Australian Alps Walking Track (SOBO – South Bound)
Section 11 (7 days): Days 54 – 60 to Walhalla
25/5/2025 – 31/05/2025 Mt Selma Road – Fiddlers Green – Walhalla
Distance: 91.1km Total Ascent: 4,696m Total Descent: 5,552m
Time: 37 hours Moving Time: 25 hours
Participants: Damien Aggio (Report), Stephen Davies (Report, Photos)
Day 54: Sunday 25/05/2025 Mt Selma Road – Fiddlers Green – Short Spur Track – Bob’s Hut – Woods Point – Walhalla Road – Mount Victor – Victor Spur Track – China Track (intersection) – AAWT – Jordan River – Red Jacket (Jordan River) – R J Spur Track (intersection) – Red Jacket Track – Blue Jacket – Blue Jacket Campsite
State Forest, VICTORIA
Gunai/Kurnai Country
Max elevation: 1172 m
Total climbing: 314 m
Total descent: -942 m
Average speed: 3.82 km/h
Total time: 06:00:15
Yesterday became only the second day since we started that we did not walk. The morning was much more pleasant than the wet and cold of the previous two days. Damien was even hanging some of his things from trees to dry them.
After drying out, repacking our packs with the last seven days of our supplies and receiving a 69th birthday Facetime call from my daughter, we were finally away just before 10:00am. The easy walk along Mt Selma Road with a short detour to Bob’s Hut along Short Spur Track had us making good time.
We had half a dozen vehicles go past on the road, hardly surprising, being a weekend.
Once at Mount Victor, we made the sharp left turn onto Victor Spur Track, where 200m along the track is a locked gate (locked to vehicles from May 1). This was a very pleasant forest walk, all the better for having no vehicles on it. Once we got to a sunny spot, we stopped for lunch, right in the middle of the track.
AAWT 400m before rejoining Victor Spur Track
Further along, I was again on autopilot when Damien questioned why I was walking past our AAWT turnoff. Just as well as I would have kept going. It would have added another 2km to the day, but ended up at the same place.
The AAWT that we now followed was a bushwalk along an often prolific leaf and stick-covered track that descends along a spur to the Jordan River. At the Jordan River, we rejoined the road that we were on several kilometres beforehand. Below this junction, the road crosses the Jordan River on a concrete bridge, the area once being the gold mining town of Red Jacket. There are several historical markers nearby explaining some of the local history.
A 2km walk along Red Jacket Track (vehicular) saw us pass more historical sites before reaching Blue Jacket, another abandoned gold mining town. Our Blue Jacket Campsite was just off the road behind a locked gate and next to a very old mine quarry, which had vertical banks dropping into a deep abyss. As it sits under the canopy amongst blackberry bushes, check where you want to pitch your tent!
To obtain water, a clearly defined but rough and overgrown track leads down to the Jordan River; again, watch out for the blackberry bushes.
A very calm and mild night. At dusk, off in the distance, we heard wild dogs howling. The much closer lyrebird singing was much preferred.
Damien at Blue Jacket Campsite
Damien
The first time in a while, we had a cloudless, dry morning, although the wind was howling and my tent did blow down once overnight. Luckily, it wasn’t damaged.
Finally, everything was dry when we left at 9:30am.
Most of the day was clear, easy road walking with no steep inclines and predominantly downhill to the Jordan River.
Later in the morning, it was nice to enter the locked-off Melbourne Water Catchment Area as we no longer had to watch out for cars.
At Red Jacket, we could get our first access to drinking water for the day. Red Jacket is a historic area from the gold mining era, and there were many plaques explaining the history.
We walked on and arrived at our campground at Blue Jacket at 4:00pm. There were a lot of blackberry bushes around, but we did manage to access the water after a 5-minute walk.
As we settled in for dinner in our tents, a lyrebird struck up a song. With the good weather, it made for a most pleasant evening. The calm before the storm.
Day 55: Monday 26/05/2025 Jordan River – Blue Jacket – Blue Jacket Campsite – Red Jacket Track – Casper Creek Track – Thomson-Jordan Divide 4WD Track – Easton Track – Mount Easton 1000m – Mount Little Easton 953m – Thomson River – Thomson River Campsite
Thomson State Forest, VICTORIA
Gunai/Kurnai Country
Max elevation: 1002 m
Total climbing: 699 m
Total descent: -703 m
Average speed: 3.60 km/h
Total time: 03:31:33
A strong, potentially dangerous cold front had been in the forecast, but it seemed we were deep enough into a valley to be largely protected. This morning’s update predicted afternoon showers.
We were underway by 9:00am in an attempt to beat the showers to our next camp at Thomson River. The entirety of today was spent walking on vehicular tracks, but as most tracks the last couple of days are in water catchment areas, they are behind locked gates. As such, we did not see any vehicles, nor have we seen any other hikers on the track for nine days, which was back at Vallejo Gantner Hut.
It wasn’t long before our first steep hill, a 350m climb, before then became less challenging. The forecast change was making its presence felt, but mostly with its wind and strong wind gusts; these were a concern for us as we walked through the endless forest. Mostly lots of gentle swaying of trees as the gusts came through. Later at camp in the afternoon, where it was very sheltered, the wind was nowhere near as strong. Then we heard a loud crack, Damien seeing a 10cm thick, live branch on a tree 20m from us snap and collapse, but remaining hanging upside down from the tree trunk.
Thompson Jordan Divide Track
We have noted that so many of the campsite during this trip have trees near and above them, many of them with dead branches, waiting to fall. It seems to be a lottery as to when and what or who they will hit. I’m surprised that there appears to be no safety assessment made of these campsites, which are identified as such on maps. As hikers walking along the AAWT, there are usually no alternatives.
