By Deanne Jeffers
EAGER to get out and experience the great outdoors but you’re not sure where to start? This guide features three hiking trails, all boasting stunning scenery and diverse views, all accessible within a three hour drive. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a casual walker, there’s a trail waiting to be explored.
Explore Mount Beauty Gorge Difficulty: Easy
DISTANCE: 2 hours and 30 minutes from Shepparton
LENGTH: 3.5km to 4.2km
DURATION: Around 1 hour
TERRAIN: Clear, well signed marked track, but it can be slippery.
This walk takes you through a beautiful gorge and swimming holes near Mount Beauty, Victoria. The trail is considered easy to follow and it has no obstacles until the last hundred or so metres where it can be difficult crossing if water levels are high. Whether you can access the end of the trail or not, it is a beautiful walk with the highlights being mountain views, the cool gorge, plus the chance to cool off in the crystal clear swimming pools if it’s hot enough. Mount Beauty has a huge range of walking, BMX and mountain biking trails, so you can tailor your route to suit your fitness level, experience, and the time you have available.
Climb Mount Major
Difficulty: Moderate
DISTANCE: 28 minutes from Shepparton
LENGTH: 4.7km-7km, depending on routes you choose.
DURATION: 1h 30min to 3hrs.
TERRAIN: Dirt, gravel and concrete tracks.
Located a stone throw from Shepparton in the picturesque town of Dookie, Mount Major is popular for both walkers and mountain bike enthusiasts. Mulana nin iyoga (Yorta Yorta for ‘Spirit of the Stone’) is a 4.7km return trail on the northern side of Mount Major, while the southern side has a vast network of mountain biking trails. Fantastic views of the surrounding countryside (which change every season), can be seen from the summit.
Hiking Razorback
Difficulty: Hard
DISTANCE: 2 hours and 50 minutes from Shepparton
LENGTH: 22.7km, approximately 11.35km per day over two days
DURATION: Two days, camping overnight. Walking approximately three hours each day.
TERRAIN: Rocky, icy and steep in some parts.
Razorback Track is a popular trail in Victoria’s Alpine region. It is a stunning scenic walk with changing scenery and challenging terrain ideal for experienced hikers and people of good fitness. If you’re looking to embark on overnight hiking, this is a great choice. From Razorback Track you can climb Victoria’s second highest mountain, Mount Feathertop, and take refuge at Federation Hut.
As the name Razorback Ridge suggests, you’ll be traversing across a high alpine ridge to reach your destination. In winter, it can get very slippery on moss and rocks, and you should be prepared for ice and snow with the appropriate gear, including microspikes or snowshoes above 1400m. During summer, be wary of leeches and snakes. Gaiters are recommended and always ensure you have a first aid kit on hand.
The route finishes at Federation Hut campsite, making it the perfect base for the night before your ascent to the summit. The campsite has toilet facilities, a water tank, hut with a fireplace, table and seating.
You will have to scramble over some very high areas on difficult terrain navigating this out and back track, hiking experience is essential. The evolving scenery and panoramic views make this a must do hike in my opinion.
