Mount Feathertop, at 1922 metres, is Victoria's second highest peak after Mount Bogong and is perhaps the most picturesque peak in the state. Unlike most other mountains, Mount Feathertop has steep slopes all the way to the top, its jagged peak poking above the skyline, making for an impressive sight.
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I've summited Mount Feathertop many times from various routes. The usual route has been up Bungalow Spur from just outside Harrietville, but there are other tracks that can get you there, including the North West Spur and Bon Accord Spur. The North West Spur is a steep and challenging climb to the peak. And there's another track further north that involves a long and hair-raising drive up a rough 4WD track that gets you to within spitting distance of the peak. The most popular route to Mount Feathertop would have to be across the Razorback, starting below Mount Hotham near the Diamantina Hut. This was the route a small group of us from the Border Bushwalking Club decided to take recently so we could watch the full moon rising.
Having 'done' the Razorback a few times in the past as a day walk, I'd forgotten that it was a little more than 'slightly undulating' as one of my companions claimed. With an overnight pack and some seriously steep climbs on a rough rocky track, I was soon finding the going tougher than I'd anticipated, but once I got into a rhythm, I began to enjoy the panoramic views across the Victorian High Country. The route is generally above the tree line, so excellent views are available for much of the walk; however, as the ridge is very exposed it should not be attempted in bad weather.
From the trailhead, the view is spectacular, and the sharp summit of Feathertop is visible in the distance. The trail is well marked, and easy to follow.
The Razorback intersects with the Bon Accord Spur track about 1km from the start and then intersects the Bungalow Spur Track 1.5km from the summit of Mount Feathertop at a site called 'The Cross' where we dumped our packs and took a breather before the short walk to Federation Hut where we set up camp. Federation Hut has a wood fire and water tank, and there are plenty of great campsites outside - no camping is allowed inside the hut. There is also a composting toilet nearby.
We cooked up an early dinner and as sunset approached, loaded our small day packs with a few essentials and set off to climb to the summit of Feathertop to witness the sun setting and a full moon rising. The climb to the summit is steep and can be quite challenging for those who are not fit. We reached the summit after about 45 minutes of steady climbing and settled down with the others gathered there to watch the sunset.
With darkness enveloping the mountain, we watched the moon slowly rise in the sky like a golden orb before switching on our head torches and making a slow and careful descent back to Federation Hut. After a restful night, we packed up our tents and, in perfect weather, trekked back across the ridgeline to our cars, admiring the spectacular views and promising ourselves a return trip in the near future.
A hike to Mount Feathertop along the Razorback can be done as a day hike over the 22kms return and takes around 7-8 hours to complete, or you can do it as we did. It can also be an excellent overnight hike for kids as it's not overly challenging and will give them a taste of the Victorian Alps. Check the forecast and make sure you have all the necessary gear and equipment as conditions can change suddenly at elevation.