would like to do more exploring.

Highlights

  • Dramatic views from the breathtaking Razorback Ridge to Mt Feathertop, the second highest peak in Victoria
  • Stunning alpine hiking trails
  • Discover and explore historic cattlemen huts along the way
  • Opportunity to see wild brumbies
  • Challenge of tackling Mt Tabletop

WALK OVERVIEW

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

Grade 3 – Moderate

Short, steep hill sections. Walks that are longer than 12km with varied terrain. A moderate active lifestyle and some walking experience is recommended.
PRICE FROM
$ 2895

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 555

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

DOWNLOAD PDF
Departure Dates
Book now
Itinerary

ITINERARY

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

DAY 1
BRIGHT AND WALK ALONG OVENS RIVER & FALLS CREEK

Start in Bright any time before 4.00 pm. There’s no walking scheduled for today, however, there is a nice walk along the Ovens River that passes through the middle of town. If you arrive early enough, you’ll also have time to explore the small township of Bright. We will arrange for you to be met in Bright and be driven to Falls Creek where you will stay tonight. If you have driven your own vehicle, you can leave it at Bright. We will pick you up from there and take you to Falls Creek.

Accommodation: Falls Creek in rooms with ensuites

Meals: None

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. After lunch, walk along the southern edge of Rocky Valley Dam, before climbing to Falls Creek ski resort.

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 13.7km / 3 – 4 hrs

Meals: Breakfast and Walkers Lunch

Accommodation: Falls Creek in rooms with ensuites

DAY 3
ROPER LOOKOUT AND HUTS WALK TO FALLS CREEK

An easier walking day, following more alpine hiking trails along an aqueduct track and crossing gently graded snow plains. All the walking terrain yesterday and today provide superb cross-country skiing during winter. The day ends with a trek to the summit of a small peak with a fine view over Falls Creek and the Kiewa Valley before strolling along another aqueduct trail back to the village.

Walking: Moderate to challenging / 25.5km / 6 – 7 hrs / shortening this walk is possible

Meals: Breakfast and Walkers Lunch

Accommodation: Falls Creek in rooms with ensuites

DAY 4
FALLS CREEK TO HOTHAM

Follow a section of the Alpine Walking Track (750 km between Walhalla and Canberra) all the way to Mt Hotham. Very few people have done this bushwalk, even amongst the locals. You certainly won’t see many people out here, in fact, you are more likely to see Brumbies, Australia’s iconic wild horses. Along the way, drop steeply down to the Cobungra River and Dibbins Hut (sometimes also called Creep-Inn – you’ll see why), then back through the Mt Hotham alpine ski village. Skiers flock to Hotham for its powder 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.

Walking: Challenging / 20.6km / 6–7 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, Walkers Lunch and two-course dinner

Accommodation: Hotham Alpine Village in rooms with ensuites

DAY 5
DINNER PLAIN VIA MOUNT TABLETOP TO HOTHAM

Today’s alpine hiking trail meanders through snow gum forests and across thick snowgrass plains, with many spring wildflowers. The standard 12 km track from Dinner Plain, the highest freehold land in Australia, to Hotham is easy, but you can also add an optional 10 km return walk to the aptly named Mt Tabletop. You can build anything you like in Dinner Plain, so long as it resembles a cattleman’s hut. Cattle grazed these plains until recently, and you’ll see historic huts and even some cattle yards made by felling trees into piles.

Walking: Moderate / 12km or 22km / 3 or 5.5–7 hours / optional 10km short walk available

Meals: Cooked breakfast, Walkers Lunch and two-course dinner

Accommodation: Hotham Alpine Village in rooms with ensuites

DAY 6
HOTHAM VIA THE RAZORBACK AND MOUNT FEATHERTOP

After an early start, you’ll be transferred to the breathtaking Razorback Ridge, surely one of the most dramatic walking routes in Australia. As you walk along the track, Mt Feathertop gradually looms more and more impressively. The final optional steep climb to the summit is wonderful. It affords views all the way to Mount Bogong and over the whole Alpine Mountain Range.

Walking: Moderate to Challenging / 21km or 22.5km/ 7–8 hrs / optional shorter walk available

Meals: Cooked breakfast and Walkers Lunch

Accommodation: Hotham Alpine Village in rooms with ensuites

DAY 7
PRIVATE TRANSFER BACK TO BRIGHT

The trip ends after breakfast when you will be transferred back to Bright to either your vehicle or public transport connections.

What’s Included

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • 7 day pack free walking holiday
  • Australia’s best alpine hiking trails
  • 6 nights’ accommodation with ensuites
  • Breakfast, 2 chef-prepared two course dinners and 5 substantial Walkers Lunches
  • Luggage transport and vehicle transfers
  • We shift you along the track from accommodation to accommodation to limit time in a vehicle, creating more time to relax and enjoy the region
  • National park admission
  • Worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s navigation app, travel book, maps & info pack
  • Insulated lunch bag and luggage tags
  • Support from Auswalk’s representatives on the ground
Accommodation & Dining

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

The accommodations are excellent on the Great Alpine Walk, we use high quality self contained apartments all in excellent locations. You will have a private room at Falls Creek and Hotham Alpine Village. All rooms come with their own ensuites. Most importantly our suppliers on the ground offer a level of unsurpassed friendly service that you can only find in the mountains.

