of rivers which have to waded or crossed by rough log bridges. It was a so nice to walk with them up to the fire road. While some hikers use trekking poles or tent pegs to dig cat holes, this can be time consuming and less than ideal if you are in a rush. I love the Tin Mine Huts and have spent a lot of time there in the past. There are many incredible long distance walking tracks crossing the mountains of the world. When caching you will need to consider a number of factors: You empty cache container can also be used to drop off rubbish and/or unwanted food and equipment. was little support at the time by bushwalkers and the idea languished. He was a very interesting fellow and every year he comes with his brother and a chainsaw and rides trails and clears them from the fallen trees. Theguide book Note: For more details see the Australian Alps Touring Map. would you take on your feet. If you need to light a fire in a hut to keep warm, Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain Alpine Resorts, Cope Hut (closed in winter) via Bogong High Plains Road, Long Plain Road & Blue Water Holes Trail (both closed in winter). Turned into a bit of a survival mission. A permit is needed to Date/Time Date(s) - 11 Nov 2013 until 25 Nov 2013 Category(ies) . There is a short film about the walk here. Woke up with the tent semi caved in this morning at Whitelaw Hut Site. One thing I have never done was try and find Tin Mine Falls. It traverses rugged remote alpine country and bushwalkers must always be experienced, self reliant and have good navigation skills. It was nice to camp with them for a couple nights. Traveling faster than you planned is fine because that means you will have food left over. Though it's the closest of the trails to Sydney and Melbourne, it's also conversely the most isolated and demanding, requiring detailed . Caches tend to be used when you wont be able to drop through a town on your trip e.g. Traverse spectacular rainforests, low wetlands, alpine passes, and glacial valleys via New Zealand's Milford Track. and is not suitable for the inexperienced. Leave a Comment / Australia, Australian Alps Walking Track, Backpacking, Camping, Gippsland, . So going to stay put in the tent for the rest of the day and read a book. It also crosses a lot of Australia's Route: Australian Alps Walking Track (NSW) New South Wales, AU Distance 594.2 km "The Australian Alps Walking Track is a long distance walking trail through the alpine areas of Victoria, New South Wales and ACT. 130 km east of Melbourne. So I walked along the road to Cowombat Flat to make camp with the intention to hike back the next day with a day pack and climb the five peaks in one day. Answer: The track is about 650 Km from the ACT to Victoria. Shortly after arriving at camp Laura and Jenna turned up. The track has been planned for experienced bushwalkers to follow Enter your email address to receive Alps news by email. a section of road walking but is much improved from the original route. Other items such as personal medication and insect bite cream can be tailored to fit your personal needs. Alpine National Park / Mitta Mitta River area via: at Beloka Road (may be closed during winter), Kosciuszko National Park / Dead Horse Gap, Thredbo, Kosciuszko National Park / Perisher, Charlotte Pass, Guthega, Kosciuszko Road (closed in winter past Perisher), Kosciuszko National Park / Kiandra and Blue Water Holes area. It is 655km long, starting at Walhalla, Victoria and running through to Tharwa, ACT near Canberra. very hard to find on some Ross Walker, December 2000 (After completing the entire walk). Wasnt sure what I was going to do. The Australian Alps Walking Track is 650 kilometres of mountainous and often remote walking. Upper Yarra Walking Track: update 2: Another controversy also exists over the official route Merry Christmas to everyone hope you all have as much fun as I am having on this amazing walk. I like an air mattress as opposed to a foam mattress for packed size, comfort and warmth. I work with Friends of the Earth, and live in Castlemaine in Central Victoria, Australia. The views were something. But my big plan for the day was to find a water fall with a swimming hole. pre-place food, to cross the state border in a more suitable location for continuing Fuel stove only areas exist in Baw Baw National Park, Alpine National Park, at Mount Bogong, in Kosciuszko National Park above the tree line (about 1,700 metres altitude) and in the Cotter Catchment of Namadgi National Park. Woke up with the tent semi caved in this morning at Whitelaw Hut Site. To tackle the track you should be an experienced bushwalker, used to travelling in remote areas, and skilled in the use of map and compass. carry and be able to use a compass and a topographical map, have bushcraft and outdoor first aid skills, have the ability to handle and recognise survival situations, particularly the causes of hyperthermia and how to treat it, and. As most of the Upper Yarra TTTrack has been replaced by roads, it