by HarryS11 » Fri 06 Apr, 2018 5:18 pm
I just got back yesterday from hiking in that area and there's definitely other routes that are worth a look.
Firstly you've got the classic Falls to Hotham route which is always worth doing, however since you're looking for a challenge I'd recommend going via Weston's and Blairs hut which gives you the option of going out to hotham via Machinery spur or Diamantina Spur and the razorback.
Unfortunately I can't shed any light on the condition of Machinery spur and the West Kiewa logging track up above Blair's hut, but what I saw below seemed well maintained. I went via weston's and Blair's hut, the track was in good shape with water at both huts and trout in the river at Blairs! It was easy enough to follow, as was the track from Blairs up Diamantina spur.
But from the sounds of it you're starting at Hotham which might actually work in your favor if you chose to go via Diamantina spur, Blair's hut and Westons hut. The reason being Diamantina spur is the steepest thing I've walked up, and I'd much rather go down.
So a full day of walking from Hotham (with an early start) would get a fit group accross the razorback, down Diamantina spur, past Blairs hut and up to Westons hut (which has water). From there it's a shorter day from weston's to Cope hut, however I suspect the majority of the section will be waterless. That being said Cope hut is likely to have water in the creek located in the valley on the left side of the hut (below the car park) and its a lovely spot to camp.Finally it's been a few years since I've done the last little bit from cope hut to falls creek but from what I remember it's pretty chilled and shouldn't present any issues.