Staircase Spur

If you're going up and get this far you're just up to the hard stuff. Fantastic spot to camp for the night on the way down. Watch for copperhead snakes in camp area!

We hit the trailhead at 5 pm and planned to hike to Bivouac Hut in four hours. Rain, sleet, fallen trees and ice turned this into a five-and-a-half-hour slog. The hut itself was very welcoming and warm, as was hot tea and sound sleep. From the hut to the summit was challenging. In our favour was excellent weather; cold, crisp and clear. By the time we reached the top, we were sweating from exertion and our clothing thoroughly wet. Although it only took a few minutes to add a layer of down, the strong winds at the top drove the temperature down to around -15°C and we began to shiver and could hardly feel our fingers which were frozen. Minutes later, however, donned with beanie, balaclava and gloves we warmed quickly as we began our icy descent to Mitchell Hut. We had previously planned to overnight at Cleve Cole Memorial Hut but exhausted, we decided against that. The descent to the hut was pleasant enough because we were shielded from the wind and the sun was shining bright without a cloud in the sky. Our snow shoes made the descent easier, but you would not want to lose control at this stage of the descent. Mitchell Hut was not too far away and some people had a fire going strongly, and the warmth was welcome, as was the coffee and conversation. I slept in the hut while the others pitched their tents in the snow. The sky was cloudless and cold but the view of the Milky Way was spectacular. We began the trip to the trailhead at about 7 am while the snow was still hard and our crampons made short work of the journey. Once we reached the end of the snowline at about 1,100m, we removed the crampons and finished the without issues, luckily, because we successfully crossed one deep running creek and one very swiftly flowing creek. Anything could have happened at either one that would have changed the pleasant outcome. Oh, and one slippery bridge! Black ice saw me on my back with my 23kg pack and I almost lost one of my hiking poles! This is a challenging hike at the best of times, but in Winter you really need to plan and be prepared to adapt your plan according to the conditions.

Good little hut, have toilet and tank water

Yes, the only safe stop before you hit summit, which has a toilet, water tank but unsure that water is safe enough to drink, so keep 2-3 litres water with you & small hut where probably one can use to keep theirselves warm during cold hours using the fire pit provided. Also overnight camping can be done too Outside the hut.

Regarded as one of Australia's toughest walks, the Staircase Spur Trail is a hard one to conquer. Starting at the Mountain Creek camp ground the trail soon leaves the creek and makes its way 6klm uphill to Mt Bogong Summit. At 1986 metres this is Victoria's highest peak. Halfway up the trail you'll pass Bivouac Hut which is a great place to stop for a rest before trekking above the tree-line into the alpine zone. There is a toilet and water tank at the hut. The Mountain is notorious for bad weather, so be prepared for high winds and cold temperatures.. The views from Mt Buller through to the Kosciusko Range make the effort worthwhile.

Excellent hike. Winter makes it much more challenging

Very challenging ascent but so worth the views! Definitely worth the effort

Great track, good workout, take plenty of water and body fuel! Scenery is amazing!!

The most brutal hike I have ever completed. Done with a 12 kg hiking bag and camped on the summit. I had a genuine fear of coming back the same Staircase Spur so I went down Erksdale Spur which broke me. Regardless of everyone telling me not to do it solo, not to camp on the summit, etc, I made it. Highly recommended.