The fourth of our top ten Australian day walks, Razorback Ridge is the highlight of Victoria on two feet and a heart beat.

The Australian landscape is filled with Razorback Ridges but ask any bushwalker and there’s only one true Razorback.Strung between Mt Feathertop and Mt Hotham like a length of string, Razorback Ridge offers exhilarating alpine walking and some of the finest views in the Victorian High Country.

Entirely above the tree line, there’s a big-name neighbour wherever you look: Mt Bogong, Buffalo, Hotham and, directly ahead, Feathertop, the most impressive of all Victoria’s peaks, standing isolated from the waves of mountains around it.

Walkers who fancy a shorter day can turn back at a saddle above Federation Hut, retracing their steps along Razorback Ridge, while those with peak-bagging spirit can continue on to the summit of Feathertop before returning across the ridge to Hotham.

WHERE //

Begins at Mt Hotham on the Great Alpine Road 340km from Melbourne.

WHY //

It’s one of Australia’s airiest mountain experiences, threading the narrow Razorback Ridge towards Mt Feathertop, the so-called “Queen of the Alps”. Views galore.

DON’T MISS //

The ascent of Feathertop, Victoria’s second-highest peak. False summits will tease you all the way but it’s worth it for the wraparound views.

DISTANCE //

24km.

GRADE //

A long and exposed day out requiring a good level of fitness, though the only genuine climb is the Feathertop ascent. Weather conditions can be treacherous, so come prepared.

 

MORE INFO //

Bright visitor centre (08) 5755 2275, Alpine National Park www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

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