If your usual running loop is starting to feel a little too familiar - the same footpath, the same scenery, the same playlist on repeat - it might be time to trade your familiar for something wilder.
This summer, Mt Hotham invites you to lace up, step off the beaten path, and experience running in a whole new way. With kilometres of open space to explore, the views stretch for miles, the terrain keeps you on your toes, and the environment shifts with every climb - all you need are your running shoes and a bit of curiosity.
Whether you’re chasing elevation, building endurance, or simply looking to reconnect with nature, Hotham’s trail network offers a challenge worth chasing. From ridgelines above the clouds to wide, hard-compacted tracks, the terrain is as varied as it is rewarding - a natural playground that feels a world away from your usual route.
Trail Highlights: Where to Start, Where to Push, and Where to Soak It All In
Brabralung Trail (12km one-way)
New to alpine running? This is the perfect introduction. The Brabralung Trail links Hotham to Dinner Plain, gently descending through snow gum woodlands, open plains, and alpine meadows. With a steady gradient and a wide-open track, it’s ideal for building confidence while soaking in sweeping views of the Victorian Alps.
Huts Walk (15km return)
A local favourite for good reason. This loop takes you deep into Hotham’s High Country, through shady woodlands, across wildflower-dotted plains, and past three historic huts. It’s a great mid-distance option for runners wanting a mix of challenge and scenery, with enough elevation to get the legs working.
Razorback to Mt Feathertop (22km return)
If you’re chasing views, this is the one. The Razorback trail follows a ridgeline all the way to Victoria’s second-highest peak, Mt Feathertop (1,922m). You’ll stay mostly above the tree line, with 360-degree views that shift with every step. Expect a mix of rocky sections and grassy ridges, and a real sense of achievement when you reach the summit.
Hotham–Feathertop–Harrietville Loop (56km return)
Ready to go big? This ultra-worthy loop is for experienced runners looking for a serious challenge. Starting in Hotham Village, you’ll descend to Harrietville via the Bon Accord Track, climb back up to Mt Feathertop, and return via the Razorback. It’s a full-day epic with technical terrain, big climbs, and views that make you stop mid-stride.
And if you’re eager to test yourself, Hotham is home to five trail running events over summer, a great way to meet other runners, push your limits, and soak up the mountain atmosphere.
After clocking up the kilometres on Hotham’s trails, there’s no better place to refuel than The General. A local favourite and open year-round, it’s the kind of spot where muddy shoes are welcome and stories from the trails flow as easily as the cold drinks.
If you’ve been craving something different, a run that challenges your body, clears your mind, and connects you to the landscape, Mt Hotham is ready when you are. With every trail offering its own rhythm, reward, and reason to keep going, this alpine playground is more than just a change of scenery. It’s a chance to rediscover why you run, and where it can take you.