A long-closed Riverina campsite has officially reopened, marking the final step in restoring one of regional NSW’s most iconic walking routes.
The Ben Smith Campsite, near Tumut, is once again welcoming hikers and campers after years of closure caused by the devastating 2019–20 bushfires and subsequent flooding. A $350,000 NSW government investment has rebuilt and upgraded the site, returning a key stop along the historic Hume and Hovell Track to public use.
Set within a stretch of landscape shaped by both natural beauty and recent disaster, the reopening signals the full revival of the 426-kilometre trail, which runs from Yass to Albury. At its worst, fire and flood damage impacted nearly 120 kilometres of the track and cut off access to large sections of the route.
Now, with Ben Smith Campsite back online, the entire trail is once again accessible to walkers, trail runners and long-distance hikers.
What’s new at Ben Smith Campsite
The upgraded campsite includes a new hikers’ hut with an elevated sleeping platform for up to six people, a repaired water tank and barbecue facilities, and more level ground for tents. Additional picnic tables will be installed in the coming months.
Moreover, a new 1.2-kilometre walking track now connects Yellowin Road to the campsite, and a pedestrian bridge along the route provides views across the surrounding Riverina landscape.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the reopening provides a safe and affordable way for visitors to experience one of the state’s most scenic walking tracks, noting its importance for regional tourism and local economies.
Independent Member for Wagga Wagga Joe McGirr described the campsite as a “key point” along a much-loved trail and said its return marks a significant moment for the community after years of recovery work.
The Hume and Hovell Track follows the route taken by explorers Hamilton Hume and William Hovell in 1824, weaving through farmland, state forests and national parks. Today, it stands as one of NSW’s premier long-distance walking tracks, crossing rivers such as the Murrumbidgee and Tumut and featuring more than 100 footbridges along the way.
Things to do nearby
Near the Ben Smith Track campsite, you can take an easy walk along the Jounama Pondage Trail, which follows the shoreline and offers calm water views toward Talbingo. For something more challenging, head south toward Buddong Falls, a steep but rewarding hike that climbs through rugged terrain to a powerful waterfall and picnic area.
You can also swim in Jounama Pondage, just a short walk from the campsite, where gently sloping grassy banks make it a popular spot to cool off and relax. The pondage and surrounding waterways also suit kayaking and canoeing, and paddlers use them for both short trips and longer adventures.
Nearby, you can also see the massive Tumut 3 Power Station pipelines up close, part of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme and one of the area’s most striking engineering landmarks.
Getting there
Driving to Ben Smith Campsite from Sydney is a straightforward road trip into the Snowy Valleys region on the edge of the Riverina. The drive takes around 4.5 to 5 hours (about 430 km) from the Sydney CBD. From Sydney, take the M5 and join the Hume Highway (M31) heading south, continuing past Goulburn and Yass.
Turn off onto the Snowy Mountains Highway (B72) and follow it toward Tumut. Then, continue south through Tumut toward the small town of Talbingo, which serves as the final approach area to the campsite.
Ben Smith Campsite remains a free, no-booking-required stopover, with basic amenities including a pit toilet, water tank, barbecue and camping facilities.
For those looking to tackle a short section or commit to a multi-day trek, the reopening offers a renewed opportunity to explore a track that blends natural scenery with layers of Indigenous and colonial history—now fully restored after years of disruption.
