Description
Located within Alpine National Park, Mount Bogong stands high above the town of Mt Beauty in north-eastern Victoria. The lower slopes of Mount Bogong are covered with tall forests of Alpine Ash (Eucalyptus delegatensis) to an altitude of about 1300 metres. From 1300 metres to 1800 metres, woodland and open woodland of Snow Gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora) dominate, and above 1800 metres, the vegetation consists of alpine shrubland, grassland and herbfield.
'Bogong' is an Aboriginal word that means 'Big Fella'. At 1986 metres, Mt Bogong is the highest mountain in Victoria. However, the area is named after the bogong moths that local people would hunt, roast and eat here!
Getting To The Top
The best time to go is from November to May. Like most Australian peaks, it can be climbed without specialised mountaineering equipment, and, indeed, there are several summer walking trails to the summit.
The most popular summit route is from Mountain Creek Picnic Area along the Staircase Spur Trail, via Bivouac Hut and Castor and Pollux knolls. Although only 8 kilometres long, this is a tough, steep climb that will take most walkers four hours each way.
An alternative path to the top follows Mountain Creek east to Camp Creek, before ascending Eskdale Spur via Michell Hut.
These two routes can be combined to create a circuit doable in a day. You can also make this a two-day trip by continuing on past the summit and spending a night at Cleve Cole Hut. The hut is dedicated to the memory of Cleve Cole, a Victorian skiing pioneer who died after being trapped on Mount Bogong in the winter of 1936. In a virtual wilderness it is a magnificent refuge and a base in all seasons for walkers and skiers alike.
Choose Your Adventure
If walking to the summit of the state’s tallest mountain sounds a little too demanding, try one of the easier walks that also begin at the picnic area.
If you are really keen on bushwalking, the Bogong High Plains Circuit is a six-day, 85 kilometre hike through the region.
If you're a bit crazy, check out the 'Rooftop Run' - 64 kilometres along Victoria's Alpine ceiling from Mt Bogong to Mt Hotham held each year. This event is not for the faint hearted.
Besides brilliant bushwalking, the area around Mt Beauty offers some seriously good mountain biking, including the very challenging Bogong Hill Explorer Route. Mt Bogong and its surrounds are also great for horseriding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
