alpinevistas

WALKING TRACKS

A number of walking tracks of varying length head off from the village to excellent viewing areas. There is the Summit Walk (3 km return), the Corn Hill Walk (6 km return) and the Little Buller Walk (5 km return) which takes in snow gum forests and snow grass plains. Longer walks are to Mt Stirling (13 km return), the Klingsporn Track to Mirimbah (16 km return), Mt Howitt (1742 m) and the Howitt Plains, Clear Hills, Mt Cobbler (1620 m) and the Howqua River Valley. Those undertaking longer treks can utilise the old cowherds' huts for overnight stays.

The Summit Nature Walk
Length: 3.6 kilometres return
Walk: 1.5 to 2 hours
Track: Easy to Intermediate
Grade: Moderate
Start: Picnic Shelter outside The Arlberg Hotel
Finish: Summit
Nearby: Mt Buller
Permits/bookings: none required
Best time: October-April
Good walking track for beginners. Starts outside The Arlberg Hotel and heads up to the Summit. Great views back towards the village. Sunset on the summit- Watch as the last rays of the setting sun gently blanket the velvety ranges with soft greys, purples and pinks. Magic!


Mt Buller to Mt Stirling Trail
Length: 7 kilometres
Walk: 2.5 hours one way
Track: Moderate
Grade: Moderate
Start: Mt Buller Village
Finish: Mt Stirling
Nearby: Mt Buller
Permits/bookings: none required
Best time: October-April

The well-marked trail between the sister peaks winds through forests of alpine ash and snow gum to the summit of Mt Stirling (1,747m), where spectacular views take in the dramatic Crosscut Saw, Mt Buller and Mt Buffalo. Add a dash of popular culture to your walk by continuing on to nearby Craigs' Hut, a film set used in the making of ‘The Man from Snowy River’.

Mt Stirling via Corn Hill
Length: 16.4 kms (via Corn Hill) or 20.4 kms (via the Quarry)
Walk: 5 to 7 hours return
Track: Intermediate
Grade: Moderate
Start: Clock Tower in the village centre
Finish: Howqua Gap or Mt Stirling
Nearby: Mt Buller
Permits/bookings: none required
Best time: October-April
Venture beyond the resort boundaries to Corn Hill and Mt Stirling, walking along a combination of 4WD tracks and walking trials. This is one of the longer tracks around Mt Buller, this walk has a number of picnic locations along the way, a beautiful Alpine Ash forest to be explored and fantastic views back to Mt Buller village.

The Klingsporn Bridle Track
Length: 8.65 kms
Walk: 3 hours one-way, down!
Track: Intermediate
Grade: Downhill
Start: Clock Tower in the village centre
Finish: Mirimbah
Nearby: Mt Buller
Best Time: Summer, Autumn

Established by the cattlemen in the early 1900s to bring stock up to graze in the lush alpine grasslands, the historic Klingsporn Bridle Track will take you from the top of Mt Buller down to the park at Mirimbah- beyond the resort boundaries. The narrow single-track descends through scenic meadows, quiet woodlands and majestic forests. It is recommended to undertake this walk one way from the top. Therefore, you will need to arrange transport to pick you up at Mirimbah.

 

Alpine National Park
Length: 27 kilometres
Walk: 2 days
Track: Rough
Grade: Steep
Start: Eight Mile Flat, Howqua River
Finish: Eight Mile Flat, Howqua River
Nearby: Mansfield
Best Time: Summer, Autumn
From a pleasant grassy clearing beside the Howqua River, the track climbs steadily through dry open forest along Eight Mile Spur. The final stages of the ascent to the rugged natural ramparts of the Bluff are quite steep, but the rewards are soon evident. From the treeless 1725 metre summit a spectacular alpine panorama unfolds, stretching to Mt Buller in the north and faraway Lake Eildon. The trail continues through alpine meadows, carpeted with brilliant wildflowers in early summer, to Bluff Hut and a sheltered campsite among the nearby snow gums. Next morning, descend along a 4WD road on Sixteen Mile Spur to the Howqua River, then follow the river valley past Ritchies Hut to the start of the trail at Eight Mile Flat. Commercial tour operators also run horse-riding trips to the Bluff.
All visitors, and especially walkers, should realise that weather conditions can change rapidly in alpine areas at any time of year. Snowfalls can be experienced at any time, so please be prepared with:
• warm clothing
• windproof and waterproof jacket
• gloves and hat
• strong footwear
• energy food and water
• compass and relevant topographical map

Guided Walks

Resort Management Board and La Trobe University
Free Guided Walks
Enjoy a fun and informative free guided walk on the Summit Nature Trail. Learn about specialised alpine flora and fauna, the history of Mt Buller and the evolution of the ski fields. Meet outside the Arlberg Hotel for a 2 - 3 hour walk. Bookings are essential as maximum numbers apply.
For more information, contact Mt Buller Mt Stirling
Resort Management on 5777 6077.
Day Walks Flora and Fauna
Wander the high alpine and learn about the unique plant and animal life. There's always something new to see and learn on this gentle walk. BYO lunch to picnic in out of the way spots.

Mt Buller High Trek
Hike across Mt Buller's summit and the west ridge. The rich alpine vegetation and superb views make this one of the best walks in Victoria. (Half day walk)
2 Hour Eco-tour Walk
A two hour tour within reach of the village. Take in some of the most awesome views in the high country, learn what makes our ecology so different and fragile, listen to the history of Mt Buller and the surrounding ranges, stop at Mt Buller museum.

Other Recommended Walks in the Area
Howqua River Bridle Track - Allow 2+ hours. Grade: Moderate. Taking in Tunnel Bend and Fry's Flat, this bridle track passes an old water race and brick chimney, dating from gold mining times.

Carter's Road and Plain Creek Nature Trail - Allow 2 hours. Grade: Easy. This pretty walk follows the popular Plain Creek Nature Trail, which gives walkers a brief natural history of the area.

Jamieson Township Walk - Allow up to 1 hour. Grade: easy. A pretty walk taking in the highlights of this well preserved Gold Rush town.

Delatite River Trail from Mirimbah to Mt Buller - Allow 5-6 hours. Grade: tough/expert. This is a challenging half day walk with many river crossings.
Handy walking trail notes

Time estimates are for average walkers at a steady pace - you may need to allow more or less time depending upon your fitness. For longer walks, make sure you're prepared with snacks, water, a map and a weatherproof jacket.