Epic Hikes of the World ( PDFDrive )

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VICTORIAN HIKES
DESERT DISCOVERY WALK
This four-day walk is through surprising landscapes in the semi-arid Mallee region
of western Victoria. Despite the semi-aridity, the Little Desert National Park is
anything but barren, with vast areas of native wildflowers, Flame heath and
woodlands of yellow gum and slender cypress found in its heathlands, salt lakes,
rolling dunes, dry woodlands and river red gum forests. The range of birdlife is
amazing too; from the tiny blue wren, exotic gang-gang cockatoos and honeyeaters
to the fascinating mound-building malleefowl. You literally wake and retire to
birdsong. The full 52-mile (84km) trek is best suited to experienced walkers, but
there are options for one-to four-day hikes, and two campsites along the way.
Avoid the summer, which gets very hot.
Start/End // Horseshoe Bend camping ground, Kiata
Distance // 52 miles (84km)
CROSSCUT SAW AND MT SPECULATION
This is one of the must-do hikes in the scenic Alpine National Park. Starting at
Upper Howqua Camping Area, it crosses the Howqua River several times, before a
challenging climb up Howitt Spur to Mt Howitt. The trail then traverses the jagged
angles of the Crosscut Saw, which include the interestingly named Mt Buggery and
Horrible Gap, then a steep hike up to Mt Speculation. The breathtaking
panoramas of the Australian Alps and the remote and spectacular Razor Viking
Wilderness are unforgettable. The return is back across the Crosscut Saw to Mt
Howitt and then either down Thorn Range or via Howitt Spur back to the Upper
Howqua Camping Area. Walkers usually overnight at the two campsites, the first at
Macalister Springs, and the other at Mt Speculation. Best done over three days in
November to April.
Start/End // Upper Howqua Camping Area
Distance // Approx 24 miles (38km)