Hume and Hovell track section complete and ready for walkers
Media release| 17 December 2021
A popular section of the spectacular Hume and Hovell Track near Tumbarumba is now open to the public again, after a long road to recovery following the extensive damage caused by the 2019/2020 bushfires.
The 6.5-kilometre section, from Junction Campsite through to the Henry Angel Trackhead on Tooma Road, is the latest part of the track restored and reopened for nature-lovers.
The project was managed by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Crown Lands together with Snowy Valleys Council, and with input from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Forestry NSW.
The 2.5-hour walking track snakes through bushland, farmland, riparian zone and natural habitat along Burra Creek, revealing spectacular vistas, flora and fauna.
The area used to be a thriving community for gold and tin miners from the 1850s.
Snowy Valleys Council Executive Director Infrastructure, Heinz Kausche, said the latest section to reopen involved significant repairs and upgrades to fire-damaged walking paths and bridges.
“More than 15 bridges and boardwalks have been replaced in this area in the last 12 months, mainly along Burra Creek, and marker posts and signs erected to replace those lost in the bushfires, which burned through 120 kilometres of land,” Mr Kausche said.
“Work crews have cleared burnt and damaged trees on the track, undertaken vegetation control, and re-established the track corridor, restoring the track to its former glory for all to enjoy.”
Preliminary designs have also been developed to construct a new 70-metre suspension bridge on the track over Coppabella Creek, which is the only permanent creek on the track without a formal bridge crossing.
The bridge site, near Jingellic Rd, Tumbarumba, is downstream from a large water catchment and there is often significant volumes of water flowing through the area, making crossing difficult.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the NSW Government had provided $1.5 million for repairs and upgrades to the Hume and Hovell Track.
“It is important this work is carried out to benefit local communities and regional tourism,” Minister Pavey said.
The Hume & Hovell Track stretches 426 kilometres between Yass and Albury, following the 1824 expedition path of explorers Hamilton Hume and William Hovell.
New wetland boardwalk on Hume & Hovell Track
Artist impression of planned suspension bridge over Coppabella Creek