Winter is one of the best times to hit the trails in NSW, with cooler temperatures making long-distance hikes far more feasible than during the warmer months. From coastal walks to multi-day wilderness treks, the state is home to some of Australia’s most rewarding hiking experiences. Among them is the Hume and Hovell Track, a 426-kilometre route that winds through lush forests, farmland and alpine landscapes between the towns of Yass and Albury. Now, after years of bushfire and flood recovery works, a major milestone has been reached, with the reopening of the Ben Smith Campsite completing the restoration of one of the state’s most iconic walking trails. Here’s what hikers need to know.
Ben Smith Campsite reopens in NSW
Located near the lovely town of Tumut, the Ben Smith Campsite has long served as a popular stopover for hikers tackling sections of the giant Hume and Hovell Track. Severely impacted by the Black Summer bushfires in 2019 before sustaining further damage during major flooding the following year, the site was forced into closure while extensive recovery works were carried out across the region.
Following a $350,000 upgrade, the campsite has now reopened with a number of impressive new and improved facilities. Among the highlights is a hikers’ hut featuring an elevated sleeping platform for up to six people, repaired water and barbecue facilities, expanded camping areas and upgraded infrastructure designed to improve the overall visitor experience.
A new 1.2km walking track linking Yellowin Road to the campsite has also been completed, along with a pedestrian bridge offering sweeping views across the surrounding landscape. The reopening marks the final stage of a broader restoration effort that has seen damaged sections of the trail repaired and key infrastructure rebuilt in the years following the natural disasters.
The Hume and Hovell walking track
One of Australia’s longest and most diverse walking trails, the Hume and Hovell Track stretches a whopping 426 kilometres through some of southern NSW’s most varied landscapes. Winding past state forests, farmland, river valleys and alpine scenery, the track also links a number of regional towns and natural wonders along the way.
While some walkers tackle the entire route as a multi-week adventure, you also have the options to explore shorter sections as day walks or overnight hikes. The trail is particularly popular during the cooler months, with mild temperatures making the long distance a lot more palatable and the surrounding countryside scenery at its most charming.
The Ben Smith Campsite sits between the Blowering Reservoir and Buddong Falls sections of the trail, an area known for its rugged forest scenery and views towards Talbingo Mountain, with Talbingo being the closest town to the site. The campsite is free to use and does not require bookings. Find more information here and read more about the Hume and Hovell track on Visit NSW.
