Majestic Views at Mount Feathertop

This was a spectacular (late winter) hike to Mt Feathertop via Razorback Ridge from Daminita Hut. I highly recommend this day hike.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Spectacular panaromic views along 11km Razorback Ridge trail from Daminita Hut to MUMC Hut.

I left my car at the Diamantina Hut and caught the PTV bus ($3 and booked and paid for in advance - only runs three times a week in summer) down to Harrietville. I began the Bungalow Spur section of the walk late morning (mid December) in muggy, 30C conditions and maintained a relentless pace up. Proving difficult owing to the lack of air I became heatstroked and had to drop my pace considerably. Unbelievably I managed to get to Federation Hut about two hours after setting out. There I refreshed (as much psychologically as physically) before climbing Feathertop and then walking across the Razorback Ridge back to my car. All up, the walk took just over 6 hours. My decision to do it this way was guided by my desire to give myself a decent climb, yet spare my knees from a long, steep descent. My only descending was that of the rocky, exposed (and very windy) summit of Feathertop. The last few kilometres of the trek were painfully long, as I semi staggered back to my car. Much later (perhaps showering at home) I discovered I had chaffing (skin breakage) around my crutch. Matters were worsened by my having to get all the way to Bright (from the hut) on virtually no fuel, having banked on a non existent fuel outlet at Hotham and having left Omeo without filling up.The rain (as forecast) came not long after the finish of my walk and it was pelting down at the Bright servo as I relievedly refueled before driving all the way back to Melbourne. It was one hell of a day but a truly great experience. Tip A... no fuel is obtainable between Omeo and Bright. Don't get caught out. Tip B ... walking without air in humid conditions of about 30C is somewhat risky.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.