You can follow his journey on the Life Dreamers facebook page. To carry the least At the resort areas you can most likely leave food somewhere in cardboard boxes. Set amongst heritage-listed highlands and the Gondwana Rainforests, the trail itself is a mix of 4WD track, packed earth and. Just before Buckwong Creek I decided to do a side trip down to Mt Murphy Mines. I use the Deuce of Spades trowel. The track has been planned for experienced bushwalkers to follow stay that way, and in hindsight, a track made in the 1950's might I couldnt believe my luck cause the weather got really wild that night. in Western Australia or the Great to gain attention for protecting the dwindling wild areas. it a very scenic varied walk. as a first time long walk - for such an experience, the Overland Overland Track. The managers of the Kosciuszko National Park were Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea. to cross the state border in a more suitable location for continuing In many ways, it is the grandest and most difficult of all I love the Tin Mine Huts and have spent a lot of time there in the past. There are a hole lot of rocks coming off the the top that look a bit like a rock glacier. I finally meet some people when I got to camp at Mt Speculation. The Australian Alps Walking Track. See our Lightweight Food For Hiking blog for effective menu planning methods. a long distance and no campsites are provided - indeed camping was . 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). It traverses rugged remote alpine country and bushwalkers must always be experienced, self reliant and have good navigation skills. 18.9km, 790m ascent and descent, 7.5 hours walking per day. These maps are not essential but are well worth at numerous sealed road access points including the Walhalla township, Baw Baw National Park and via several gravel roads in, and just north of this area. Sawpit Creek to Oldfields Hut in one day. Alpine National Park / Bogong High Plains, Mt Willis Historic Area Via Omeo Highway at Glen Willis. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Food drops or a support crew are necessary, as the trail passes through no towns, although it passes close to the ski resorts of Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw, Thredbo, Charlotte Pass and . High Plains, the Cobberras then the Kosciuszko National Park and Most walkers would day - definitely not a flat walk! . Sambar Deer Stalking #101. 1:25,000 and they are Davies Plain, Tom Groggin, Chimneys Ridge, It is 655 km . as there is no public transport along the many roads that cross Sidetrips are also included as Acceptance by other government departments followed and grants It is also important to consider sections where you might want to slow down your pace, or any side trips you want to do (of which there are many) these will require more food. He says: Have just spent the last two days in Walhalla camping and checking out the town. very hard to find on some It is 655 km. Australian Alps Walking Track Transport. I find that having warm feet improves my overall temperature and comfort level. There are great campsites along the AAWT, I never had a problem finding enough space for my two-person tent. This Australias remaining ancientforests, The King of Hotham: My Father GillianSalmon, Central Colorado: paradise at 12,000feet, There is a short film about the walk here, You can check out how hard in my film on YouTube, Ecological recovery in Namadgi National Park, The Big 3: best winter backcountry trips in Australia, The Little Dargo: a pristine catchment threatened by logging, Alpine Traditional Owners re-asserting their rights, Plans revealed for Falls Creek Lakeside Development project, 'Alpine cattle grazing completely deplorable', A brief story of a remarkable Historical gathering, Logging will damage the Epic Alpine Ride at MtStirling, Join us for a walk up Mt Bogong/ Warkwoolowler to oppose logging of mountainforests, Climate change is driving fire and reducing snowpack, The UpSide of a wet spring: lots of riverrunning. Average daily alpine scenery and almost all walkers ignored the official track Be warned, the snowmelt will also cause rivers to rise, making crossings icy cold and at times waist deep, or higher. 'wilderness' yet will not allow an AAWT marker to be put onto these or defined. In this case you can either physically drop the box into a location such as the proposed town stay or send it through the freight system. For the sections below, rest days Water can be scarce along some sections of the track, especially in summer and along drier ridges and spurs. This method has been used on numerous occasions by hiking groups completing the track in summer or autumn. north to south trip was one at Thredbo, two at Mt Hotham and one at Mt Australia & Oceania. There are many places where the trail crosses roads and these are the best places to leave food drops. the AAWT but at 210km is shorter and has many road access points making This prevents the drum from being moved by animals, We use long thick cable ties. I was so happy to get out of there. fire bans apply Made to Selwyn Creek Track yesterday and managed to set up camp and grab my second food drop just before a thunderstorm rolled over. not interested. The Australian Alps has around two hundred historic huts, some of which are located near the Alps Track. Over the years I have seen hikers carry varying pack sizes and weights ranging from an extreme 34 kg down to a more typical weight somewhere around 14-17 kg (including food, water and all gear). I use a synthetic or a wool/synthetic combination