Aus's highest alpine village

Cobungra Ditch Walking Track (inc. Brabralung)

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Distance: 12.5 km one way, create a 18 km circuit using the Brandy Creek Link Track onto the Brabralung Trail and returning to Mt Hotham village.

Duration: Approximately 4 – 4.5 hours one way

Grade: Moderate

Start Point: Utilise the Davenport Access Track and The Huts Walk on the northern end to get on the Cobungra Ditch Walking Track in the valley, or Brandy Creek Mine Track on the southern end.

Best Time to Hike: November to April, during snow-free months for safer and more enjoyable conditions. In the New Year the Ditch is ablaze with a range of spectacular wild flowers and if you're lucky you'll encounter a grazing wombat or a foraging flame robin along the way.

Location

About

The Cobungra Ditch Walk is a fascinating historical trail that combines stunning alpine scenery with a journey into the region’s gold mining heritage. Following course of an abandoned water race that conveyed a stream of water for the hydraulic sluicing operations of the Cobungra Gold Mining Company, this walk offers a unique perspective on the Alpine National Park.

The Cobungra Ditch Walk follows the historic Cobungra Ditch, a 30 km water race constructed in the late 1800s to supply water for gold mining operations in the region. Much of the original ditch is retained by dry-stone walls with this well-maintained trail through Hotham’s lower ranges highlighting its preserved sections and the engineering ingenuity of the miners who built it.

The trail meanders through snow gum forests and gullies, offering spectacular views of the Cobungra River valley. The track is mostly flat, making it an accessible option for hikers with moderate fitness levels, however ascents and descents are required to access the main Cobungra Ditch Walking Track from either end. Along the way, interpretive signs provide insight into the ditch’s construction and its role in the area’s rich mining history.

Wildlife sightings, including flame robins and wombats, are common for quiet walkers. The turnaround point offers an opportunity to pause, take in the surroundings, and reflect on Hotham’s history before it was the popular ski resort it is today.

Nearby Attractions

  • Brandy Creek Mine Lookout: Extend your walk with a detour to this viewpoint for a glimpse into the region’s mining past.

Immerse yourself in the captivating blend of history and nature on the Cobungra Ditch Walk, where you can discover how the quest for gold drove the first European settlers to the area in the 1860s.

Grade: Moderate – suitable for walkers with a reasonable level of fitness. Some bush walking experience is recommended.

Track Type: The track is well graded following the contour of the hill with a gradual fall towards the Brandy Creek mine when commenced from the northern side. The path is well formed with some obstacles and short sections with steps.

Accessibility

Parking is available at both trailheads—Brandy Creek Mine Track and on the roadside at the Davenport Access trailhead.

What to Bring

  • Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or light hiking boots.

  • Clothing: Layers for variable alpine weather and a waterproof jacket.

  • Water: Carry at least 2 litres per person, as there are no water sources along the trail.

  • Food: Snacks or a light lunch to enjoy during your hike.

  • Sun Protection: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

  • Binoculars: Great for spotting birds and wildlife.

Safety Tips

  • Weather Conditions: Always check the forecast before setting out. Alpine weather can change rapidly.

  • Historic Sites: Avoid disturbing the historical features of the ditch and the surrounding environment.