The Bluff (1726m) Overnight Loop Hike

This 24.5km overnight loop (or circuit) hike to The Bluff is a massive trek with 1,661m of elevation gain. Starting from the banks of the Howqua River, it takes you up 8 Mile Spur to some of the best ridgeline walking in the state.

Overview

Passing over The Bluff (1,726m), Mt Eadey Loney (1,684m), and Mt Lovick (1,684m), this one is a real hidden gem if you ask me. The trail crosses a few 4WD access points if you want to coordinate a shorter day hike, but the full loop is the real challenge.

Access

Trailhead: 8-Mile Flat Camping Ground
Suggested Meeting Point: Mansfield IGA
Travel time: By car: 1hr 15m from Mansfield / 4 hours from Melbourne. Dirt road on the final section to campground.

The Bluff Trail Information

Hike time: 2 days / 10 hours hike time
Season: Summer (February)
Difficulty: Fitness (Grade 3: Hard) Technical (Grade 2: Moderate)
Safety Notes: This is a long hike in a dry area. You need to carry a significant amount of water if hiking in summer. Leave early. Even outside of winter, be prepared for cold conditions on the peaks – it’s exposed at 1,700m and weather shifts fast.

Post Hike Report

We started this hike from a long way out. The 7 Mile and 8 Mile Flat camping areas are popular for 4WD enthusiasts and anyone seeking a cool place in summer with the Howqua River running through. We camped the night before to ensure an early start.

Heading off from the campground, the trail immediately begins the climb up 8 Mile Spur. Within 20 minutes we could already feel the glare of the summer heat. With the spur exposed to the sun and rocky ground, we were already chewing through our water. I highly recommend bringing a water filtration system or a lot of water if you’re doing this full loop.

You’ll grab glimpses of Mt Buller and the Bluff as you continue up. When you get to the “top” of this spur, you’ve climbed from 600m to 1,400m – and you still have a long way to go.

The trail drops through Refrigerator Gap, crossing the 4WD trail and road. If you have the right vehicle, this would be a great place to start to make it easier on yourself. From here you start Round 2. The trail becomes increasingly steep towards the bluff, but we found some icy cool springs bubbling from the mountain on the way up and a narrow trail that heads to the flat top.

At the top we took a quick rest. Running short on time, we didn’t head to the precipice itself but continued along the Bluff Walking Track towards Bluff Hut. This is where we were really able to stride out, although the burn from the climb was setting in and our water was low.

We arrived at the Bluff Hut quite late with the sun setting. Greeted by an older couple in a 4WD also camping at the site, we gratefully accepted their offer of water – avoiding the need to boil from the hut supply. We ate and went to bed quickly.

The next day we headed off on the return journey via a 4WD track and 14 Mile Spur track down to the Howqua River and Richie’s Camp. Some of the trails are steep with loose rocks, but the distance is what hurts the legs now. Once you reach the river, the trail is mostly flat with a few undulations as it passes river bends. It’s easy walking but hot again. With tired legs, the biggest risk is an injury or twist when you still have 5+km to go, so take it easy and stop in at the river when you can.

We arrived back at the car and immediately set off to the nearest pub for a well-earned beer. Summer is a great time to hike this to avoid the risk of snow and cold, but heed my advice and plan for plenty of water. If you’re not used to Australian conditions, lack of water and heat can be a real issue. It may be close to a ski resort, but NE Victoria gets hot and dry in summer.

Useful Resources

• Bluff Walking Track Parks Victoria
• 8-Mile Flat Camping Area
• Hiking in winter in Australia
• About Bluff Hut and the Camping Area