Hume and Hovell Walking Track
Stretching over 440 kilometres from Yass to Albury in New South Wales, this track has to be one of most underrated long distance walks in Australia.
While not a 'wilderness walk' in the sense that a lot of bushwalkers prefer, it is a strenuous, historic walk, and takes a fair bit of planning. The track certainly gives an inside perspective into the opening up of inland Australia – the charter given to Hume and Hovell by the government as they set out with six convicts on their epic 1824 expedition.
As you walk the track you can immerse yourself in Aboriginal history, explorer's history, agricultural history, mining history, the preservation of land set aside for national parks, and the construction of hydro-electric plants, irrigation dams and the subsequent development of the modern-day provincial towns of Yass, Tumut and Albury.
For most of its distance the track is well-marked with signs depicting the ‘little guys’. Several sections are linked by roads and fire trails, but this is the case with most long distance walks in Australia and abroad. To us it didn’t detract from the journey. Apart from the three rural towns, three main trackheads give ready access to sections of the track. This makes it easy for walkers wanting to do shorter distances. There are several options ranging from one to six-day walks, or more. Transport and food drops can be arranged.
Obviously autumn and spring are the most popular times to walk the track, but we undertook a winter hike. Although it was really cold at times, the days were crisp and the views clear. It was thoroughly invigorating and water wasn’t a problem after recent winter rains.
Please note: The whole track is closed on days of total fire ban but open the rest of the time.
The complete track notes, along with sketch maps, gradient profiles and photos are included in the revised edition of Take A Walk in Southern NSW & the ACT.