Summit Fire Observation Tower
Although i had originally intended to do this walk during the snow season, time flew by and here i am doing it now. The walk up Mt Buller’s west ridge starts in the Howqua Hills above the Sawmill Settlement and follows an exposed route all the way to the summit. Once you clear the tree line you will get fantastic views of the surrounding area including the Bluff, Mt Stirling and Lake Eildon.
To find the trail head, take the turnoff onto Doughty’s Rd when travelling along the Mt Buller Road, just past Sawmill Settlement. Doughty’s Rd should be no trouble for most 2WD’s, but 4WD is always handy. About 4km along the road you will reach the first turn off, an unmarked vehicle track veers left off a tight corner. If you reach a turnoff marked ‘Broadbent Rd’ then you have travelled to far, and should retrace to find the turnoff. (See foot note for alternate access via Broadbent Rd)
The unmarked turnoff on Doughty's Rd, closest access to the trail head.
Once you turn off Doughty’s Rd you can park in the clearing at the end of the vehicle track. From here you head uphill on a foot track towards the trail head. You should soon notice orange trail markers fixed to trees. From this point onwards it is a pretty solid slog uphill all the way to the summit.
The first break in the trail for a view is at Round Hill. At around 1300m you are still protected by the tree line and there are plenty of camping spots in the area if you were breaking the trip up.
The first view of the climb ahead, from Round Hill
Moving on from Round Hill, the serious part of the climb starts. Baring a few short descents, the track is steady uphill the whole way now. Much of the track is over loose rocks and shale, so it pays to take it easy.
The track is steep and rocky, only for the keen.
Eventually you will reach the final section before the summit. This is particularly steep and covered in loose rock, surprisingly, i found coming down this section much easier than going up. Once you finish the final climb it is an easy finish up toward the fire observation tower, and the best views of the whole walk.
View to the Bluff from the summit.
More photos of this hike can be seen in the gallery
Mt Buller West Ridge Walk
Distance: 11Km Return
Time:2-3 hours each way
Grade: Medium-Hard (Some steep rock scrambling)
Water: Mt Buller Resort
Access: Fair 2WD access
Mapping: Spatial Vision Buller-Howitt 1:50,000
*Broadbent Rd Vehicle Access
If you’d prefer, you can access the West Ridge Track via Broadbent Rd. Just after turning off Doughty’s Rd there is a large area to park. From here an overgrown vehicle track heads east towards the trail head. Not far along, the track will fork, be sure to take the left option. Follow this track till you pass a large logging clearing. Just after the clearing, take a right onto the trail which merges and head uphill towards the trail head. At this point you should start to notice orange trail markers fixed to trees.
