Bushwalk Australia

Hi all
I want to hike over the March long weekend, overnight hike either sat or sunday. Was thinking of Mt Bogong but my partner is new to hiking and after reading a few posts think the steep ascent might put him off before we even start!

Instead its sounds like Mt Feathertop will be a good intro for him - great views, not too many steep ascents and weather more predictable.

Would love some feedback about this circuit - am thinking we would park at Diamantina Hut then hike to Feathertop summit and down again to Harrietville and spend night there (we don't have camping gear as yet - I've always borrowed friends when I've hiked overnight) then next day hike back to Diamantina Hut, back to car.

Thought it might also be good for first hike not to carry too much gear as we are walking far distance and packs can get heavy for that duration!
Google maps tells me it a 35k circuit

What do people think? Any other suggestions? He is open to getting some gear for overnight camping so that could be an option

We are kind of familiar with the area from snow season and are now based in Benalla and very keen to start exploring the beautiful high country

Thanks all

Msgemima

Welcome to the forum.

What you propose is a hard walk. Most overnight bushwalkers go from Diamantina Hut to Federation Hut and stay near there. It's about four hours to Federation Hut, 45-60 minutes to the summit return, and 2-3 hours on the Bungalow Spur to Harrietville. So it's about 7-8 hours Diamantina Hut to Harrietville, and that's for people walking steadily. The next day is tough, about 1200 metres of climbing, and this will take all the day. Once on Bon Accord spur there is no water until back at the car - there is no water at Diamantina Hut.

In my view it would be better to do the walk in reverse, down Bon Accord and up the Bungalow the next day. There are two reliable water sources near Federation Hut, and there's a tank. There's also one big creek and a smaller soak in the first hour from the bottom. The latter is just above Tobias Gap, may not be running. Bungalow Spur is much better graded than Bon Accord.

Not having camping gear is limiting. If you can get some basic gear then there's another option. Pretty Valley is about 30 minutes from Falls Creek. It may be possible to camp at the car and do day trips. There's much less climbing, there's water in many places, and there are a number of peaks - Jaithmathang, Jim, Cope. There are good tracks and snow poles, easy navigation.

Scody 3 Peaks challenge is on that weekend so Falls Creek will be very busy and the Bogong High Plains road has some closures for most of Sunday so factor that in. There will be around 3000 bikes on the road doing the lap so heading up to Hotham or getting accommodation in the area could also be a challenge. The Great Alpine Road is not closed but the bikes make driving the area a challenge during the event. Get in early Sat and out Monday but expect traffic and bikes on all days.
Lops is spot on about your plan. A day walk to Feathertop is easy enough and you may pick up a place to stay at Hotham or Dinner Plain on the Saturday night. Either day walk again from there on the Sunday and we could come up with something if you need or head out before the bikes arrive. As long as you go west it will not be a problem but they should be through Hotham by mid morning.

Hey thanks for the tips!
we had a great hike, but not the one we planned! We were going to do the razorback return from diamantina hut but couldn't get through as the road was closed from Harrietville for the bike race (as you had warned!) so we left from Harrietville and went up Bungalow Spur. Made it to federation hut and had lunch there then hiked back down to Harrietville. Was really nice, amazing views and challenging but not beyond us - next time hopefully we will make it to the top!
Cheers guys

Next time leave another car at the Fish farm and go back via the NW spur.