is not a very interesting walk. would The Mont Helium 600 is a great option. DO IT! It is important that you account for a lower fitness level/slower pace in the early stages of the trail. NATMAP 1:100,000 Matlock, Howitt, Mansfield, Dargo, Bogong, close enough to the city for a taxi to be used (about 30km). felt that the wilderness would last forever and that a track would Accessibility He has a plan to combine the two passions doing a slow traverse of the Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWR) in late 2022, starting at the southern end. Dont have to worry about water cause I will melt snow. Parliamentary Allow 3 days driving time to pre-place all food drops and 3 days driving after the trip to collect the remains. The entire route takes about 30 to 55 days to complete No fires including camp stoves may be lit on days of Total Fire Ban. I reckon that I wasnt feeling it the day before. I have done this part before so I know what I am in for. times, this You can walk the track in ten weeks, but many people choose to walk shorter sections such as those on the Baw Baw Plateau, the Bogong High Plains, and in the Jagungal Wilderness Area. Menu; Africa. you have to abandon your trip then the extra area covered by the larger hiring a car make sure you are allowed to drive along unsealed I woke up and realised that it had been snowing during the night and was still snowing. For 20 years, the Alpine Walking Track ended at the New South Logging at Mt Stirling whats atstake? Pandanii, Deciduous Beech and Pencil Pine, The Labyrinth. Above: Josh and Evie played at last winters Backcountry Festival at Mt Hotham. Image: Peter McConchie. Meet some cool people and we hiked to the summit of Feathertop for the sunset and it was incredible. A GPS and EPIRB may be useful. I used a combination of both, as well as trail notes. never be interested in dodging Once you select a destination and add it to your list it will generate your delivery address which can then be tracked via the App in real time. Water tanks have been provided for walkers at the following locations in Alpine National Park: Barry Saddle, Johnnies Top,East Riley Track intersection, South Selwyn and the Twins. The Victorian Alps is a vast and beautiful alpine area featuring the state's highest peaks. Most end-to-enders spend about 3 days driving and I am not going to go into that here right now. A fair bit of planning Jump in and went to sleep no water too. They do not satisfy the Australian Standard for track Camping restrictions apply in the Thomson and Jordan water supply catchments of Victoria. Australian Alps Walking Track: 2 Day Solo Hike - YouTube Australian Alps Walking Track - Mount Erica car park to Stronachs campsite and back. Then it took about an hour to bush bash to get to the second river crossing where there was another log crossing. The Australian Alps Walking Track is a 665 km (413 mi) from Walhalla to the very edge of Namadgi National Park in Canberra and the trail passes neat some of the highest peaks of both the states of NSW and Victoria as well as the ACT. Most walkers dont find the new maps any A father and son who left 10 days after me. Firstly I did walk down the wrong road and I did walk past the turn off at Big River Saddle and it wasnt raining and there was no mist about. For most people this option works well for hikes (or components of a hike) up to and around eight days in duration. ascent and descent, 6 hours walking per day. I have had the amazing week crossing the Bogong High Plains then heading up Quartz Ridge. That morning the weather was still not good but I decided to head off to Black River anyway thinking it will get better. (LogOut/ Made to Selwyn Creek Track yesterday and managed to set up camp and grab my second food drop just before a thunderstorm rolled over. Along with all of your food it is also a good idea to have packed in a food drop the following items: You can leave your rubbish and any gear you may want to get rid of in the food drop. If you are planning to walk the whole Alps Track or a particular section you will need to consider how you get to your start point and return from your finishing point. Camp at the bottom of King Billy 2 last night and the morning looks amazing. The track passes through spectacular country: grassy high plains, towering mountain forests, tranquil snow gum woodlands and rugged alpine summits, making it one of the best long-distance hikes that Australia has to offer. often The official length is 650 km but most follow the route the governments of Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT recognised other maps, we still recommend that some maps are also carried as if onto Canberra. I realised exactly what I did wrong on my way to Buckwong Creek. in a few areas but no permits are required, such restrictions Matt and James caught up to me on the way to Johnnys Top. Most walkers avoid the need for a permit by crossing Alpine National Park / Bogong High Plains, Mt Willis Historic Area Via Omeo Highway at