Track Condition Update February 2023
Updated April 2023.
Incredible growth has been experienced along the entire length the Hume and Hovell Track in response to the high levels of rainfall experienced throughout Spring and Summer. Coupled with the more recent warmer weather, it has been ideal conditions for rapid vegetation growth.
Unfortunately, this has also led to reduced access for maintenance crews, with many roads being impassable, leading to a reduction in the volume of maintenance work along the track. With the added pressure of staff shortages over Christmas and New Year the condition of the track in some areas is challenging.
The Hume and Hovell Team would like to acknowledge the situation honestly and provide realistic information to our track users so there is no risk to our walkers.
There are blackberry bushes that have overcome the walking track, shrubs and bushes that have encroached on the walking track and overgrowth of grassed areas. This has also meant that the track marker posts are being covered, which is causing difficulty in finding the correct direction. Some areas are still soft underfoot from earlier in the year.
Some sections of the walk are currently impassable or will certainly mean the walk time is much slower and more difficult than expected.
Note: Images are depicting the very worst areas and are not indicative of the entire track.
Sections to currently avoid:
Fitzpatrick Trackhead to Log Bridge
Samuel Bollard Campsite to Wymah Road
Sections which have had recent maintenance:
Thomas Boyd Trackhead to The Hole
Log Bridge to Barrios
Junction Campsite to Henry Angel Trackhead
Henry Angel Trackhead to Col Daniel Bridge
There is a maintenance action plan in place that is already underway to tackle these issues and to undertake further track correction activities. This is being approached on a priority basis but will mean that some parts will take longer to complete than others.
The images below show some of the recent work that has been completed, restoring the Track back to its original state and much more enjoyable for our walkers.
We encourage all users to complete a ‘report a track defect’ form via our Contact Us page on our website.
It is difficult to see the condition that is currently being faced, but we appreciate the understanding and patience of our hikers and we are committed to returning the Hume and Hovell Track to its original standard.
We also encourage our walkers to be prepared when exploring the Hume and Hovell Track, please download mapping resources to assist with navigation, take plenty of water or be carrying a water filtration option, take a satellite phone or personal locator beacon (PLB), notify someone of your trip or register your trip with us and carry first aid supplies. For a full list of recommendations please see the hiker tips