Feathertop circuit. 3-day backpacking, 34.4km, Grade 4.
Hike overview (we will be hiking in reverse)
The Mount Feathertop - Bon Accord and Bungalow Spurs hike completes a circuit of the Bungalow and Bon Accord Spurs. It also summits Mount Feathertop, the second highest mountain in Victoria and one of the most picturesque peaks in the state. It is linked to the nearby Mount Hotham ski resort by The Razorback, a high narrow ridge, but otherwise surrounded by steep slopes which continue right to the summit. Unlike most nearby mountains, Mount Feathertop has steep slopes right to the top and does not have the rounded summit dome that is typical of many nearby peaks.
Mount Feathertop is probably the most appealing peak in the high country. It provides terrific hiking in summer and in winter it is a great venue for mountaineering and extreme skiing. But be careful, as it averages a death per decade. Most deaths are in winter and most come from not treating cornices with the respect they deserve.
The Bungalow Spur Track is the most popular approach to Mount Feathertop. It is well graded and sheltered for most of its length. To reach the start of the track, turn left off the Great Alpine Road at Harrietville, just before the school bridge over the Ovens River. Follow the road for 0.5 km to the parking area and notice board.
The track was built for pack horses and tractors that serviced the hotel that used to be near the top of the spur, so it's relatively easy going. The modern Federation Hut at the top of Bungalow Spur is large, clean, roomy and well insulated. The stove will keep the hut warm all night as long as both doors are kept shut.
The Bon Accord Spur was the route taken by walkers, horseriders and pack horses to Mount Hotham before the Great Alpine Road was built.
Overnight campsites can be found 500m west along the Bungalow Spur Track from the junction of the Razorback Track to Federation Hut where you will find an open camping area and toilet facilities. There is a small camp site on the Bon Accord Spur, approximately 5km from Harrietville. It is right on the Ovens River East Branch but is only suitable for 2-3 tents. There is also another campsite near the Bon Accord Hut ruins, approximately 2km west along the Bon Accord Spur from The Razorback Track Junction.
Water Procurement
Water can be found at a natural spring approximately 500m along the North West Spur Track from Feathertop Track. You will find it on the right hand side of the track. Water can also be found in the river approximately 5km from Harrietville on the Ovens River East Branch. There are water tanks at the hut ruins and Federation Huts, but these cannot be relied upon. It may be nessesary to carry extra water from the river on the first day to get us through to Federation hut. Leader will advise closer to the date.
Access and Trail Notes
Take the first left after the Snowline Hotel in Harrietville (towards Hotham). Drive along the road for 1 km to the signposted start of the walk. Follow the Ovens River – East Branch for 5 km. The steep climb up the spur starts from the bridge at Washington Creek. The Bon Accord Hut ruin is 9.5 km from the start of the track. From here it is 2 km up to the Razorback, then 0.5 km to the Great Alpine Road.
Aid along the way:
You need to set out with the intention of being self sufficient for the duration of time you will be out on the course.
Mandatory Gear: Conditions in Alpine Country can change quickly. The weather at the bottom of the mountain may be very different than at the top. In light of this – the following gear MUST be carried. Jacket – it must be waterproof! Beanie or Buff, Gloves, Space Blanket, Whistle and 2L of fluid and a snack or energy food. We also would like you to have a phone with you at all times and ensure it is charged and has credit.
Overnight Event Packing list
Current Medical Information Form LOGIN FIRST and then it can be FOUND ON THE WEBSITE HERE
- Tent (sharing sections of the tent with a partner is an option)
- Tent footprint (optional but recommended)
- Sleeping Bag rated to -5 comfort level minimum
- Sleeping bag Liner
- Mattress
- Pillow
- Bed Clothing (suggest using your thermals for bedding)
- Thermals - top and bottom
- Second layer - top and bottom
- Spare dry socks and spare undies
- Keep clothing in a water tight bag - zip lock - dry bags etc..
- Rain jacket
- Down jacket
- Fleece jacket
- Warm Gloves and Water Proof Over Glove plus a beanie
- Suitable walk hat
- Boots in good condition
- Essential toiletries
- Tooth Brush and paste
- Any medication (please inform leader if necessary of allergies etc)
- Personal first aid kit
- Snake bandage
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellant
- Whistle
- Space blanket
- Head torch and batteries/charger
- Water to drink and prepare meal (Leader will inform the group re water supply each day)
- Tablets or filter for water treatment (be safe rather than get a bug) (water purification tablets)
- Toilet paper and trowl to dig appropiate hole.
- For females a pstyle and or bushcloth is highly recommended, otherwise please carry used wet toilet paper in a ziplock bag to dispose of in the toilets at trailhead campsites.
- Hand sanitiser
- Dehydrated food for weight considerations
- 3 Meals, plus snacks, per day.
- Stove and gas (another item that can be shared with a partner)
- Lighter or matches
- Plate/bowl and cuttlery
- Cup for warm drinks, soups etc
- EXTRA ITEMS
- Hiking poles - highly recommended
- Fully charged and credit loaded up phone
- Camera
- Charged powerbank plus charging cords
THE LEADER MUST TAKE A RESCUE BEACON