There’s something about a trip in a car that’s seen more kilometres than a one-way trip to the moon. Mark’s battered Subaru, with its bouncy suspension and a boot full of hiking gear, was our auto from Fitzroy to the high country for the ANZAC Day long weekend. Five hours of winding highways, coffee stops, and questionable playlists later, we arrived at Diamantina Hut, the gateway to one of Victoria’s most iconic alpine hikes: Mount Feathertop via The Razorback.
The car park was a scene of a long weekend escape – dozens of vehicles lined the Great Alpine Road, evidence of the Razorback’s popularity. But as we shouldered our packs and wandered over to the hut, we realised most people were day-trippers or had already set off. The hut itself was quiet, offering us a peaceful spot to set up for the night and acclimatise to the crisp mountain air. After a slow dinner and campfire in the hut, we bunked down, grateful for the silence after the drive.
We rose early the next morning, the sky a flawless blue and the air just cool enough to remind us that winter wasn’t far off. The Razorback track is famous for its sweeping ridgeline, and it didn’t disappoint. The path undulates gently with panoramic views of the Victorian Alps in every direction. The terrain is a mix of rocky outcrops and grassy sections, but the walking is never too steep, just enough to keep the legs honest.
The only challenge was the sheer number of people. Groups of hikers, including a large, boisterous crowd of young people, filled the trail with chatter. It was hard to find a quiet moment, but the scenery more than made up for it.
After a few hours, Federation Hut came into view, nestled just below the ridgeline. The campsite was busy but not overflowing, and we managed to find a flat spot in the trees. The hut’s water tank ran out of water, but luckily, there is a spring not too far along the track.
Dinner was a simple affair of pasta and the last of the inedible 90% cocoa chocolate. As dusk fell, the campsite settled into a quiet buzz, tents dotting the grassy flat and the hut’s silhouette framed against the fading sky. After a twitchy night’s sleep, we woke early for the final push to Mount Feathertop’s summit.
The walk to the top takes about an hour from Federation Hut, passing the spring with some of the best water I have ever tasted. The final ascent is a moderate slog, but the reward is a 360-degree view across the High Country, where you can see Mount Bogong and beyond.
The return journey along the Razorback was a better experience. The crowds had gone, and the trail felt serene. We took our time, stopping often to soak in the views and let the silence settle. The drive back to Fitzroy was a slow, shared effort, fuelled by fish and chips, strong coffee, and opinions. Mark’s Subaru, as always, bounced home.
Leave a Reply