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 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
The Hume & Hovell Walking Track spans approximately 426km from Yass to Albury, winding through remote bushland, farmland, pine forests, and national parks.
The trail is marked and well-maintained, with signage, campsites, and water points along the way and divided into five sections.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Packing well is critical for comfort and safety on the Hume & Hovell. Check out Eva's essential gear to pack for your trip here.
For maps, track conditions, and planning tools, check the official Hume & Hovell Track resources:
The trail has a mix of free walk-in campsites, as well as bookable accommodation options near major access points. For the Burrinjuck Dam to Tumut stretch, you can ease into or out of the trail by staying at:
All 3 locations off unpowered camping and basic amenities. For something a little more comfortable, Burrinjuck Waters and Tumut River have comfortable cabins.
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