Timbertop Saddle to Mt Timbertop summit walk

Timbertop Saddle to Mt Timbertop summit walk created by Sean Mathews

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Summary

Walk up and back through layers of beautiful alpine vegetation and amazing mountain views. It is steepish, but if our group of 65+ year olds can do it, most others should consider doing so too.

Description

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Enjoy this wonderful return walking trail to spectacular (and I mean spectacular) views across vast high country vistas spanning the Delatite Valley to the Victorian Alps.

The forest on the way up keeps changing character with altitude in ways that will keep you fascinated. Be prepared to stop frequently and observe. If you go in spring or summer you will also be amazed by the variety of stunning wildflowers.

The trail is of well defined switchbacks and marked with easy to find trailmarkers. It climbs 425 metres from Saddle to Summit. Most of it is along an earth / gravel foot padded pathway with occasional steps and roots to negotiate. When dry it is easily navigable. It may be muddy when wet or covered in snow at times, so a bit of forethought about when you go is worthwhile. At the summit there is a short scramble up and over the rocks. OMG it is worth it! The Snowgum capped summit ridgeline is to die for.

It is fair to call this a challenging walk. Good footwear is needed. However, if you take your time to enjoy what is on offer and pace yourself, it seems to go all too quickly.

Carry water and a snack for the top. Be SunSmart and prepared for rapid weather changes.

It can be a popular walk at times. On the other hand, there are many quiet days and there is a mountain of room for finding your own space.

The walking track is accessed from Timbertop Saddle on the Howqua Track, about 6.5kms off the Mt Buller Road.

Picnic tables, a fire pit and parking are available at Timbertop Saddle on Howqua Track.

Dogs are welcome, but note they must be on a leash and under control at all times.

The nearest campground and toilets are at Sheepyard Flat on the Howqua River.

Other walks in the area
Plain Creek walk
Woollybutt walk

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Points of Interest

1. Timbertop Saddle day picnic area

With parking, picnic tables, a fire pit and map sign this is a convenient place to begin.

2. Forest flowers

There are plenty of wildflowers in the forest, like the pretty native bluebell.

3. Changing forest vegetation with altitude

As you ascend, the forest changes from dry woodland to white trunked Manna before you discover the Snowgums and alpine pasture.

4. Mountain dragon

If you are quiet and careful you might just spot one of these well camouflaged reptiles.

5. There are no seats on the path

However, there is plenty of seating.

6. The track

The track is an earth / gravel walkway with lots of switchbacks to ease the gradient, some steps and at this point some criss crossing tree roots.

7. Above the snowline

The views kick in around here.

8. Snowgrass pasture

The open space immediately below the summit provides uninterrupted views.

9. Orchids

We saw 6 species of orchid across 3 types on this day, including Bird orchids and Greenhoods. These are Sun orchids. Note the Everlasting daisies, a shiny spectacle in their own right.