Mt Hotham Climb
Victorian Alps, VIC
At a Glance
About the Mt Hotham Climb
One of Australia's longest sealed climbs - 30.8km from Harrietville to Mt Hotham summit with 1,310m of vertical gain through the Victorian Alps.
The Harrietville to Mt Hotham ascent is the gold-standard Australian alpine climb and the centrepiece of the Peaks Challenge Falls Creek course. From the small town of Harrietville at the foot of the Ovens Valley, riders follow the Great Alpine Road as it traces the Ovens River before tipping skywards at the appropriately named 'The Meg' - a brutal 5km section that averages around 8% with ramps to 11%. Beyond Meg the gradient eases through tight switchbacks and forest before the famously exposed CRB Hill, Diamantina Spur and Mt St Bernard sections deliver the final blow.
The full climb tops out at 1,861m at the Hotham Heights village, making it a true Hors Categorie effort with 1,310m of elevation gain spread over 30.8km at an average of around 4.2%. The numbers undersell the difficulty: the climb has three distinct false-flat descents that break the rhythm and force riders to surge back up to gradient. Above the tree line the views across the Razorback ridge and Mt Feathertop are some of the finest in Australian cycling.
Best tackled between November and April when the road is clear of snow and resort cafes are open. Riders typically start from Harrietville Bakery or the Snowline Hotel, both popular post-ride stops. Weather changes fast above 1,500m so a wind vest and arm warmers are essential even in summer. The descent back to Harrietville is fast and technical with several unprotected drop-offs, so wet conditions warrant caution. This is a bucket-list climb for any serious Australian road cyclist.
Gradient profile — Avg gradient: 4.2%, Max gradient: 11%.
Mt Hotham Climb Safety & Warnings
Alpine weather changes rapidly; snow possible Apr-Oct; technical descent with unprotected edges; carry layers and food.
Mt Hotham Climb Highlights
Mt Hotham Climb Facilities & Huts
Links & Resources
Find Nearby Accommodation
Hotels, apartments, hostels and luxury stays
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Nearby
Campsites(5)
Trails(3)
Attractions(5)
Toilets(3)
Fuel(4)
Dump Points(3)
Dinner Plain Dump Point
Free · 13.8km
Scrubbers Lane Car Park
Free · 14.2km
Mount Beauty Holiday Centre Dump Point
Free · 21.7km
Pubs(5)
Fast Food(1)
Wineries(2)
State Forests(2)
National Parks(5)
Bundara - Cobungra Remote and Natural Area
Nature Reserve · 11.9km
Boiler Plain Reference Area
Nature Reserve · 12.3km
Wongungurra River headwaters Natural Catchment Area
Nature Reserve · 13.1km
Smoko Streamside Reserve
Nature Reserve · 13.5km
Whiterock Creek Reference Area
Nature Reserve · 19.7km