Location and surroundings
Geographically, No. 3 Mount belongs to the Australia range hierarchy, specifically nestled within the Great Dividing Range, the Southern Great Dividing Range, and finally the Central Highlands. It is located in the country of Australia, within the administrative area of Victoria. Holding a prominent rank, it stands as the 2nd highest of 200 named peaks in the Central Highlands. The surrounding landscape is characterized by high terrain typical of the region, featuring neighboring ridges, elevated knobs, and valleys.
Neighbouring peaks
No. 3 Mount is surrounded by several nearby summits and high points:
- Burnt Hut Knob (hill), 1,428 m, 0.8 km W
- Mount Russell (peak), 1,062 m, 4.8 km SW
- Mount Winstanley (peak), 1,526 m, 5.4 km SE
- Bald Hill (hill), 1,206 m, 6.8 km NW
- Burnt Top (peak), 1,189 m, 8.9 km E
- Mount Buller (peak), 1,805 m, 9.1 km S
- Round Hill (hill), 1,374 m, 9.2 km S
- Horse Hill (hill), 1,490 m, 9.2 km S
Compared to these surrounding elevations, No. 3 Mount sits lower than its immediate higher neighbor, Mount Winstanley, which rises to 1,526 metres just 5.4 kilometres to the southeast, but stands higher than many of the nearby hills and peaks such as Burnt Hut Knob and Mount Russell.
The view from the summit
From the summit of No. 3 Mount, several higher peaks within a 25-kilometre radius are visible under clear conditions. The highest peaks within this range include Mount Stirling at 1,747 m located 10.1 km SE, Mount Howitt at 1,746 m located 23.9 km SE, Baldy at 1,733 m located 9.5 km S, Mount Eadley Stoney at 1,728 m located 20.2 km S, Mount Marjorie at 1,725 m located 22.9 km SE, and King Billy No. 2 at 1,696 m located 23.4 km SE.
The range
The range hierarchy for No. 3 Mount flows from Australia down through the Great Dividing Range and the Southern Great Dividing Range to the Central Highlands. The highest peak of the Central Highlands is Mount Number 3, reaching 1,560 metres and located just 1 kilometre northeast of No. 3 Mount. The Central Highlands contain 200 named peaks, among which No. 3 Mount ranks as the 2nd highest.
Climate and weather
The climate data are estimates from NASA POWER climate data spanning 2001 to 2007, with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation. At the summit, the mean temperature is warmest in January at about 15 °C and coldest in July at about 3 °C. The mean temperature remains above freezing at the summit throughout all months of the year: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 900 mm a year, with June being the wettest month at about 95 mm and January the driest at about 55 mm. Typical weather hazards in this region include sudden temperature drops, strong winds at exposed elevations, and reduced visibility during cloud cover or precipitation.
Best time to visit
The months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. Precipitation is relatively distributed throughout the year, though January represents the driest month with about 55 mm of precipitation. Climatically, visitors often prefer the warmer summer months when summit temperatures average about 15 °C in January, though weather conditions in the highlands can change rapidly regardless of the season.
Nature and wildlife
The terrain around No. 3 Mount features typical highland landscapes of the Central Highlands within Australia. Vegetation generally transitions from lower forest zones to alpine and sub-alpine shrubs, grasses, and hardier scrub near the summit ridge. Wildlife inhabiting this regional elevation profile includes native marsupials, birds, and various reptile species adapted to temperate Australian highland conditions.
Guides and organised ascents
For mountaineering in Australia, the national mountain guide association is the Australian Climbing Instructors' Association, which is not an IFMGA/UIAGM member. Established guiding companies operating in Australia include High and Wild based in Katoomba. Visitors engaging commercial services or heading out independently should note that guided ascents generally depend on duration, group size, included hut nights, and technical equipment requirements. Certified guides are often helpful for navigating unexpected weather shifts in remote highland terrain.
Safety and preparation
This height and terrain demand adequate preparation, including proper navigation tools, sturdy footwear, and windproof and waterproof clothing to cope with sudden weather changes. In case of an emergency, the national emergency number for mountain rescue in Australia is 000, and 112 also works from mobile phones across available networks.
Interesting facts
No. 3 Mount holds the title of the highest point of the Central Highlands. It ranks as the 2nd highest of 200 named peaks within the Central Highlands. Its nearest higher peak is Mount Winstanley, located 5.4 kilometres to the southeast at an elevation of 1,526 metres. The highest peak of the entire range, Mount Number 3, is situated just 1 kilometre to the northeast.
FAQ
What is the elevation of No. 3 Mount? The elevation of No. 3 Mount is 1,465 metres.Where is No. 3 Mount located? It is located in Australia, within the state of Victoria, and forms part of the Central Highlands.
Which mountain range does No. 3 Mount belong to? It belongs to the Australia > Great Dividing Range > Southern Great Dividing Range > Central Highlands range hierarchy.
What are the nearest peaks to No. 3 Mount? The nearest peaks and passes include Burnt Hut Knob (1,428 m, 0.8 km W), Mount Russell (1,062 m, 4.8 km SW), Mount Winstanley (1,526 m, 5.4 km SE), Bald Hill (1,206 m, 6.8 km NW), Burnt Top (1,189 m, 8.9 km E), Mount Buller (1,805 m, 9.1 km S), Round Hill (1,374 m, 9.2 km S), and Horse Hill (1,490 m, 9.2 km S).
Are there huts on No. 3 Mount? Yes, No. 3 Hut, which is a wilderness hut, is located 1.5 kilometres south of the summit.
Is there water on the way to No. 3 Mount? Because natural sources can be unreliable or unverified, visitors should carry sufficient drinking water—typically 1.5 to 3 litres for a day trip—depending on weather conditions and the length of the hike.
What is the mobile phone coverage like on No. 3 Mount? Coverage in the hills can be patchy and depends heavily on the mobile operator. Hikers should download maps before setting out, keeping in mind that 112 reaches emergency services over any available network.