Glen Willis. I could see all five peaks and was blown away by it at first and I got a little spooked. You will need a set of thermals such as the Icebreaker 260 Tech Leggings and crew top as well as a good fleece or insulated jacket. Total Ascent: 1317m /4323ft, Descent: 1747m / 5731ft total to Lenk Accommodation: Hotel Krone - We stay in a 3* hotel right in the town centre of Lenk and many rooms have their . Hiking the AAWT - Australian Alps Walking Track - May 2022 escapeaidan 426 subscribers 84 Dislike 2,194 views Jun 18, 2022 A 25 day hike through 660km of Australian High country. Copyright, View australianalpsnationalparkss profile on Facebook, Pathways through the wilderness VIC and NSW, National Landscapes and National Heritage, Green Book and Gold Book Rehabilitation Guides, Research Centre for Applied Alpine Ecology, Australian Institute for Applied Alpine Studies, Australian Alps Walking Track Itinerary (PDF 61 KB). track, some succeed and some fail. with It traverses rugged remote alpine country and bushwalkers must always be experienced, self reliant and have good navigation skills. Make sure that everyone in your group has clothing which protects them from heat and cold. My plan was to hike up to Mt Jim and camp there but that had all changed after I got down the very long and steep Diamantina Spur. It has been over two years since I walked the long spur to Mt Wills and was very much a different experience to what I remember. The southern end is at Walhalla, a small town in Victoria weather. Atalifo says coupled with the effects of wind-driven waves expected from TD05F, particularly from the 20th to the 24th, there is a "high risk" of coastal flooding over coastal areas of Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, western Viti Levu to Coral Coast, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, Moala Group, Central and Southern Lau Group. You may not be appearing on the cat walks of Milan, but you will be warm! (the alps) from southern Victoria through to the Australian Capital The bush bash out felt a lot harder then going in. Such a logistical thing to organise. of 1:100,000 maps exist for the entire route but these are not Mt Erica to Mt Howitt. It took me two hours to bush bash to the bottom of Moscow Peak and climb the rocky peak. A PLB (personal locater beacon) is an absolutely essential item. I also tend to stick to the sides as you get more grip. Got to Blairs Hut and meet Mark who used to be a cattle man back in the day when they grazed cattle on the high plans. published by the National Parks Association of NSW. water points. Baw Plateau. After the Overland Track, our most famous long distance mountain walking track would be the Australian Alps Walking Track, or AAWT, which stands out because of the smaller numbers of . wilderness areas park management has signposted every fire trail with a Rest days are not included, we suggest planning for 50 days Privacy (LogOut/ So this writer questions why are these The mountain lover's long-distance trail, the Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT) rolls up, over and through the High Country between Walhalla, in Victoria's Gippsland region, and Canberra's edge. Boots are a popular choice for hikers on the AAWT because they provide more support in the rougher terrain. How many food drops you have balanced with walking pace will dictate where the food drops are left. (usually easy enough to find) and water. Dont have to worry about water cause I will melt snow. Australian Alps Walking Track Itinerary (PDF - 61 KB ) EN. Walk in Victoria are suggested. In the early 1990's, a major change occurred when But I have some new wooden one now. Food dumps are usually arranged On the way it crosses all the highest mountain The Bibbulmun Track snowfall. Open season for fishing, and for access via many 4WD tracks, generally is November to early June (Blackfish Jan>Sept, Trout Sept>June). The Australian Alps Walking Track will put your endurance and navigational competencies to the test. I am warm and cosy in my tent. Besides New South Wales, Victoria is also popular for skiing. There are so many other long-distance through-hikes in the world: the PCT, CDT, and the AT in the US, the Alta Vie and Haute routes in Europe, the Te Aroa in New Zealand, and even other treks in Australia, like the Heysen in South Australia, and the Australian Alps Walking Track in the east. Keep your party small; four to eight people is ideal. The Australian Alps has around two hundred historic huts, some of which are located near the Alps Track. They are great when hiking in uneven terrain; your knees and ankles will thank you! The hike should take around 49 days to complete. personal account of his journey along some of the AAWT then it is suggested to Proper sticks haha. Of course the wilderness did not In 2018, I ran my hiking menu past a nutritionist to identify any shortcomings and if you are a keen long distance hiker this is well worth considering (around AUD $100 in 2018). The rest days we had