10 Best hikes and trails in Baw Baw National Park

Best trails in Baw Baw National Park

4.2(702 reviews)

Australia
:
#151 of 637 national parks

Baw Baw National Park is located on the Baw-Baw Plateau of Victoria. Its alpine and subalpine landscape encompasses several high peaks, granite boulders, meadows, snowgum forests and rivers. It is a great place to hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, kayak and canoe.

Top trails

#1 - Mount Erica and Mushroom Rocks via Australian Alps Walking Track

This gradual climb up to Mount Erica is a secluded trail and features giant mushroom-like moss covered granite boulders, which have taken shape from the result of earthquakes and significant weathering over time. Experience a small stretch of the Australian Alps Walking Trail, which continues all the way to Canberra for 650 kms. Parking is available at the trailhead. Camping is available at Mushroom Rocks Campground along the track.

This is a peaceful trail through the Baw Baw National Park in eastern Victoria, located not too far south from Thompson Lake. This out and back route begins and ends from the end of Mount Erica Road, where parking and informative signs are available. Follow the Australian Alps Walking Track all the way up to Mushroom Rocks and back again - maze of giant granite tors. The trail can be a bit overgrown and quite muddy in some sections.

#3 - Mount Saint Phillack via Australian Alps Walking Track

This is a scenic section of the Australian Alpine Walking Track, located in Baw Baw National Park in Victoria. The trail starts near the historic gold mining town of Walhalla, about 2.5 hours drive from Melbourne. The Mount Erica car park is a secluded place to start your walk, by taking a brief dirt track drive, after visiting Walhalla. Unique features of this walk are Mushroom Rocks and Talbot Ruin.

#4 - Mount Saint Gwinear and Mount Saint Phillack Saddle

This is a great walk through the Victorian high country to the summits of Mount Saint Gwinear and Mount Saint Phillack in Baw Baw National Park. The track starts from the carpark at the end of St Gwinear Rd. The path ascends first through beautiful snow gums before rising above the forest edge to more exposed alpine meadows. On clear days, the views from the summits are spectacular.

#5 - Rock Shelter via Mount St Phillack and Mount Baw Baw

Experience the best of the Baw Baw Plateau on this stunning high-country walk. This section of trail takes you across the rooftop of the national park, from Mount Baw Baw over to Mount Saint Phillack and on to Camp Saddle. You'll wander through beautiful, twisted snow gum forests and across open plains with massive granite boulders. The panoramic views are non-stop. It's an epic walk through a classic Aussie alpine landscape.

#6 - Poverty Gully Walking Track

This is a spectacular walk through Poverty Gully along the Thompson River in Baw Baw National Park. The walk is straightforward and follows the western banks of the Thompson River all the way to Poverty Point Bridge and the junction with the Australian Alps Walking Track. There is plenty of lush greenery to enjoy on this walk making it a worthwhile option for shorter walks in the national park. When the bridge is open you can choose to cross and return on the other side of the river.

#7 - Saint Phillack Saddle via Village and Mueller's Trail

This is a fairly challenging track with the constant encroachment of vegetation and lake of visitation making for some tricky sections and the possibility to miss turn offs. That being said this is some spectacular Australian alpine vegetation and can really give you the sense of being out in the wilderness.

#8 - Mount Saint Gwinear Track

This is a great hike through the Baw Baw National Park in eastern Victoria, located not too far from Thomson Lake. The trail features some epic views across the Victorian Alps and the valleys of the Thomson and Aberfeldy Rivers. This out and back route begins and ends from the parking area at the end of St Gwinear Road, where parking is available. From here it's a steady climb up to summit Mount Saint Gwinear (1509m) and back again along the same route.

#9 - Mount Saint Gwinear and Mount Erica via Australian Alps Walking Track

A beautiful trail through the Baw Baw National Park, situated between the Victorian Alps and Gippsland regions of Victoria, Australia. The trail leaves from the parking area at the end of Saint Gwinear Road. The trail mostly follows the Australian Alps Walking Track, summiting Mount Saint Gwinear (1509m), Mount Talbot (1517m) and Mount Erica (1509m). The main viewpoint is from Mount Saint Gwinear, with most of the route passing through snow gums, marshes and other varied terrain. Camping is...

