Mount Feathertop Mountain
Victoria's second-highest peak, popular winter hiking
One of Victoria's higher peaks in the Australian Alps; walkers tackle the Razorback ridge, shelter in alpine huts and snowwalk through winter conditions.
Mount Feathertop at a Glance#
Address: Mount Feathertop, Alpine National Park, Victoria, Australia (approach from Harrietville)
About Mount Feathertop#
Mount Feathertop is a prominent peak in the Victorian Alps of Victoria, Australia, and is widely regarded as the state’s second-highest mountain at about 1,922 meters elevation. It is known for its sharp ridges and alpine environment.
A popular alpine hiking and skiing destination with exposed ridgelines and panoramic views of the surrounding high country; the final approach along the Razorback is narrow and exposed and forms a dramatic feature for photographers. The mountain is reachable from several established trailheads within the Alpine National Park and is used for both summer hikes and winter backcountry skiing.
Used historically by local high-country communities and later developed as a recreational mountain for hiking and skiing; huts and winter routes have been established in surrounding valleys to support seasonal travel.
Sits within the Alpine National Park in northeastern Victoria, accessible from nearby towns such as Mount Hotham and Bright via park roads and trailheads.
- Elevation and rank: At about 1,922 meters (6,306 feet) the mountain is the second-highest peak in Victoria and a major target for day walkers and backcountry skiers in winter.
- Seasonal caution: Weather can change rapidly on the ridge; winter conditions create significant avalanche hazard and require alpine equipment and experience for safe travel.
What to See#
- The Razorback: A narrow exposed ridge known as the Razorback that forms the final approach and descent route for many hikers and contributes to the mountain’s distinctive skyline in the Alpine National Park.
How to Get to Mount Feathertop#
Drive to Harrietville (nearest service town) and follow trailheads into Alpine National Park. Popular routes begin at the Bungalow Spur or Razorback walk starting near the Harrietville area car parks.
Tips for Visiting Mount Feathertop#
- Start from Harrietville and choose the Razorback Trail for the classic ridge experience; the Bungalow Spur is the shorter but steeper route.
- In winter, use crampons and an ice axe-Feathertop has been the site of serious winter accidents.
Best Time to Visit Mount Feathertop#
Summer is the usual season for hiking Mount Feathertop; winter climbs require mountaineering experience and equipment.
Weather & Climate near Mount Feathertop#
Mount Feathertop's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in February) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -3°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1658 mm/year), wettest in June.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 8° - 18° | 13° | 89 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 9° - 18° | 13° | 80 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 7° - 16° | 11° | 109 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 3° - 11° | 4° | 139 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 1° - 7° | 0° | 152 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | -1° - 4° | -4° | 177 mm | - | - | 6.4 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | -3° - 2° | -6° | 166 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | -3° - 2° | -6° | 176 mm | - | - | 6.6 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | -1° - 5° | -3° | 169 mm | - | - | 6.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 1° - 8° | 1° | 158 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 3° - 12° | 5° | 124 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 6° - 15° | 11° | 119 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