on Australia marked My shoes, clothes, wet weather gear are all soaking wet except for what I am wearing. Track, it is not marked on most maps and there is no maintenance on Any such trip is . I meet them a week before crossing the Bogong High Plains. A down jacket has the best weight to warmth ratio so this is my go-to. After heading off the track for Christmas, Josh is back, taking a direct route to the High Plains rather than following the AAWT: I spent boxing day in Mt Beauty kayaking down the Kiewa River with friends were I meet Coral who told me about a beautiful water fall with a swimming hole not far from the Australian Alps Walking Track on the Bogong High Plains. The first suggestion of a long distance walking track in from Mt Erica in Victoria to Tindinbilla near Canberra and proposed I like the flexibility this system allows me. Average daily Although Australia is famous for its road trips, multi-day treks are often the best way to experience these vast lands, offering visitors a chance to connect with the terrain by walking it. Daywalking - Part 4: What else do I bring? overall. along the Snowy River, the official track has been moved, it still has Acceptance by other government departments followed and grants I rely of freeze-dried and dehydrated food on the whole. For interested walkers the following is one example of an itinerary from an overland walk on the Alps Track: Please note that the walkers did attempt to complete some very long days. For those of you who arent familiar with the term caching its the practice of storing food and/or water along the trail against a future need. town. The southern end it easier to plan a supported trip. 3.30pm I deviated from the AAWT to go cross-country for a couple of kilometers to the place where I had hidden my food drop using my GPS. It starts (or finishes) in Walhalla, a quaint ex-goldmining town, about 50kms from Moe in Victoria and finishes (or starts) at the Tharwa Visitor Centre, about 35kms south of the Canberra City Centre. food caches before starting the walk. Required fields are marked *. in the guide book which About us It is important that you plan, prepare and equip yourself well for a walk on the Alps Track. the AAWT but at 210km is shorter and has many road access points making Alps Walking Its no surprise, for me and many hikers a good menu is one of the most important aspects to a successful long-distance hike. On this tour, we'll walk across grassy snow plains, climb rocky summits and take in spectacular alpine vistas and dramatic river valleys. Track (incorrectly referred to on the Friends Its very step and I like to do a little shuffle jog down step tracks. nothing, all would soon be lost. They can also be used to set up shelters such as a tarp. For many years bushwalking enthusiasts from the Federation of Victorian Walking Clubs and various government agencies promoted the concept of a long distance walking track from Walhalla to Canberra. There are advantages to both options. its name and maps are also needed as the track is not always clearly marked I decided straight away that I wanted to cross the swamp section of Buena Creek with them the next morning. Many walkers felt that the wild areas should be left the way they Japan, India, Russia. So I had decided I was not going to follow the AAWT when I got back on track after my two day break. The 680km Australian Alps Walking Track is a trail for experienced hikers. The third day was an easy cruise to Johnnys Top. Bushwalking Victoria) responded There are some lightweight 2-layer options, but given the length of the trail and the varying weather conditions a more durable 3-layer rain coat is best, the Outdoor Research Optimizer is a fantastic option for a lightweight three-layer jacket. The route was marked with distinctive yellow diamond markers, So I will have bit of a rest day, play some guitar and get ready for a couple of big days to get down to Taylors Crossing then up to Johnnys Top. Time got away from me and I decided at the very last minute that I would go up Westons Spur Track and stay at Westons Hut to avoid the crowds at Dibbins Hut and get up out of the Valley for a good head start to go find the water fall I was told about. Upper Yarra Track from the outskirts of Melbourne to the Baw Baw existing tracks thus reducing costs. Joshua loves music. Most walkers would I had never check out Mt Jim before, always just passed it on the pole line so this was the time. were and a formal track was not needed. The Australian Alps Walking Track traverses rugged remote alpine country in Victoria, NSW and the ACT. If sending to a main post office you will only be able to access the box during business hours. See our Lightweight Food For Hiking blog for effective menu planning methods. See our blog post on correct toileting procedures. I stripped off to my birthday suit and jumped in. anyway. have assisted in protecting what there was. Because the track was so steep I start into a full run down the slope. markers and the practice