The plan by the Victorian government to upgrade the ‘Falls to Hotham Crossing’, a three day walk from the resort towns of Falls Creek to Hotham has been the subject of a long campaign by many environmental and outdoors groups and individuals because it is seen as a commercialisation of national parks. The plan, as originally pitched, was for several commercial accommodation ‘pods’ along the route, plus a major re-route of the walk to go up to Mt Feathertop. Government says ‘the walk is planned to be a multi-day hiking experience through the unique alpine environment, from Falls Creek to Mount Hotham.’

Faced with strong opposition, Parks Victoria is now proposing a scaled down version of the proposal, although notes that while they have not included overnight accommodation huts as part of the current proposed construction, ‘they do remain in the master”.

HEADER IMAGE: Artist impression of shelter at High Knob.

You can find background on the proposal here (previous stories on Mountain Journal).

The following is an update from Parks Victoria about the current plans.

Parks Victoria has progressed financial, environmental and cultural heritage assessments for the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing.  Based on new information, there are planned changes to what is being delivered.

Work will now focus on an end-to-end experience connecting the two Alpine Resorts through a four day – three night experience. Overnight campsites are proposed at Cope Hut, Westons Hut and High Knob.

The project will:

  • include track works to improve existing trails and install boardwalk sections to protect sensitive vegetation.
  • include new tent platforms and new toilets (where not currently existing) at overnight campsites and the addition of a shelter at High Knob.
  • improve signage along the trails and at campgrounds.
  • not include overnight accommodation huts as part of the construction. They do remain in the master.

Why changes were made

Feedback from the community and stakeholder engagement has been considered as part of these changes, including concerns regarding over-visitation and potential environmental impacts. Other factors that have helped plan the changes include:

  • Environmental assessments
  • Aboriginal cultural heritage assessments
  • Non-aboriginal cultural heritage assessments
  • Financial and budgetary considerations
  • Visitor experience.

Completed detailed designs

Detailed designs have been completed for each overnight node, including locations for tent platforms, new toilets and a new shelter at High Knob.

Based on these designs, final detailed assessments will be undertaken in the upcoming months.  This will include targeted flora and fauna surveys, cultural heritage assessments and heritage impact assessments.

The detailed designs can be found on the project’s webpage.

Community information sessions

We will be hosting a series of information sessions in the local community on Friday 29 November and Saturday 30 November to share project changes.

Come and chat anytime between the allocated times.  You do not need to register to attend these sessions, come whenever suits you best.

Mount Beauty Pop Up:

Date: Friday 29 November
Time: anytime between 4pm and 6pm
Location: nearby Mount Beauty Foodworks, Kiewa Crescent, Mount Beauty.

Harrietville Pop Up:

Date: Saturday 30 November
Time: anytime between 8am and10am
Location: nearby Dolly’s Coffee Van, 194 Great Alpine Road, Harrietville.

Bright Pop Up:

Date: Saturday 30 November
Time: anytime between 1pm and 3pm
Location: nearby Ritchies IGA, 16 Ireland Street, Bright.

We will also be holding an online community information session on Wednesday 4th December 2024 from 5.30-7pm.  Please fill out a registration form to attend.