NSW's Hume and Hovell Track

Australia’s vast wilderness is home to countless breathtaking trails, but few carry the historic significance and natural diversity of the Hume & Hovell Walking Track. Stretching through the heart of New South Wales, this long-distance hike offers a true escape into the bush; rich in history, scenery, and adventure.

Whether you're planning a short section hike or tackling the full track, this guide covers everything you need to know: from the story behind the route to packing tips and where to stay.

The history of Hume & Hovell

The Hume & Hovell Track follows in the footsteps of explorers Hamilton Hume and William Hovell, who set off in October 1824 to find out what was south of the Murrumbidgee River.

Their journey started from Lake George in NSW and took them all the way to Port Phillip Bay in Victoria. Along the way, they tackled some seriously tough country—crossing fast-flowing rivers, navigating the Great Dividing Range, and dragging their gear (and six convict servants) through rugged terrain.

At one point, a river was so wild they had to float a cart across it like a raft. Not surprisingly, the carts didn’t last long—they eventually had to ditch them in the mountains.

The explorers were constantly battling the elements—flies, ticks, leeches, bushfires, snow—you name it. And apparently, Hume and Hovell weren’t exactly best mates, with plenty of bickering to keep things interesting.

But it wasn’t all hardship. They were the first Europeans to lay eyes on the Murray River (which they called the Hume River) and to spot the snow-capped mountains of both NSW and Victoria. Their reports about fertile grazing land also encouraged settlers to follow in their tracks.

The expedition wrapped up in January 1825, and it helped bust the myth that Australia’s inland was just empty, uninhabitable wasteland. Get the full history here

About the track: where does it start and end?

The Hume & Hovell Walking Track spans approximately 426km from Yass to Albury, winding through remote bushland, farmland, pine forests, and national parks.

Key facts:

• Distance: ~426km
• Start point: Cooma Cottage near Yass
• End point: Hovell Tree in Albury
• Trail type: One-way (with return or shuttle options)
• Time to complete: Full track takes 21–25 days to walk

The trail is marked and well-maintained, with signage, campsites, and water points along the way and divided into five sections.

5 main sections of the Hume & Hovell Track

Cooma Cottage (Yass) to Wee Jasper

This section starts at the historic Cooma Cottage and leads hikers through rolling farmland and across the Murrumbidgee River. It’s a relatively gentle introduction to the trail, with open views and well-formed paths.

Wee Jasper to Tumut

A remote and rugged stretch that winds through forests, creeks, and the Brindabella foothills. Highlights include the Goodradigbee River, Careys Cave, and campsites like Fitzpatrick Trackhead.

Tumut to Blowering Dam

This part of the trail features peaceful riverside walking, bushland ridgelines, and open country. Walkers often enjoy birdwatching and river views along the Tumut River corridor.

Blowering Dam to Tumbarumba

A more challenging stretch that includes long climbs, scenic lookouts, and changing alpine landscapes. You’ll pass through pine forests, native bush, and remote reserves.

Tumbarumba to Albury (Hovell Tree)

The final section offers a mix of farmland and woodlands before finishing in Albury at the historic Hovell Tree. It’s a satisfying way to end the journey with easier gradients and lovely rural scenery.

Trail lengths and walking options

One of the best things about the Hume & Hovell Track is its flexibility; you don’t need to walk all 426km to experience its beauty. The trail is designed to suit everyone from full-on thru-hikers to weekend walkers and families looking for a day out in nature.

• Full thru-hike: Around 426km from Yass to Albury, typically walked in 21–25 days. Ideal for experienced hikers who want the full historical and environmental journey.
• Multi-day sections: Options like Wee Jasper to Tumut or Tumut to Tumbarumba offer great 2–5 day hikes with accommodation or camping along the way.
• Day walks: Several access points offer short loop or return walks—great for a morning or afternoon adventure. Places like Fitzpatrick Trackhead, Henry Angel Trackhead, and Blowering Reservoir make it easy to dip into the trail without a major time commitment.

Whether you have a few hours, a few days, or a few weeks, there’s a stretch of the Hume & Hovell that fits perfectly into your plans.

Short/day walks on the Hume & Hovell Track

You don’t need to commit to days on the trail to enjoy the Hume & Hovell experience—there are over 15 designated short walks, each showcasing a unique part of the landscape, with options ranging from half an hour to a few hours. These are ideal for day-trippers, families with young kids, or anyone keen to enjoy a slice of the trail without going full explorer mode.

Here are a few favourites:

• Billy Grace Reserve to Swing Bridge (Wee Jasper) – 1.5km return
  A gentle riverside stroll that crosses a scenic suspension bridge—great for kids and accessible from the campground.
• Fitzpatrick Trackhead to Log Bridge Creek – 2km return
  A short but rewarding bushwalk that follows the track through eucalypt forest, with creek crossings and birdsong all the way.
• Henry Angel Trackhead to Burra Creek Gorge Lookout – 2km return
  A peaceful forest trail leading to a stunning lookout over Burra Creek—ideal for a picnic with a view.
• Buddong Falls Loop Walk – 1.5km loop
  A short circuit through wet forest and rocky terrain, ending at the beautiful Buddong Falls—particularly impressive after rain.
• Blowering Reservoir Foreshore Walk – Up to 3.5km return
  An easygoing foreshore trail along Blowering Dam, perfect for wildlife spotting and a peaceful waterside meander.

These short walks are well-signposted and vary in difficulty, but all offer a chance to soak up the natural beauty and history of the trail - no backpack required.

Multi-day walks: Burrinjuck to Tumut stretch: a scenic mid-track adventure

If you’re not up for the full 426km journey, the section between Reflections Burrinjuck Waters and Reflections Tumut River offers a stunning multi-day hike with all the wilderness, without committing to weeks on the trail. Recently, We Are Explorers’ Eva Davis-Boermans, content creator Paul Lojszczyk and photographer Daygin Prescott (all strangers before this adventure) embarked on a six-day trek from Burrinjuck Waters to the Tumut River. They captured the diverse landscapes and rich history of the Hume & Hovell Track as they retraced the Footsteps of Hume & Hovell.

Highlights of this stretch:

• Forested hills, river crossings, and peaceful bush camps
• Good track conditions with minimal signage issues
• Proximity to accommodation at either end

This portion of the trail is ideal for those wanting a 2–5 day hike with easy logistics. All three Reflections Holidays parks: Burrinjuck Waters, Wee Jasper and Tumut River all make excellent start and end points.

What to pack for the trail

Packing well is critical for comfort and safety on the Hume & Hovell. Check out Eva's essential gear to pack for your trip here.

Useful links for planning

For maps, track conditions, and planning tools, check the official Hume & Hovell Track resources:

• Download official maps
• Track sections overview