of placing them near ground level made for camping depending on water supplies. Down will also not work if it gets wet, so if you do go for a down jacket it should never get wet. In summer, thunderstorms are common and snow may fall, especially on the higher mountains. is also another controversy in Firewood supplies are limited especially in the alpine and subalpine areas so only light a fire if absolutely necessary for warmth and cooking. State Development Committee in 1952. number not interested. Follow us on Instagram . klean kanteen wide insulated 16oz 473ml black 1, gear drink bottles platypus 2l bottle with closure cap, Maps and trail notes needed for the coming section, Treats: can of coke, wine, long life cream. The Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT) is a long distance walking track from Walhalla in Victoria to Tharwa, close to Canberra, in ACT. The advantage of using this alternative delivery location is that if you arrive on a weekend or public holiday, you can still access your box rather than having to wait until business hours. About us The Australian Alps Walking Track winds through the high country of Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT. The second day was going to be a big day to get to Johnnys Top, but I wasnt feeling it and after falling in the water crossing Morass Creek getting my back pack and myself soaking wet, I decided right then I was going to climb out of there and make camp at Benambra Corryong road. I feel a lot better for having taken the short day. Formerly called 'The Alpine Walking Track', the 'Australian markers were also changed fromdistinctive yellow diamonds for 46 I recycle these large bags and have a number I have been using for over four years. Keep in mind that every hiker is different and there are a multitude of systems that can be fine-tuned on top of these foundational pointers. I recommend a good quality, medium-cushion sock that will withstand the many kilometres you will be hiking without getting holes. I had found the oasis of the Bogong High Plains. Manage to push all the snow off and prop up the little awning I made the evening before with getting out of the tent. My personal preference is to carry a maximum pack weight of 21 kg but prefer to be under 19 kg with a maximum of eight days of food although my biggest food carry over the past six years has been 12 days of food. Most of these roads are surfaced with gravel so if I always take a pair of thick, warm socks to sleep in as I get very cold feet. An Antipodean travel company serving World Travellers since 1983 with small group educational tours for senior couples and mature solo travellers. When I pack a food drop, variety and practicality are at the forefront of my mind. Mount Kosciuszko Mount Kosciuszko, located in the Snowy Mountains, is the highest mountain in the Australian Alps as well as the highest peak in mainland Australia. If you prefer to walk, you drop down through the idyllic Iffigen Valley to the small spa town of Lenk (1086m). Depending on your individual needs, your first aid kit may vary. Having the correct equipment is vitally important for overnight or extended trips on the Australian Alps Walking Track. The disadvantage is that you will be spending time and money driving your vehicle to drop off your food boxes. style walk as it passes through natural landscapes and there are There are even some Have checked the weather, looks like it will snow till the evening and winds will ease. It follows well maintained walking tracks, barely visible foot pads, grassy fire access trails, and fourwheel drive vehicle tracks. The track should be a total distance of 670km but I added on at least 20kms searching for water sources and losing the track. in the current 5th a long distance and no campsites are provided - indeed camping was John Chapman, John Siseman and Monica Chapman have put together a comprehensive guide book for the AAWT. the track. Make sure to have it registered with your personal information, test it before your trip and be aware that different brands and models have different battery lives. As an outdoor professional, I am lucky enough to have access to a wide range of packs and . Perisher Valley, Geehi Dam, Jagungal, Food is a key aspect of planning for long distance hikes. I finally meet some people when I got to camp at Mt Speculation. ideal walking maps and leave off many details. The main needs for campsites Many of the water sources are also used by animals and will require treatment, in particular the water sources in Northern Kosciusko that are used heavily by the feral horses that have populated the area. There are a couple of water tanks along the trail in areas where there is no flowing water so it is a good idea to check with national parks that they are in working order. I dont know how they did it. It includes priceless information in regard to road access, resupply points, water sources, small less detailed maps for a quick reference, campsites, information on the flora and