Iconic Alpine track cleared

16 February, 2012

A 25 kilometre section of one of Australia’s most rugged and remote walking trails has been reopened thanks to the hard work of Heyfield DSE crews.

The Australian Alps Walking Track is an iconic track that stretches over 650 kilometres from the historic township of Walhalla in Victoria through to Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory.

Along its length the walking track traverses the high country of Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, taking in some of Australia’s most remote and stunning mountains and forests.

In December 2006 Victoria experienced a major bushfire event, the Great Divide Fires, which burned over one million hectares of parks and forests in the east of the state.

Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) Forest Manager, Jessica Taylor said over the past few years, fallen trees and incredibly thick regeneration has made parts of the track impenetrable.

“In particular, the section of walking track north of Licola around the Black River was almost impossible to find,” she said.

Heyfield DSE staff have recently cleared and opened up more than 25 kilometres of the Australian Alps Walking Track from Champion Spur Track through to Mount Skene and from Mount Skene through to Mount McDonald in the Alpine National Park.

“It’s very exciting that we have been able to locate and re-define this section of the Australian Alps Walking Track,” Ms Taylor said.

“Maintaining remote walking tracks is an expensive and challenging task, especially with the regrowth following the bushfires. It’s great to be working with other land management agencies across South Eastern Australia to ensure this iconic track is open all the way through to the ACT.”

The Australian Alps walking track is a challenging, long distance walk that provides people with an opportunity to experience some of the most remote and beautiful areas of forest and parks in Australia.

Due to its remoteness and long distance, anyone considering undertaking the walk should ensure that they are well-prepared, experienced and have good navigation skills.

“The track can also be walked in shorter sections, making if appealing to a wide range of people,” Ms Taylor said.

If you would like information about walking the Australian Alps Walking Track please check the Australian Alps National Parks homepage at www.australianalps.environment.gov.au.

If you would like information regarding the section of track from Champion Spur Track through to Mount McDonald please contact DSE Heyfield on 51 397777.