What is the general etiquette on the [ H + H ] track?

The Hume and Hovell walking Track traverses a vast range of landscapes, land uses and land tenures, which is all part of its appeal. Please be sure to respect the Track, the land, and the private property it passes through. Stay on the Track and do not cut corners. A great deal of effort went into garnering initial landholder cooperation and permission for the Track to cross crucial parcels of private land. Please do nothing to jeopardise this. Please camp in campsites and use the facilities there. Toilets are available at every campsite and should be used. Where no toilet facility is available, waste and toilet paper must be buried 15cm deep, away from the Track, and be at least 100m away from a watercourse. All rubbish carried in must be carried out – this includes organic items such as apple cores and other food scraps. Take only photos, leave only footprints!

What type of food should I pack?

Choose your equipment to suit the length of expedition you are undertaking. For all walks, wear and take appropriate clothing including closed toe shoes and a wind and waterproof jacket. Pack a topographic map and compass and know how to use them. If overnighting, pack a good tent, sleeping bag, torch, cooking equipment, hand sanitiser gel and insect repellent.

Pack adequate and nutritious food, and enough water. If going on a multi day walk, be sure to pack an emergency meal. Plan the amount of water carried to coincide with water availability along the track. Creeks, tanks and dams are all marked on maps. All water, from any source, must be treated before drinking.

For detailed equipment lists, the following may be helpful:

https://www.tomsoutdoors.com.au/blogs/gear-guide

http://www.mountaindesigns.com/blog/gear-lists/gear-list-hiking

https://www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au/trip-planner/equipment-hire

For food planning ideas, visit:

https://www.tomsoutdoors.com.au/blogs/camp-cooking

https://www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au/trip-planner/food

http://www.adelaidebushwalkers.org/hikes-activities/hiking-tips/food-ideas/

What are the track conditions and difficulty?

The Hume and Hovell Track traverses a variety of different terrain, grades, track types land tenures. The effective "difficulty" of each section varies frequently, so it's hard to summarise the difficulties over one single section. However, in broad terms, the track can be classified into three major levels of "difficulty" based largely on Australian Standard 2156.1 - Walking Tracks - Classification and Signage.

Easy | Opportunity for large numbers of visitors to walk easily in natural environments which are provided with a moderate to high level of interpretation and facilities.  Users can expect frequent encounters with others. Generally a modified or hardened surface on firetrail, cycle path, footpath or engineered boardwalks. Generally grades will be no steeper than 1:10 with minimal use of steps.  Facilities may include toilets, picnic shelters and viewing platforms.

Moderate | Opportunity for visitors to walk in slightly modified natural environments requiring a moderate level of fitness and where the provision of interpretation signage and facilities is not common. Generally a modified surface of single track or firetrail.  Users may encounter low level timber bridges and boardwalks in remote locations.  Grades may exceed 1:10 for short sections but generally no steeper than 1:10. Users need some bushwalking experience and a minimal level of specialised skills.  Users may encounter natural hazards such as steep slopes, unstable surfaces and minor water crossings.

Hard | Opportunity for users to explore and discover relatively undisturbed natural environments along defined and distinct tracks with sparsely located facilities.  Users can expect opportunities to observe and appreciate the natural environment with provision of interpretive signage and few encounters with others. Encounters with fallen debris and other obstacles are likely.  Users require a moderate level of specialized skills such as navigation skills.  Users may require maps and navigation equipment to successfully complete the track and may need to be self-reliant , particularly in regard to first aid and possible weather hazards.

Are their dog friendly + MTB friendly areas

Woomargama National Park // Dog friendly – No | MTB – Yes

Kosciuszko National Park // Dog friendly – No | MTB – No

Boganderya Nature Park // Dog friendly – No | MTB – No

Wee Jasper Nature Reserve // Dog friendly – No | MTB – No

Burrinjuck Nature Reserve // Dog friendly – No | MTB – No

Mundaroo SF // Dog friendly –Yes | MTB – Yes

Bago SF // Dog friendly – Yes | MTB – Yes

Bondo SF // Dog friendly – Yes | MTB – Yes

Mannus SF // Dog friendly – Yes | MTB – Yes

Wee Jasper SF // Dog friendly – Yes | MTB – Yes

Micalong SF // Dog friendly – Yes | MTB – Yes

Private Land // Dog friendly – No | MTB – No

* Dogs in State Forest MUST comply with the companion animals act - this means they MUST be on a lead/chain at all times

Safety + trip planning

The Hume and Hovell Track covers a range of landscapes and terrain, and some sections are very remote.  Mobile phone coverage is not available on most sections of the track so do not plan to rely on your phone if you get into difficulty. Satellite phones or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)’s are more reliable. Groups of three people or more are safest in case of emergency.

Research and plan your trip carefully using the mapping resources available in the map kit or by using the Trip Planner.  This includes planning for how to access the Track as many of the access tracks are 4WD only.

GPX files for GPS devices are available from the Downloads page to assist with navigation when on the Track.

Before your trip, let a responsible person know where you are going and how long you expect to take. Check back in with them when you return. Make sure they know what to do if you fail to return/check back in. Please fill out any log books that you encounter. If you are doing the full length of the Track, please register using the Contact Form.

Be sure to like the Facebook page as any important track updates will be posted there.

Is water available along the track?

Water is available along the Hume and Hovell Track from creeks, tanks and dams. Each campsite has access to at least one of these water sources. All water, from any source, must be treated before drinking. You will need to carry your own water filtering system and/or water treatment tablets as well as water containers suitable for collecting water from these sources. Plan the amount of water carried to coincide with water availability along the track, and depending on your own drinking requirements, temperature, length of walk being undertaken for the day etc. Cooking water may also need to be carried for certain locations, such as when camping along Blowering Dam foreshore and Mannus Lake, where the only source of water is from the dam where access is difficult and water most likely to be muddy.

Check out the map on the Plan page for more details.

Campfires + fire safety

The Hume and Hovell Track is CLOSED on days of total fire ban. Always check the current bush fire rating at NSW Rural Fire Service: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or by phoning 1800 679 737. Observe fire bans and only use the fireplaces provided. Do not leave a fire unattended and extinguish the fire before breaking camp.

Check weather forecasts and conditions prior to your trip: www.bom.gov.au/ . Don’t plan to go anywhere remote in periods of extreme weather.

How do I contact and book the Burrinjuck Boat?

The boat is usually available on Mondays and Thursdays for track users, or by special arrangement for groups. Boat bookings are essential - please call (02) 6227 8114 to arrange timings. There is a charge of $40 for the boat journey, payable at Burrinjuck Waters Waters Holiday Park. This includes camping at Burrinjuck Waters Holiday Park the night prior and use of their facilities, including laundry and showers.

Is there a tour that includes the Hume & Hovell track?

Yes, enjoy challenging hiking through some of New South Wales’ most scenic country side, staying at boutique hotels and enjoying good food, sunsets and lovely wine.

Please note, these tours are privately ran. For information on tours please contact us and we will put you in contact with Genevieve Fleming.