Jaw-dropping views were just the beginning on Mitchell’s breathtaking spring traverse along the ridgeline of the Australian Alps to Victoria’s second-highest peak, Mt Feathertop.

 

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which this adventure takes place who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants, for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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Quick Overview:

The Razorback trail is a 22km, grade 4 hike located in the Alpine National Park in Victoria. The hike should take the average person around seven hours to complete.

About The Razorback Trail

The Razorback is a walking track that runs along the sharp, treeless ridgeline of the Australian Alps, meandering its way from Mt Hotham, all the way to Mt Feathertop. At 1922m, Feathertop is the second-highest peak in Victoria.

 

Traversing the Razorback // Alpine National Park (VIC), Mitchell Hodge, mountains, ridge, hiker, snow-capped

 

While the Razorback trail isn’t the only way to access Mt. Feathertop, it’s certainly the most beautiful way to experience it. You only dip below the tree line for a few short sections throughout the walk, providing expansive 360° views of the surrounding mountains for the majority of the hike.

The hike is overnight and requires a stay at the remotely-located Federation Hut, a kilometre or so from the Feathertop summit.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

How To Get to the Razorback Trail

The trail begins at Diamantina Hut, a few kilometres before Hotham Heights on the Great Alpine Road.

By Car

The easiest way to get to the start of the Razorback trail is by car. It can be accessed from both the Hume Freeway and through Gippsland via the Great Alpine Road from Melbourne.

If you take the Hume, it’s approximately a four and a half hour drive to Diamantina Hut from Melbourne with 373km of prime podcast-listening time.

If you opt for the scenic Gippsland route, you’ll add an extra hour but only an additional 20km of so. Total drive time from Melbourne CBD is five and a half hours with a total distance of 395km.

Skill Level

Intermediate

Distance / Duration / Elevation Gain

22km return / Overnight / 950m

 

Nearby Accommodation

Essential Gear for the Razorback Trail

  • Camera, tripod, spare batteries
  • Warm, waterproof clothing (weather can be unpredictable, even in summer)
  • Tent/bivvy and camping equipment (Federation Hut is for emergency refuge only)
  • First aid kit
  • Waterproof hiking boots (snow can stay on sheltered faces well into spring/summer)
  • Ankle gaiters (if it looks like there may be snow)
  • Food and water (UNTREATED water is available at Fed Hut)
  • Water purification gear

Check out our guide to packing for an overnight hike!

 

Traversing the Razorback // Alpine National Park (VIC), Mitchell Hodge, mountains, hiker, snow, clouds, horizon

What it’s Like to Hike the Razorback Trail

Diamantina Hut

The hike begins at Diamantina Hut, just before Mount Hotham Alpine Resort. It’s a four or five hour drive from Melbourne and with the relative flatness of the terrain, the whole hike can be completed comfortably in a weekend.

From the trailhead, the view is already spectacular, and the sharp summit of Feathertop is already visible in the distance, making your route clear. The trail is fairly well marked, visibly carved and easy to follow.

On the walk you will encounter exposed rocky peaks, grassy plains, and some snow gum-filled gullies. The trees still clearly display the aftermath of the 2013 bushfires, with a good percentage of the snow gums burnt.

This provides a very eerie landscape on some sections of the walk. The walk is quite flat at the beginning, but slowly begins to undulate, climbing higher and bringing you closer to the dominating peak of Mt Feathertop.

 

Traversing the Razorback // Alpine National Park (VIC), Mitchell Hodge, mountains, ridge, snow-capped, cairn

Federation Hut

It’s not uncommon for it to snow in the Australian Alps well into summer, with snow remaining on the sheltered and south-facing slopes of the track. We tackled the trail in early October, and while most of the track was snow free, we did find ourselves having to wade through near waist-deep snow on some of the climbs, turning what is usually a four hour one-way trip into a five to six hour haul.

After a number of climbs, you’ll eventually see a small hut on a distant saddle, surrounded by snow gums – Federation Hut. It’s recommended that you walk to the hut first, unpack your gear/setup and then walk back to ascend the summit.

Unfortunately, due to crazy winds and the snow depth, we didn’t attempt the summit. The views of the mountain itself – and the surrounding valleys – were enough to satisfy us.

The hut has basic facilities (wood heater, long-drop toilet, benches) and cannot be camped in as it’s intended for emergency refuge only.

Read more: Victorian High Country Huts Association

 

Traversing the Razorback // Alpine National Park (VIC), Mitchell Hodge, hiker, snow, trees, trail

Bungalow Spur Track

The next day, it’s time to go back the way you came.

If you organised a car swap or another form of transport back to your car, you can take the Bungalow Spur Track back to Harrietville. It’s a shorter walk (still 9kms), but is entirely downhill. This track can be a good fallback if the weather conditions change dramatically on the second day and it doesn’t feel safe to head back along the exposed Razorback.

Overall, this is an amazing hike, with some of the best views in Victoria. Hope you enjoy it!

 

Tips For Hiking the Razorback Trail

  • Due to the exposed nature of the trail, be wary of weather and pay attention to wind forecasts before you set out
  • If you want to make use of the wood stove in Federation Hut, make sure you bring good fire lighting equipment as all of the available timber is likely to be damp and difficult to light
  • If you’re into photography, you’ll love every second of this trail
  • Don’t attempt this walk in winter unless you have done it previously in another season, or are experienced in winter hiking
  • If you attempt the trail inside the declared snow season you are required to have snow chains either fitted or in the vehicle on your way to the start / from the finish of the hike

 

Traversing the Razorback // Alpine National Park (VIC), Mitchell Hodge, mountains, ridge, snow-capped, sky

FAQs Razorback Trail

How difficult is the Razorback Trail in Victoria’s High Country?

This track is suited to experienced walkers. It is an intermediate to advanced path because the track is steep, can be unmarked in places, and distances long.

Where can I get snow chains from?

No matter what direction you’re approaching the mountains from, there’s a convenient place for you to stop and hire chains – or stop and buy! Once you reach Harrietville or Omeo, you’re required to have them either fitted or in the car, and there’s no place on the mountain to get them.

Myrtleford: Rays Ski Shop

Harrietville: Hoys Harrietville

Ovens: Happy Valley Hub

Omeo: Hoys Omeo or Omeo Ski Hire & Service Station

Melbourne: Snow Monkey

When is the declared snow season?

The declared snow season changes every year. Before heading out or planning your trip, check the most recent announcement by visiting the Mt. Hotham website for the most up to date information. Be aware that you might still need chains if you’re visiting just before or just after the declared snow season. Weather is unpredictable and it’s always better to err on the side of safety!

Where will I find current warnings for the Razorback Trail?

Great question! We always advise people to check the Parks Victoria website for any park closures or warnings that may be in place for the area that they’re considering visiting. Mt. Hotham also has live snow cams, available to view online, which can give you a great indication of current snow levels.

 

Want to keep exploring Victoria’s High Country?

 

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This piece was brought to you by a real living human who felt the wind in their hair and described their adventure in their own words. This is because we rate authenticity and the sharing of great experiences in the natural world – it’s all part of our ethos here at We Are Explorers. You can read more about it in our Editorial Standards.