The trail is divided over three legs as follows:
Day 1: Falls Creek to Cope Hut, 14km
Day 2: Cope Hut to Dibbins Hut, 14km
Day 3: Dibbins Hut to Mt Hotham, 9km
Day 1 highlights include lookouts at Heathy Spur, historic Wallace Hut and Cope Hut - and swathes of pink, gold and white wildflowers in spring and summer. On Day 2, there are stunning panoramas from Pole 333 and unforgettable views of Mount Feathertop, Victoria's second-highest mountain. Day 3 highlights include abandoned Quintet Mine, charming Derricks Hut - and of course a well-deserved coffee and cake at Mt Hotham!
How to get there
Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing
Falls to Hotham is a point-to-point walk, so you’ll need transport to the start and a way to get home at the end. The drive between trailheads takes approximately two-and-a-half hours.
Using two vehicles in a car shuffle is a popular option. Drive in convoy to the end of the walk, drop off one vehicle, then return to the start of the walk in the other vehicle. Vehicles can be left at the Heathy Spur or Mt Loch car parks at either end.
Alternatively, you could use the shuttle bus. Falls Creek will provide a bus service for hikers during the peak summer period. Contact the resort for details and to make a booking. Phone (03) 5758 1202. Website fallscreek.com.au
If you’re staying at Falls Creek, Mt Hotham or Dinner Plain before your walk, some accommodation providers can offer transport or assist with a car shuffle.
When you're there
The Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing is accessible for hiking from November to April. The track can be walked in either direction but is best when starting from Falls Creek and walking towards Mt Hotham.
There are two campsites on the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing:
Cope Hut Camping Area, among the Snow Gums on the Bogong High Plains, is 14km from the trailhead and usually the first night's campsite.
Dibbins Hut, on a snow plain near the headwaters of the Cobungra River, is 9km from Mount Hotham.
Each campsite has five sites on tent platforms. There are four 3m x 3.7m platforms and one larger platform that is 4.5m x 3m. The platforms are designed to fit a 2-3 person hiking tent.
The tent platforms are designed for you to pitch your tent directly on the platform. Each platform has eyelets around the edge to hook tent peg loops or guy ropes over. As well as these there are movable pegs that slot into the mesh, allowing tents of all shapes to be set up.
Bookings are required to so be sure to check availability and make a booking prior to your trip.
Camping
One of Victoria's icon walks, the 37km Falls-Hotham Alpine Crossing is a 3 day / 2 night walk through the Alpine National Park, linking the resort villages of Falls Creek and Mt Hotham.
Winding its way along alpine ridges through snow gum woodlands and snow grass plains, over rocky summits and past historic huts, this 3 day hike offers an achievable and rewarding hiking challenge with spectacular views every step of the way.
Book your camp sites here
Need to know
Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing
Accessibility
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
-
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Extended seasonal road closures 2019
Some roads in this park are subject to extended seasonal road closures. Seasonal road closures generally operate after the long weekend in June through to the end of October, but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. View the list of 2019 seasonal road closures for details and check the corresponding map numbers with the seasonal road closure 2019 index map for locations of the extended closures and visit the seasonal road closures page for more information.
-
Alpine National Park
Dargo High Plains Road closure
The Dargo High Plains Road (managed by the Alpine Shire Council) will remain closed until the end of November from the closure gate, approximately 1km south of Lanky Plain. For further information please call the Alpine Shire on 03 5755 0555, or refer to their website.Poor condition of Armstrong Track, Deddick Valley
Armstrong Track is in very poor condition with several very steep, loose and severely rutted sections. The track condition deteriorates progressively the further south you travel, with the worst section of the track being the final descent towards the Deddick River near Bull Flat. The track is rated as double black diamond (very difficult in dry conditions) and should only be attempted by groups of experienced drivers in well-equipped vehicles with recovery equipment and should not be attempted in wet conditions. The track should only be driven in a southerly direction from Mt Taylor to Bull Flat and drivers should not proceed past any point where they would not be able to drive in the opposite direction.
Similar experiences
Grampians Peaks Trail
Great Ocean Walk
Great South West Walk
