Perfect for the whole family, our guided bushwalking program allows you to learn about the history of Mt Hotham from the golden era through to the the resort we know today. If you're lucky you may even spot some of the local wildlife along the way, including the mountain Pygymy Possum - unique to the Australian Alps!
A Mt Hotham guide will lead you on the walk, pointing out noteworthy features and points of interest, and also providing information about the local flora and fauna.
All of the walks are between 3 and 5 kilometres in length, and are designated at Grade 2-3 according to the Australian Walking Track Grading System.
No bookings are required for these walks, just turn up at the meeting point as specified in the information below. Wear sturdy shoes, BYO water and snacks. For updates about the walks, please keep an eye on our Facebook page.
1. History of Hotham and Pygmy Possums - Wednesday 26 December 2018
This short stroll takes in the summit of Mt Higginbotham and some of the early history of the resort, exploring the Mountain Pygmy Possum habitat along the way.
- Grade and length: Grade 3, approximately 3km return
- Meet: Village Square, Corral Carpark, 9:30am.
- Finishes: Village Square.
2. Gold, gold, gold! - Tuesday 1 January 2019
Walk over the site of the Brandy Creek Mine, and discover the remarkable history of one of the region's highest deep lead mines, then explore the site of the old Cobungra township.
- Grade and length: Grade 3, approximately 3km return
- Meet: The General, 9:30am
- Finishes: The General
3. The Summit and Baldy Mine Loop - Tuesday 1 January 2019
This short stroll over the Summit takes a short detour to the Baldy Gold Mine.
- Grade and length:Grade 3, approximately 2km return.
- Meet: Village Square, Corral Car Park, 11:00am
- Finishes: Village Square
4. Looking out into Dargo - Sunday 20 January 2019
This easy stroll takes walkers through snow gum forests to the Dargo lookout. Learn about the great rush to the upper Dargo Goldfield in 1863, and about Jimmy Broomfield, who was lost trying to protect his newly discovered diggings. Bring a snack and try out the new picnic shelter!
- Grade and length: Grade 2, approximately 1.5km return
- Meet: The General Store, 9:30am - Note that you will need your car to drive to Wire Plain
- Finishes: Wire Plain carpark
5. Christmas Hill Viewing Point - Sunday 20 January 2019
This longer walk follows the Wonderland Trail, stopping at lookouts taking in the Brandy Creek Mine and Mt Hotham resort.
- Grade and length: Grade 3, approximately 4.5km return
- Meet: Wire Plain carpark (about 4km from Hotham Village towards Dinner Plain), 11:00am
- Finishes: Wire Plain carpark
6. History of Hotham and Pygmy Possums - Sunday 20 January 2019
This short stroll takes in the summit of Mt Higginbotham and some of the early history of the resort, exploring the Mountain Pygmy Possum habitat along the way.
- Grade and length: Grade 3, approximately 3km return
- Meet: The General, 2:00pm.
- Finishes: The General
7. Gold, gold, gold! - Sunday 10 March 2019
Walk over the site of the Brandy Creek Mine, and discover the remarkeable history of one of the region's highest deep lead mines, then explore the site of the old Cobungra township.
- Grade and length: Grade 3, approximately 3.5km return
- Meet: The General Store, 9:30am - Note that a bus will be provided for the drive to the start of the walk
- Finishes: The General
8. History of Hotham and Pygmy Possums - Sunday 21 April 2019
This short stroll takes in the summit of Mt Higginbotham and some of the early history of the resort, exploring the Mountain Pygmy Possum habitat along the way.
- Grade and length: Grade 3, approximately 3km return
- Meet: Village Square, Corral Carpark, 9:30am.
- Finishes: Village Square.
9. Looking out into Dargo - Saturday 27 April 2019
This easy stroll takes walkers through snow gum forests to the Dargo lookout. Learn about the great rush to the upper Dargo Goldfield in 1863, and about Jimmy Broomfield, who was lost trying to protect his newly discovered diggings. Bring a snack and try out the new picnic shelter!
- Grade and length: Grade 2, approximately 1.5km return
- Meet: The General Store, 9:30am - Note that a bus will be provided for the drive tothe start of the walk
- Finishes: The General Store