Feathertop Long Weekend

Days: 3    Nights: 2    Length: 24km    Elev. gain: 700m    Grade: 4    Sat - Mon

*Drivers may be prioritised to allow the trip to run  

With the long-weekend upon us, where would you rather be than at the MUMC Hut resting in the morning shadow of Mount Feathertop?

Known as "Victoria's mountain", Mount Feathertop is unique amongst the peaks in the Victorian Alps. Unlike the other peaks in the high plains like Mount Bogong and the Fainters, where erosion has flattened these mountains off into rounded domes, Feathertop has retained a sharp pyramid peak for its summit, and offers absolutely spectacular views of pristine alpine terrain and deep valleys from all sides. 

In the 1960s, a bunch of dirtbag MUMC members put their engineering skills to good use and built an alpine hut off the north west spur of the peak, which became the MUMC hut. This hut is now a heritage listed building and is under the ownership of Parks Victoria, but MUMC retains a strong connection to this thoroughly unique piece of history. 

We are planning a relaxed trip up to the hut over the long weekend, to spend some time doing some maintenance and conservation efforts in and around the vicinity of the hut. Specifically, assessing snow gums for insect and fire damage and  giving the campsite ia little bit of TLC. Overall, expect a lazy second day to relax around the hut and enjoy some time in nature. 

The plan is to hike from Diamantina Hut along the exposed Razorback towards Mount Feathertop. We will will spend two nights camping outside the MUMC Hut before heading back along the Razorback to the cars.

The summit of Mt Feathertop will be an optional trip during our stay depending on weather and conditions. This will be determined by the trip leaders on the day.

For those interested, please note this is an intermediate alpine overnight hike and is intended for people with a decent amount of overnight hiking experience. The Razorback is an exposed alpine ridge with limited shelter, and conditions can change quickly. Participants should be comfortable carrying a full overnight pack and hiking in cold, windy, and wet conditions. Given the extended stay, participants need to be comfortable with treating their own water.

Itinerary

Saturday

12km    300 elev.    ~5-6hours

• Meet at MUMC clubrooms at 8:30am. Perform gear check and head off at 9am.
• Arrive at Diamantina Hut at 12:30pm.
• Walk to MUMC hut across the Razorback arriving around 6-7pm.

Sunday

Rest, relax and conservation day!

• Enjoy the hut, hang out and socialise. 
  
• Weather permitting, visit the summit of Mount Feathertop.
• Conservation activities to be led around the hut.

Monday

12km    400 elev.    ~5-6hours

• Leave camp around 9am at the latest.
• Cross the Razorback to Diamantina Hut arriving at cars around 2-3pm   
• Drive back to Crooms arriving around 7-8pm. Option for car groups to stop along the way for dinner.

Transport

We will meet at the MUMC Clubrooms at 8:30am Saturday morning, aiming to leave by 9:00am. Aim to return by 7 or 8pm on Sunday night at the latest.

Fuel costs will be determined using the MUMC fuel calculator.

Extra Considerations

• Water is available at the MUMC hut but does run out easily with big groups. The closest alternative water source is 3km (return) at the NW Spur Spring or 5km (return) at the Federation Hut water tank.
• Water purification tablets (available at chemists) or a water filter are required.
• Weather forecast will be updated a week before the trip 
  
• Leaders will have a first aid kit, PLB + maps
  
• Gear can be hired from the gear store at the Tuesday meeting