Dinners are not included while in Falls Creek as there are many great restaurants within walking distance. You will be provided with locally sourced ingredients to cook your own breakfast. During your stay in Hotham, the 2 included two-course dinners are prepared by chefs as are the cooked breakfasts.

Each day whilst you’re walking you’ll be provided with a substantial Walkers Lunch and get to eat it at a fabulous location on the track. A Walkers Lunch is varied and may include a high protein type salad, roll or a wrap, muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit.

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 - ABOVE AVERAGE

Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 17-25 km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.

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

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

This Great Alpine Walk starts and finishes in Bright. It’s a 5-hour drive from Melbourne, with public transport services available from the city. Contact us for more details.

This is one of the more challenging inn-to-inn walks. The terrain on the alpine hiking trails is sometimes undulating, some up and down, but with plenty of flat sections along well-marked trails. Rougher tracks progress along with gradual ascents to the summits for spectacular views, then down steeper downhill sections through snow gums to forested valleys below.

You’ll be walking an average of 17 km a day over five days. Those that enjoy the solitude of nature will appreciate some days where you are probably more likely to see deer and wild horses than other walkers.

There are five walking days on this seven-day itinerary, starting in Bright and ending in the village of Hotham. We include accommodation from day one to day six, including breakfast each morning, lunch each walking day and 2 dinners, transfers and comprehensive trip notes and walking maps. We transfer your luggage to the next accommodation so you can focus on enjoying the walking with just your daypack and what you need for the day.

Not included: alcohol, meals not listed in the itinerary, drinks with meals (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

WEATHER

This walk can be done any time from the start of December to 20th April. This mountain environment is about 10–15 degrees cooler than Melbourne and Sydney, and there is a possibility of bad weather even during summer. January and February are usually warm and the alpine wildflowers are at their best. December and March are usually mild and considered by many people to be the best times to visit.

See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

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 about the Great Alpine Walk, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. 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
  • 1 Dec 2024 - 20 Apr 2025
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $2895

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $555
    BOOK NOW
  • 1 Dec 2025 - 20 Apr 2026
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $3010

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $575
    BOOK NOW
Reviews

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

5

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  1. Rob H

    18 July, 2022 at 10:36 AM
    5

    We loved this walk. The high plains were exceptional and to see Brumbies in the wild was a treat. Going to the huts and through the varied terrain was special. The walking notes were very clear and easy to follow. Overall the walk exceeded expectations

    Reply

  2. Nathan G

    5 July, 2022 at 11:48 AM
    5

    The General was a fantastic venue with excellent accommodation. Falls Creek accomm great also (small rooms with huge bed) – food was very good. Was most enjoyable to experience the varied environment, terrain and weather in a beautiful part of the country whilst hiking with dear friends. Thanks.

    Reply

  3. Simon B

    1 July, 2022 at 1:24 PM
    4

    The Great Alpine Walk was very well organized. Excellent hosts and meals, and very good walking – some of which would have not been easily possible without the transfers provided. We have walked with Auswalk before and we were not disappointed with the arrangements or walking this time either.

    Reply

  4. Janie W

    1 July, 2022 at 12:41 PM
    5

    Our favourite day was the 5th along Razorback Ridge which was a real challenge, past the “Ancient Snowgum”, Federation Hut, down a long though not unpleasant 8.5km descent, and ending up at the absolutely gorgeous town of Harrietville where we stayed for our final night in the luxury of Shady Brook Cottage. Truly a memorable trip and I’m glad we have our lovely photos to remind ourselves of the great time.

    Reply

  5. Ian D

    11 November, 2020 at 2:14 PM
    5

    Once again Auswalk provided us with a great experience, both in terms of the walks and the accommodation and our hosts. A big thanks to the Auswalk team who rearranged our walks to meet our changed circumstances. We enjoyed the walks and they were the right length and difficulty for us. Accommodation and meals were great and it was enjoyable to sit around chatting with our hosts and learning more about the Victorian alpine region. This was our second walk with Auswalk and we can highly recommend them.

    Reply

  6. Dixon J

    29 March, 2016 at 3:52 AM
    5

    The Great Alpine Walk by Auswalks traverses spectacular country in the Victorian Alps. Every phase of the organisation of the walk by Auswalks was faultless. The booking staff were always friendly and helpful, even when we changed our plan midway to skip our rest day. The accommodation and hosts were fantastic in the Alpine region. It was just so relaxing to walk at our own pace with all the details taken care of and fantastic notes to guide us along the way.

    Reply

  7. Jess H

    20 March, 2016 at 12:26 PM
    5

    My mum, sister and I did the self guided Great Alpine Walk just before Easter. The walk is a selection of stunning tracks across the Vic Alps. Aside from the walk being brilliant – Aus walks were amazing to deal with. Everything, at every stage was managed expertly. Booking the trip was painless. The accommodation and hosts were delightful. The food was excellent (not ‘basic’ as it was sometimes described in the notes, perhaps ‘rustic’ is a better term!). Can recommend highly enough!

    Reply
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