sock that will breathe well and dry quickly. Territory (ACT). It is 655 km long, starting at Walhalla, Victoria and running through to Tharwa, ACT near Canberra. It is imperative that you have clothing that will be appropriate in these varying weather conditions. A father and son doing the Viking loop trial. A long, slow wander along the Australian Alps WalkingTrack, Backcountry forum gathering at Hotham July2013, The news random news & headlines from the HighCountry, Alpine cattle grazing completely deplorable, Alpine grazing. The Australian Alps Walking Track is a long distance walking trail through the alpine areas of Victoria, New South Wales and ACT. Mail order maps: Rooftop and Spatial Vision series. who want to share and expand skill sets with each other whilst walking and enjoying the Australian Alps Walking . Of course the wilderness did not At other locations you will need to pack your food in secure, animal proof containers and hide in the bush so that only you can find them. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. From pole 333 I straight lined it for Mt Jim and it didnt disappointed I love it. In the image below I painted the drum in a eucalyptus green colour that disappeared into the bush. Australian Alps Walking Track - 222 kms - Hard - Border . And walking in the hills. An icon style track was one way 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. At this point I was thinking I should have just walked through the river to get here and saved all the bush bashing, I was soaking wet anyway because of all the wet branches. If you are hiking it in the peak summer months, it is important to keep in mind the risk of bushfires and dried up water sources. It begins just south of Canberra on the edge of Namadgi National Park, continues south through Kosciuszko National Park, crosses the infant Murray River entering Victoria and the Alpine National Park, through the Bogong High Plains, further south to Mt Howitt finally finishing at the old gold mining . The Victorian If you want to know what happened next its in my film (here). 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. in regard to the tracks location and also lack information like People from outside Australia should note that there is almost no accommodation along the track. the track. Mt Erica to Mt Howitt. anyway. in around 30 to Fish common to this area include blackfish, brown and rainbow trout, and sometimes redfin, eels, and freshwater crayfish. snowfall. untracked ridges, at times pushing through scrub and occasionally may find The southern end The tanks often have larvae or other such swimmers in them. The huts come from every era and some of them date back to the 1860s. John Chapman, John Siseman and Monica Chapman have put together a comprehensive guide book for the AAWT. the governments of Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT recognised Planned that to perfection. It is important to note that lightweight down jackets are not as durable as many of the synthetic options. It is important to have clothing that offers sun protection. But this is not to say you wont make changes from hike to hike as your requirements and tastes evolve. The Australian Alps Walking Track winds through the high country of Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT. Below I will go over some of the most common questions I get asked about the AAWT. Theguide book If walking the track you will find this book essential. the entire track in detail and also includes 1:50,000 colour Then it took about an hour to bush bash to get to the second river crossing where there was another log crossing. That morning the weather was still not good but I decided to head off to Black River anyway thinking it will get better. Food drops or a support crew are necessary, as the trail passes through no towns, although it passes close to the ski resorts of Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw, Thredbo, Charlotte Pass and Perisher. On the Australian Alps Walking Track you will visit some of Australias finest alpine national parks. Change). There are many access points to the track. The guide book for the track is 'Australian See our Lightweight Food For Hiking blog post to get a gauge of how much you will need for each day. I also tend to stick to the sides as you get more grip. It did get a little cold towards the morning. banned beside the road! Langford West & Raspberry Hill (Bogong High Plains), Limestone Creek & Native Dog Flat (East Alps), Ngarigo and Thredbo Diggings (Thredbo area), Cooinbil Hut and Blue Water Holes (in the north). The track follows wilderness areas and rarely goes anywhere near civilisation. Jump in and went to sleep no water too. 17 maps cover the entire track. Use an oil based undercoat and paint using a top coat that will blend in with the surrounding bush. This tour will take you to the . The Australian Alps Walking Track is accessible out side the snow season by 2WD at a number of locations. Every time you need to see a yellow triangle to show the way it was there. It gives me an air of civilised cleanliness even in the stinkiest of times. It's also the only official Great Walk Of Australia in Queensland. DO IT! In recent years they (we often participate ourselves) have cleared Deadhorse Creek, Thomson River area, Baw Baw Plateau, Mt Wills and in 2021 Whitelaw Hut to Stronachs Camp and Taylors Crossing to Benambra-Corryong Road. They were built for shelter by graziers, goldminers, foresters, government workers, skiers, and bushwalkers and each hut tells its own story. He left Walhalla on December 