Mount Bogong - Mount Feathertop
and a winter traverse of the Bogong High Plains.
| Location: | Alpine National Park, Victoria, Australia |
| Activity: | Domestic Expeditions, |
| Duration: | 8 Days |
| Difficulty Rating: | Grade 4 - Very Difficult |
| Comfort Level: | Think of the glory |
| Season: | Aug, |
Overview
Are you looking to test yourself this winter? We are. We wanted to do something epic and we want you to join us.
There's no getting around it - this trip will be a slog, but it will be worth it. We'll summit Mount Bogong, Victoria's highest and most prominent peak, cross over Mount Feathertop, its second-highest, as well as traverse the Bogong High Plains. Over 6 days and 5 nights, we'll make 3 long climbs, cross 2 rivers, visit a number of historic high country huts and camp in the snow - with no additional support outside of our guide team.
For this trip, you're signing on as an expedition member. While you'll still be treated as a guest and we will still support you as much as you need, you will need to have room in your pack to share a little of the load by carrying your share of a tent and maybe a little food, making your load a little heavier than our usual trips.
We're going to be completely open and honest about this one - it's going to be long, hard, cold and likely rather uncomfortable at times. But you'll surely have a few stories to tell!
Think you're up for it but not sure? Get in touch for a chat!
Highlights:
- 6-day, 5-night expedition
- Connect Victoria's two highest peaks
- Transfers, tents and food provided
- Experienced guides
- The ultimate winter epic
Day 1: Meet in Harrietville then group transfer to accommodation in Mount Beauty.
Day 2: Transfer to Mountain Creek Campground/Carpark, ascend the Staircase Spur to Summit Mount Bogong. Traverse Bogong to camp at Cleave Col Hut.
Day 3: Join the AAWT and head south towards the Big River. Cross the Big River and ascend to the Bogong High Plains - Camp at Roper Hut.
Day 4: Roper Hut across the plains to Cope Hut.
Day 5: Cope Hut to Blair Hut via Westons Spur.
Day 6: Ascend Diamantina Spur, turn right on the Razorback towards Mt Feathertop. If time permits summit Feathertop - or relax and enjoy sunset from Little Feathertop.
Day 7: Alpine start to head up to Mt Feathertop for sunrise before descending Bungalow Spur to Harrietville. Accommodation at Snowline Hotel
Day 8: Breakfast in Harrietville, debrief and departure.
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet in Harrietville for welcome drinks and briefing. Once the group is assembled, the group transfers to accommodation in Mount Beauty.
Day 2
12.2 km - ⬆1430m - ⬇240m
An early start. Transfer to Mountain Creek Campground/Carpark. Walk along Mountain Creek Road for 2km to the Staircase Spur, ascend the Spur to Summit Mount Bogong. Traverse Mount Bogong eastwards over Hell Gap to camp at Cleave Col Hut.
Day 3
9.1 km - ⬆811m - ⬇878m
Join the AAWT and head south towards the Big River. This river crossing could be one of our biggest challenges for the expedition. Cross the Big River and ascend to the Bogong High Plains - Camp at Roper Hut.
Day 4
17 km - ⬆222m - ⬇250m
From Ropers Hut we'll join the Big River Fire Trail and cross the high plains to Cope Hut via Watchbed Creek and the Longford West Aquaduct. If we're making good time there will be an opportunity for a short side trip to Wallace Hut - the oldest cattleman hut in the high country.
Day 5
13 km - ⬆167m - ⬇688m
From Cope Hut we'll continue traversing the high plains to Westons Spur. Stopping for lunch to enjoy the stunning views at Westons Hut, we'll then continue down below the snowline for tonight's camp at Blair Hut.
Day 6
8 km - ⬆748m - ⬇179m
What goes down must go up again, and today we have to make up the 700 meters we lost the day before to reach Feathertop. After we cross the creek and follow the road to the beginning of Diamantina Spur, we will climb the spur and then follow the Razorback trail to Feathertop. When we reach the junction tree instead of heading to the summit (though some may wish to) we will set up camp down at Federation Hut. We will overnight at the Federation Hut campsite for our last night on the mountain.
Day 7
14 km - ⬆211m - ⬇1407m
This is the BIG day! The ascent of Feathertop is the most technical and steepest of the trip. We will head out before the sun rises, hopefully getting to Mt Feathertop summit just as the sun peaks over the horizon. Then it’s back to camp for a hearty meal before the final 3.5 hours of our epic traverse. Waiting for you in Harrietville is a hot shower, a comfy warm bed and a great meal. Oh, and the accolades of the bar staff. Accommodation at Snowline Hotel.
Day 8
We can enjoy a comfortable sleep in on our last day before heading out for breakfast in Harrietville, debrief over coffee and depart for home.
Gallery
Cost
This expedition costs $3,490* twin share, ex Harrietville.
*Minimum number of bookings required, see ts & c's for full details
Inclusions
- Experienced and qualified guides for the duration of the expedition
- Group safety equipment such as first aid kit and satellite phone
- All catering while on the expedition
- Breakfast day 2 until lunch day 7
- Group equipment including tents and stoves - BYO personal cutlery and crockery
- Hire of Snowshoes and trekking poles
- Twin-share ‘ 3-star’ accommodation for the first and last night
- Transfers required to complete the one-way journey
Exclusions
- Personal clothing and equipment (including pack, sleeping bag and mattress)
- Any meals, drinks and other purchases in towns
- Personal medical and evacuation/ambulance insurance
We have a range of equipment available for hire if there is anything you don't have! Including backpacks, sleeping bags and rain gear. Please get in contact with us to discuss!
Extras
Note the below items can be added at the time of booking.
| Location: | Alpine National Park, Victoria, Australia |
| Activity:. | Domestic Expeditions |
| Duration: | 8 Days |
| Difficulty Rating: | Grade 4 - Very Difficult |
| Comfort Level: | Think of the glory |
| Season: | Aug, |