Hume & Hovell Track Reopens
The Hume and Hovell Track has reached another milestone in the recovery from the 2019/2020 bushfires, and we are thrilled to announce the reopening of a significant section of the Hume and Hovell Track that has been closed for the past four years. The stretch between Blowering Campsite and “The Flats” on the western shore of the Blowering Reservoir has been temporarily closed since January 2020, following the devastating bushfires that swept through the region.
The closure was primarily due to the heightened risk of falling trees. In late 2020, an arborist conducted a thorough assessment of the single track between Blowering Campsite and Browns Creek Campsite. Subsequent efforts led to the removal of fire-damaged trees, marking a positive step toward the track's eventual restoration. Forestry Corporation NSW were then in the process of conducting harvesting operations on the burnt pine plantation and clearing Foreshore Road, which resulted in a closure through until January 2024. Once access was permitted to the Hume and Hovell Track team, the restoration of the Track could be completed, making this one of the final sections to welcome back track users since the 2020 fires.
Track maintenance crews have been hard at work reinstating signage along this section of trail.
Looking ahead, we are excited to share our plans for campsite upgrades in the vicinity. Browns Creek Campsite and Ben Smith Campsite are in line for enhancements over the coming year, offering an even more comfortable and enjoyable experience for those looking to tackle the track in the region around Blowering Reservoir. Track managers are currently working with Forestry Corporation NSW to gain approval to reinstate the track and construct a new campsite at Ben Smith which was completely destroyed by the 2020 fires.
The last remaining section of track to be reopened is between Yellowin Access Rd and Boundary Rd just north of the property Boraig. To allow an uninterrupted walk of the Hume and Hovell Track, a temporary diversion has been put in place which provides a detour of this section. See the below map.
This reestablished section will allow walkers to hike from Cooma Cottage in Yass right through to the Hovell Tree in Albury, the full 428km track now open.
There are a range of short walks and track highlights to be experienced and more than 20 campsites now open along the Hume & Hovell Track. Further information can be found on the Hume & Hovell Track Website Hume + Hovell Track (humeandhovelltrack.com.au)