Join YHA Bushwalking for a beginner-friendly snow camping adventure at Mt Stirling on the last weekend of July! This is your chance to experience the magic of snow camping—with the bonus of a cosy alpine hut nearby for extra reassurance. Whether you're trying snowshoeing for the first time or want to tick off a snowy summit, this trip is a great way to dive in.
TRIP OVERVIEW
Just three hours from Melbourne and 30 minutes from Mt Buller, Mt Stirling is a winter wonderland criss-crossed with over 68km of snow-covered trails winding through Alpine Ash and Snow Gum woodlands. Our route takes in some of the mountain’s best snowshoe terrain, with panoramic views from the summit that are well worth the climb.
This is a medium-grade snowshoe walk and camp, suitable for those with good fitness and a sense of adventure. You’ll need the right winter gear and a positive attitude—because it’s snow much fun once you’re out there!
GEAR CHECKLIST
You’ll need to bring:
A 4-season tent with snow pegs
Sleeping bag rated to -10°C
Snow-rated or closed-cell sleeping mat
Waterproof boots, gaiters, insulated jacket & pants
Puffy jacket, beanie, gloves
Gas or liquid fuel stove
High-energy food and snacks for 2 days: 2x lunch, 1x dinner, 1x breakfast
A detailed gear list will be provided by the trip leader. Snowshoe hire available for $55 if needed.
ITINERAY
Distance: ~20km over two days
Saturday: Starting at 10am from Telephone Box Junction, we’ll follow Bluff Spur Trail (~4km) to Bluff Spur Hut, then continue another 2km to our overnight camp near King Spur Hut. After lunch, we’ll snowshoe to Geelong Grammar School Hut and explore the summit area, including the stunning Stirling South Summit. Expect 12–14km for the day.
Sunday: One last visit to the summit before snowshoeing back to the cars. Distance ~8km.
TRANSPORT & COSTS
We’ll carpool to keep costs down—please indicate your transport preferences when booking.
Additional costs include:
Alpine resort entry & overnight parking: $128 per vehicle (shared between occupants)
Shared fuel costs (see Carpooling page for details)
Optional snowshoe hire: $55
Reminder: Snow chains must be carried by law while in alpine resorts during the snow season.
BOOKINGS REQUIRED:
https://yhabush.org.au/events/mt-stirlingbeginnersnowcamp-jul2025/
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