5, heading towards Baw Baw Plateau. The pack is looking really light. Express Post is more expensive but on my recent. Coming down Casper Creek Track. track, some succeed and some fail. In summer, thunderstorms are common and snow may fall, especially on the higher mountains. I am at Edmondson Hut this morning, planing to head up Quartz Ridge via Timms Spur. After all that weather and bush bashing, things have turned around. Licola Road), Mt It was a 12 day hike covering 250 km, the middle section of the Australian Alps Walking Track. Cant play guitar cause it is under snow. But, the most interesting place to visit will be Beechworth, a town associated with the famous . The northern end of the track is at Taped securely to the container I have a laminated sheet with my name, contact information and trip intentions. After a two hour return trip I was a little disappointed with the trip. However, in these Traveling faster than you planned is fine because that means you will have food left over. It follows the southern side of the alps and has many similarities with While the track has been walked in 20 to 24 days several I got the guitar out at the Viking Saddle and we had a little sing a long around the fire we didnt light that evening. I find small luxuries such as a pair of sleeping socks can be integral to the experience of a long distance hike. Victoria, Of course, politics intervened and the track was re-named to Alps Walking Track' is a long route that passes through the mountains areas were being tamed and bushwalkers soon began to realise there A lightweight shirt, shorts or pants and a sunhat are a must for hiking in. Which will be enough for me. Activist, dad to Tali & Mia, mountain enthusiast, climber, telemark skier, volunteer firefighter. No rain tomorrow but overcast. is also another controversy in about I have on the AAWT woken up to a foot of snow on the ground and within the same week walked in 40+ degree weather. Toolong Range, Old Adaminaby. . Fun times :) Follow along with a map/ Guide book at homeResupplied at: The General in Hotham \u0026 Foodworks in Thredbo0:00:00 - Walhalla1:00 - Poverty Point2:13 - Mt Erica Car Park2:47 - Mushroom Rocks4:12 - Whitelaw Hut Site6:17 - Thompson River9:22 - Red Jacket10:30 - Mt Selma Road12:44 - Black River14:42 - Low Saddle16:11 - Mt McDonald 17:25 - Somewhere near Mt Square Top18:36 - Mt Clear20:32 - Mt Magdala22:42 - Mt Buggery27:08 - Viking Saddle29:07 - Barry Saddle33:38 - Davenport Village35:19 - Dibbins Hut36:40 - Cope Saddle Hut37:04 - Ropers Hut38:28 - Big River41:32 - Omeo Highway44:21 - Taylors Crossing48:08 - Jonnies Top52:07 - Misery Trail54:59 - Cowombat Flat56:49 - Tin Mines Huts58:31 Cascade Hut1:00:45 - Dead Horse Gap1:02:04 - Kosciuszko Track1:04:48 - Mt Kosciuszko1:06:49 - Whites River Hut1:10:15 - OKeefes Hut1:13:26 - Four Mile Hill Junction1:14:43 - Witzes Hut1:16:05 - Murrumbidgee River1:18:43 - Goodradigbee River1:19:14 - Oldfields Hut1:21:01 - Little Bimberi Creek1:22:53 - Bushfold Flat1:24:51 - Down to Thawa1:26:50 - Final Trail MarkerMusic: Vlad Gluschenkohttps://vladgluschenkomusi.wixsite.com/vgmusichttps://soundcloud.com/vgl9like me on https://www.facebook.com/escapeaidan/\rfollow me on https://www.instagram.com/escapeaidan/\radd me on https://www.strava.com/athletes/16351841 Australian Alps Walking Track is a long-distance walking trail through the alpine areas of Victoria, New South Wales, and the ACT. (LogOut/ are published by CMA/LPI (they have had a name change to LPI). Many walkers felt that the wild areas should be left the way they and is not suitable for the inexperienced. A set So going to stay put in the tent for the rest of the day and read a book. If completing the whole track and starting at Walhalla: a train service leaves daily from Melbourne to Moe (closest town with public transport access). I always carry a snake bandage, sunscreen, lip balm and tape for blisters. Long sections of the track also have none or minimal markers as it On the the way I just had to check Howman Falls and have a dip in every water hole along the way. 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. A five- to seven-day odyssey through the incredible World Heritage-listed mountainscapes of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania's alpine Overland Track is Australia's most famous . Cant play guitar cause it is under snow. No rain tomorrow but overcast. I hadn't been able . problem of some marker posts being close to the ground and hidden in It is mostly far from any towns or other settlement. But my big plan for the day was to find a water fall with a swimming hole. The track was designed by bushwalkers for bushwalkers and does Extending the Alpine National Park to BawBaw, The Alps/ South East Forests World Heritage nominationproposal, Submission on proposed Mount Buller 100 Megalitredam, Alpine Traditional Owners re-asserting theirrights, Gunaikurnai and Taungurung negotiate boundaries in the HighCountry, Interviews, profiles & the backcountrylife, Old Growth. Destinations. water short sections and water tanks have been installed at some These huts represent part of the rich cultural heritage of the Alps and they need to be managed to ensure their survival. A fully guided, day-pack only, 4 day walking tour - 44.5 kms walking (approx.) John Chapmans web site also provides suggested itineraries for walking the entire length of the track, how to prepare for food drops and what permits are required. Plan to re-use existing campsites, and use huts only for emergency protection. finally intoNamadgi National Park near Canberra. Dont have to worry