fauna, historical relevance of the area and most importantly trail notes. The Australian Alps Walking Track is accessible out side the snow season by 2WD at a number of locations. track came from a former Victorian who was inspired by The Alpine Walking I got this morning at 11am to low saddle. of the Bibbulmun site as 'The Alpine Way'). Dubai is the No1 destination in the 2023 Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards, with London top in Europe and third overall and New York the highest-ranked U.S spot During winter and spring snow can cover long sections of the track. So I went back up to take a photo, but it decided to slip back into the bush. It is 655 km. stay that way, and in hindsight, a track made in the 1950's might It is primarily a wilderness If you are seeking a lead-up walk to the AAWT, then consider walkng McMillansTrack. Sign up to the Bogong newsletter for exclusive offers, new product alerts and more! alongski village roads. Found the smallest little clearing at 8:20, put my tent up, no pegs. A good option is the Bridgedale Hike Mid Performance Sock. in Western Australia or the Great very long tracks built in Australia in the 1980's used the Alpine It is also compact and easily slips into a heavy-duty zip lock bag with toilet paper. The country's walking trails range from picture-postcard beaches and towering mountains to old-growth rainforests and the red sands of the outback. are published by CMA/LPI (they have had a name change to LPI). updates will keep it up-to-date. camp in the Cotter River Valley in the Namadgi National Park in The resulting cooperation I ended up spending two nights at Cowombat Flat and had a great time exploring. No. I couldnt stop myself until it had flattened out a bit. Called Bobs Hut and sure enough it was there and open. Sawpit Creek to Oldfields Hut in one day. proposed - it has thus become a symbol of the common link between all Normally caching is done just prior to the trip to minimise the time the food spends in the bush and to take into account any changes to the hike. depending Day 5 and 6 - Australian Alps Walking Track Another cold night, this time Happy's Hut style it has become pretty easy to wake up with the sun at 5:30 to 6 am. The most common rest days are to spend one Many mountain people will know Josh Kynaston for the music he plays with his partner Evie as the duo Life Dreamers. Australian Alps - Wikipedia Australian Alps Walking Track . The track is generally adequately marked but it isn't a formed hiking trail and so an ability to navigate and deal with sections of di. Detailed maps are also essential as this is not a walk maps. Volunteer track clearings - Bushwalking Victoria organises voluntary clearing of many tracks including the AAWT. Mail order maps: Rooftop and Spatial Vision series. I have run out food but have a food drop at Sunnyside. Re: Australian Alps Walking Track Fri 31 Jan, 2014 11:49 am Most of the water issues are between Walhalla and Hotham and it really depends on the season as to the severity of the problem. If you plan on doing this, check with them first and let them know what you are doing. Hi Guys, I have started planning my attempt at the Australian Alps Walking Track (NOBO) this April (hopefully all our bush-fires will be out long Press J to jump to the feed. Food for thought: Organisers of this group are volunteers doing this to enjoy the outdoors, so please be respectful and appreciative of the time, effort, energy and enthusiasm that they put into planning and running these hikes. High Plains, the Cobberras then the Kosciuszko National Park and with over 27,000 metres of climbing and descending it is indeed In this article we discuss those options and detail how they work. Then I found a great camp site directly above the water fall and stayed there till midday the next day. Moe is about 50 km to the south of Walhalla and from there you will need to either arrange your own drop off or get a taxi. Canberra is approximately 30 km away and can be reached by taxi. who want to share and expand skill sets with each other whilst walking and enjoying the Australian Alps Walking . Which was actually pretty cool. There is a physical limit to how much you can carry in your pack from a both a weight and a bulk perspective which will vary from individual to individual. to Mt Kosciuszko. The track is a hiking traverse from Walhalla in Gippsland to just outside Canberra, 650 kilometres of mountainous and remote terrain. This equates to between 550m and 800m of climbing and descending each They are regulars at many venues across the valley towns and mountains of north eastern Victoria. Im a big fan of this option and in Australia this is by far the most effective and cheapest option for resupply on long distance hikes providing you are passing through a town at the required intervals. I was heading to Fiddlers Green the last time I messaged. scrub still remains. No track (or I missed it). for every 5 to 8 days, some choose longer sections of 12 to 14 days, it