The Bluff Circuit (27km)

Southern Alpine National Park

The Bluff Circuit

The Bluff Circuit traverses almost 2000m in elevation across 27km. As such, this trail is considerably difficult and only for very fit hikers. The climb to the summit of The Bluff is extremely steep and involves basic rock scrambling.

Important Details

Description

The Bluff Circuit hike is a grade 5, 27km trail located in the Alpine National Park, Victoria. This trail traverses The Bluff and Mt Eadley Stoney, where you will walk along a 3km alpine plateau, taking in some of the best scenery in the high country. This hike can be done as an overnight hike, or as a day hike for the fit and experienced hiker.

DAY 1 (14km): The hike begins at Eight Mile Flat. Take the Howqua River High Track for 500m, locating Eight Mile Spur to your right. Eight Mile Spur climbs to Refrigerator Gap for 7km. Some sections of the start and end of this trail are quite steep, with the middle section being fairly flat. Eight Mile Spur is easily followed with a clear trail. Upon reaching Refrigerator Gap, continue along Bluff Link Road just under a kilometer, where you will find The Bluff Carpark and trailhead.

The Bluff walking track begins with a moderate gradient, quickly becoming very steep. Towards the top of the trail, you will have to scramble over rocks, requiring basic rock scrambling skills. After the rock scrambling you will reach the plateau. Take a left and walk towards the summit of The Bluff (1725m). At the summit of The Bluff you will pick up the trail once more. This trail will take you over Mt Eadley Stoney and to your destination for the night – Bluff Hut.

DAY 2 (13km): From Bluff Hut, follow Bluff Track north-west towards Bluff Link Road. At the intersection of Bluff Link Road and Bluff Track, locate a footpad in a north-westerly direction – this is Fourteen Mile Spur Track. The track isn’t commonly used, but the trail is visable from top to bottom. Take care to always be sure that you are on the trail as downed trees can lead you astray. Fourteen Mile Spur Track will finish at Ritchies Hut. From Ritchies Hut, cross Fourteen Mile Creek and return to Eight Mile Flat by following the Howqua River High Track.

Variations

This hike can be done as a day hike for the fit and experienced hiker.
You can do this circuit in reverse, walking along the Howqua River High Track to Ritchies Hut, ascend Fourteen Mile Spur Track, and follow Bluff Track to Bluff Hut for day 1. On the second day follow The Bluff walking track over The Bluff and descend to Refrigerator Gap. Follow Eight Mile Spur from Refrigerator Gap to return to Eight Mile Flat.

Access

This hike is accessed from Merrijig. From Merrijig follow the Howqua Track for 16km to Sheepyard Flat. Drive past Sheepyard Flat along Brocks Road for another 13km where you will locate Eigh Mile Flat. Howqua Track and Brocks Road are unsealed dirt roads, but are 2WD accessible.

Water

Water is available throught this trail in many locations. Untreated water is available from the Howqua River. There is a water source located on The Bluff plateau just south from the summit – it is easily visable (looks like a rock pool). Water is also available at Bluff Hut from the water tank.

Trail Conditions

Trail Notes (as of 10/03/2023): Eight Mile Spur Track is in excellent condition, with no overgrowth problems. Fourteen Mile Spur Track is followable but presents some overgrowth issues. The trail may be navigationally challenging in the near future.

Map

Weather

For the most accurate weather Better Hiking suggests the use of Bureau of Meteorology forecasts. Please refer to the forecast linked below for this trail.

Mount Buller weather info

Recommended Equipment

For Snow Season:

This trail is possible during winter seasons, and can offer conditions for mixing snow, rock and ice climbing. Be sure to bring the following equipment during the winter season:

Please see our equipment lists for further suggestions on what to bring for day hikes, overnight hikes and more. Every person and hike is different, you should pack the right equipment for you and the trail so as you are adequately prepared.

Recommended Fitness & Skill

The Bluff Circuit should be attempted by hikers who have sufficient experience with Grade 4 trails involving rock scrambling. The trail is steep with sections of long continuous ascent, you must be capable for walking uphill for extended periods of time. This trail also requires that you have basic rock scrambling skills.

In the winter this trail should be considered very difficult and only for experienced hikers who have the relevent snow and ice skills. These skills include traversing steep snow, mixed scrambling over snow, rock and ice, use of crampons, and use of an ice axe for snow traversing.

For winter terrain forecasts Better Hiking recommends the use of Mountain Safety Collective.
If you feel unprepared for this trail, please make use of our Training articles.

Safety

Before commencing this trail it is important to let others know of your intentions, and the route you wish to take. It is a good idea to share this trail guide with others so as they can locate you easily in the event of an emergency.
Carry with you a basic first aid kit.
Ensure you have the necessary navigation equipment and skills. Don’t always rely on GPS navigation, carry a map and compass.
Understand your physical capabilities. If you do not have the required level of fitness do not attempt this trail as you will put yourself in danger and potentially endanger others.