Mt Stirling
We depart Melbourne and head north. Our first day’s drive takes us through towering mountain ash forests of the Black Spur, before a morning tea break in the historic gold and timber town of Alexandra. We then continue on via Mansfield to the Mt. Stirling turnoff. The first leg takes us to lunch at the iconic Craig’s Hut, famed for its central role in the movie Man From Snowy River. The Stirling Trail takes us to the summit of the mountain itself (1749m), then meanders amongst the crosscountry ski trails of this popular winter resort. Our chariot awaits at the interestingly named Telephone Box Junction to whisk us on to our first night’s accommodation, back down at the base of the mountain. We enjoy a meal onsite at the Merrijig Motor Lodge and enjoy some good old fashioned country hospitality and a well earned rest in warm comfort.
Accommodation: Merrijig Motor Lodge
Meals: lunch and dinnerThe Razorback
We start today with a satisfying continental breakfast, and lunch making. Then it’s off to the glorious mountain township of Bright for a coffee stop, before driving up to the high country at the head of the Ovens Valley. Our trailhead is at the south end of the breathtaking Razorback, a ridgeline connecting two of Victoria's highest peaks – Mt Feathertop and Mt Hotham. It is a rocky and very exposed trail in parts and caution is required, particularly in windy conditions.
The climb to the summit of Victoria's second highest mountain, Mt Feathertop (1922m) gives us incredible views – and a surge of emotion at our achievement.
The final leg of our walk is the descent down to the old goldmining town of Harrietville, and a short drive too our accommodation for a well-earned rest, dinner and bed.
Accommodation: Alpenhorn Holiday Apartments, Tawonga.
Meals: breakfast and lunchMt Bogong
An early start for a big day! We pack up, leave the lodge and take a short drive to Mountain Creek carpark. The climb up is via the Staircase Spur track, climbing through the peppermints, then mountain gums, snow gums and finally breaking out above the tree line. From there we achieve the summit cairn, and stand upon via Victoria’s highest peak at 1986 metres. A great place to have lunch, then it’s down via the Eskdale Spur to our bus waiting at the bottom.
We will stop en route for an afternoon tea break. We aim to have you back in Melbourne around 7pm.
If you are travelling from interstate to join the trip please do not book a return flight before 9pm. But we highly recommend staying overnight in Melbourne in case of an unplanned event of the last day.
Meals: breakfast and lunch