#10 - Mount Saint Gwinear Loop

Showing results 1–10 of 22

Explore more trails

Trail reviews for Baw Baw National Park

1,467 trailgoers Busiest in January

Megan Cristofaro

May 31, 2025•Camping

Not crowdedGreat conditions

Stunning overnight camp on the Baw Baw Plateau. We hiked from the Baw Baw Resort the Mount Saint Phillack peak to camp, but there was heaps of camp ground everywhere along the way. Conditions were well below freezing overnight (sitting at around -3 to -4) but our gear held up well. Highly recommend this as an overnight hike for well prepared first-timers through the spring and summer season. Can’t wait to go back!

Parking: Free, Large lot

Saint Phillack Saddle via Village and Mueller's Trail

Leslie Smith

Mar 23, 2025

Easy to parkNot crowded

I completed this hike in March 2025. Track was easy to follow and well marked. Camping at Whitelaw Hut Ruins was great. Several bush camps around the chimney. Water available down a track to the north east but it needs to be filtered. Good walk through the Baw Baw Ranges.

Mount Saint Gwinear to Australian Alps Walking Trail near Mt Whitelaw

Ben Smith

Apr 25, 2025•Hiking

Good conditionsNot crowded

A longish hike of 26 Km or so, mostly downhill with everything that makes the Australian bush spectacular. Watching the trees transitioning from Snow gums to Shining gum and mountain Ash during the decent was incredible. Difficult at times, specifically just past the Mount Erica road - back onto the Australian Alps walking trail, as this section is not as well worn or maintained as other sections. But it wasn't too overgrown to pass through during our journey. Just a little bush bashing at the start of that section to be aware of . O'Sheas campgrounds has free flowing water for replenishment though the use of a filter but beware, leeches were prolific at the campsite. Fairly well sign posted in most sections expect for Baw Baw as there are so many trails in the area, so keep Alltrails nearby when you set off.

Mount Saint Phillack via Australian Alps Walking Track

Brianna Lee

Apr 20, 2025

Good conditionsGood viewsEasy to parkNot crowded

Moderate day hike with beautiful views. Completed in April (good weather). Picnic tables dotted along the trail to eat lunch. Lovely trees & other flora. Pristinely fresh air. Paths not so clearly marked on Baw Baw section so must be on the ball with a map. Not many toilet options.

Mount Baw Baw, Mount Saint Phillack, and Mount Saint Gwinear

John Gurskey

Dec 13, 2024•Bike touring

Good conditionsEasy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms available

Nice trail into the Baw Baw plateau. Lots of mozzies and blowies. There aren’t any spectacular views. Limited water on the track. Potable water at Baw Baw village near the Dingo enclosure. The cafe is closed.

Difficulty: Moderate

Mount Saint Gwinear and Mount Saint Phillack Saddle

Parks

Headed to a park?

Take AllTrails with you

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Baw Baw National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Baw Baw National Park is Mount Erica and Mushroom Rocks via Australian Alps Walking Track, which has a 4.6 star rating from 130 reviews. This trail is 5.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,423 ft.

What is the longest trail in Baw Baw National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Baw Baw National Park is Mount Baw Baw via Walhalla. This trail is estimated to be 50.8 mi long.

How many trails are in Baw Baw National Park?

There are 22 trails in Baw Baw National Park. These trails have an average 4.2-star rating from 702 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Baw Baw National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Baw Baw National Park has you covered. Mount Baw Baw via Walhalla boasts the most elevation gain with 12,178 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is AAWT: Thomson Valley Road - Mount Shillinglaw, which will get you 10,193 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Baw Baw National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 6 camping trails in Baw Baw National Park and the most popular is Mount Erica and Mushroom Rocks via Australian Alps Walking Track with an average 4.6 star rating from 130 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Baw Baw National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 5 running trails in Baw Baw National Park and the most popular is Mount Saint Phillack via Australian Alps Walking Track with an average 4.4 star rating from 78 community reviews.