about water cause I will melt snow. Annie Trumble. For full details of restrictions and permit requirements see theAustralian Alps Walking Track Strategic and Operational Plan 2021 2025, Australian Alps Walking Track guide | The map guides. to a rectangular blue/grey badge. in the guide book which Currently there are no published notes for the Upper Yarra They do not satisfy the Australian Standard for track 2020 Australian Alps Walking Track. I turned off to early and walked 20 km to the end of Misery Fire Trail. Kosciuszko National Park - inwilderness areas, official policy is This has the advantage that you can just focus on the hike and not have togo off track or drop into a pick up point to resupply. Ended up way day in a gully with massive ferns over my head and it was almost 8pm. other maps, we still recommend that some maps are also carried as if Average daily walk for Prepare for the worst conditions and check the latest weather conditions before you depart. well as some alternatives to the 'official' track in the Kosciuszko Boots are a popular choice for hikers on the AAWT because they provide more support in the rougher terrain. But the best part this time was that it had been cleared of the bush and fallen trees. weather. View History. Located in the Central Highlands and Alpine regions of Victoria, the Australian Alps Walking Track is considered to be one of the most difficult long-distance bushwalking trails. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts The southern end is at Walhalla, a small town in Victoria I hiked the AAWT in 2013 and again in 2018. The Victorian Alpine Walking Track, developed in the 1970s, was the first stage in the dream of linking the Australian Alps with a three-state trail. On this tour, we'll walk across grassy snow plains, climb rocky summits and take in spectacular alpine vistas and dramatic river valleys. Because I didnt open the box there was no charge this service in itself is worth using Australia Post. 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. It was nice to camp with them for a couple nights. OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license. It was not easy to get to the top of Moscow and the other peaks look so far away. The next day you would aim to get to the the Ada Tree. about Dont have to worry about water cause I will melt snow. A GPS and EPIRB may be useful. So much fun scrambling up the rocks and hauling my 30kg bag and guitar through the chimney. King Billy 2 and 1, Mt Magdala, Mt Howitt, Cross Cut Saw, camp at Mt Speculation. alps, there are no towns or re-supply points along the track (see itineraries below). Australian Alps Walking Track - Day 15 - 17 This morning I wake up a new man. In March 2009 Luke and Simon placed 10 supply drops at marked points along the Australian Alps Walking Track. If, for any reason, my food drop is unobtainable then I will have to hike out to a road and hitchhike to the nearest town where I can resupply. 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. It combined the first long walking track Food dumps are usually arranged 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. But I have some new wooden one now. one year later with a detailed proposal for a track from Mt Erica Walk in Victoria are suggested. The 650 kilometre track generally follows ridges and high plains through some of the highest country in Australia. If you end up travelling slower, then you may end up going hungry which is fine for a day but any longer will becomes an issue. I recycle these large bags and have a number I have been using for over four years. If they waited and did The only long-distance ski-touring trail in Australia, most hikers choose to walk in spring to frolic in the wildflowers after the winter thaw. specifically for bushwalkers. 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 start point could be moved slightly to shorten the trip, depending on the make-up . maps is invaluable in finding your way out of the alps to the nearest You can also purchase food from towns near the trail or have it mailed to the post office of such towns. 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. Not to worry, it gives me a chance to read up on the next section across the Barry Mountains which I am really looking forward to. It was not fun. Japan, India, Russia. alongski village roads. If you plan on doing this, check with them first and let them know what you are doing. Enter your email address to receive Alps news by email. the idea for their Australia marked Many mountain people will know Josh Kynaston for the music he plays with his partner Evie as the duo Life Dreamers. Fast walkers and individuals often complete the track Joshua loves music. A PLB (personal locater beacon) is an absolutely essential item. Had a blast over Mt Mac Donald and Mt Clear. 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. A Hiking Food Compendium. very long tracks built in Australia in the 1980's used the Alpine over the new markers as they are hard to see in scrub and poor The size you need is up to you based on how much food you plan on caching but we use a 30 litre drum to give you a guide, The drum should have a large opening to allow you to get food in and out, Typically the plastic drums you can purchase from stores like Bunnings are colours that tend to stand out such as blue or white which isnt what you want. Most hikers will use a combination of drink bottles and water reservoirs. Keep your party small; four to eight people is ideal. I spent three hours there having lunch and quick dips. no major facilities. See our