I arrived dry at Thomson River Campsite at 12:30pm and quickly got my tent set up as more threatening clouds passed overhead. Unexpectedly, as the afternoon progressed, the clouds rapidly thinned, and most of the afternoon was spent lazing around, sitting on my sleep mat in the tent with sunlight paying a long, late afternoon visit. It had turned into a most enjoyable afternoon.
At 7:30pm, it started to rain heavily and shortly thereafter turned into a thunderstorm, directly overhead. That was very different to the current forecast of 60% chance of 0mm over the two hours!
Thomson River Campsite
Damien
The dingoes howled nearby during the night. Around dawn, there were a few intermittent showers that dampened the ground before we packed up and left at 9:00am. Ultimately, no terrible rains came during the day. Instead, there were a couple of light showers, not even requiring a raincoat. The hill out of Blue Jacket was one of the steepest of the whole trip and seemed to go on forever. In fact, throughout the day, there we quite a few extremely steep inclines that challenged the traction of our boots.
I managed to get a smidgeon of Optus phone reception on top of Mt Easton, but no Telstra reception was available.
I set up camp at 1:30pm to complete an easy day’s walk. However, all the camping areas we seem to arrive at are small and with large dead trees and branches overhanging us. It is quite intimidating, along with the great abundance of blackberry bushes surrounding us. A lot more could easily be done to these campgrounds to make them more inviting. Most importantly, to chop down the dead trees overhead. Next to smooth out the ground to create some flat spots big enough for a tent, and lastly to cut back the blackberries.
Day 56: Tuesday 27/05/2025 Thomson River – Thomson River Campsite – Thomson Jordan Road – Easton Dam – Upper Thomson Track (intersection) – Mount Gregory Track – Trig Point Track – Upper Thomson Road – AAWT – Thomson Valley Road – Stronachs Camp
Thomson State Forest, VICTORIA
Gunai/Kurnai Country
Max elevation: 1195 m
Total climbing: 846 m
Total descent: -189 m
Average speed: 3.29 km/h
Total time: 06:02:00
After last night’s storm past the weather eased off just dropping a few light showers on us overnight. With plenty of drying out to attempt by morning, we didn’t get away until 10:00am, buoyed by a forecast of only very light showers later in the afternoon.
As the Thomson Jordan Road is associated with the Easton Dam, it is in good condition, and walking was easy.
Heading up the ridge on Trig Point Track had us climbing a steep fire break/service road, which had been very recently graded, leaving the surface a little softer than normal, giving better foothold to make the climb fractionally easier than otherwise.
Trig Point Track
As we neared the top, there was a very marked drop in temperature, and the breeze picked up as well. It was now cold enough to want to walk in with both my fibrepile and Gortex jackets on, something I usually only do on a cold winter’s day of backcountry skiing.
Not far from our AAWT turnoff, we crossed paths with Tom, a Polish guy, who left Walhalla yesterday, aiming to complete the entire AAWT doing 30km per day. His backpack was barely larger than a daypack, and he was wearing trail runners. I was not sure what he was navigating with, but he did not have a copy of the Chapman book, nor was he aware of the water tanks further along. We wished him good luck finding some of those without a waypoint or track notes in hand; he was going to need it!
A 3km stretch along an AAWT section had us get very wet, as although it was only raining lightly by now, there was gusty wind persisting from the passing of yesterday’s cold front. Also, the track was overgrown in many places and occasionally barely discernible despite regular track markers and blazing of trees. There were also a number of fallen trees to clamber over, often requiring sitting on a wet log to cross. Underfoot, there were lots of very wet sticks and small logs, some as slippery as ice. Blackberry bushes were numerous, as were thorny branches across the track. There were plenty of trip hazards. Slow walking was the order of the day.
Forest along AAWT past Upper Thomson Road
By the time we reached Thomson Valley Road, we were saturated from head to toe. Finally reaching Stronachs Camp (the one on the track, not the road). Here, we quickly got our tents up before walking down the road to collect water. A quick retreat back to our tents soon had us under cover, out of the light rain and sheltered from the wind. We wouldn’t be going anywhere for a while!
Damien
The ground was wet in the morning after rain had fallen all night. In fact, there was a thunderstorm overnight, which is always quite concerning. Lying on the ground makes you more susceptible to getting an electric shock if a lightning bolt strikes nearby due to a voltage gradient along the ground. But one advantage we had was camping at the bottom of a deep valley. Lightning strikes the mountain tops more often than the valley.
We packed up our tents by 9:30am after wiping off the excess water with the cloths that we carried.
Also, for the first two hours of walking, I hung the wettest part of my sleeping bag outside the rucksack to dry. After lunch, the rain showers started and became more intense by the time we made camp at 3:30pm. We were wet all through. We retrieved water 400m down the road in the culvert, then retired to bed.
Day 57: Wednesday 28/05/2025 Thomson Valley Road – Stronachs Camp – AAWT – Rocky Knob 1405m – Upper Yarra Walking Track (intersection) – Mount Whitelaw – Mt Whitelaw Hut Site
Baw Baw National Park, VICTORIA
Gunai/Kurnai Country
Max elevation: 1483 m
Total climbing: 506 m
Total descent: -266 m
Average speed: 3.49 km/h
Total time: 03:51:34
A wet a rainy night with gusts of wind swaying the trees around had us concerned about the health of nearby trees and continuing to try and get our wet gear a little drier.
Not long after breakfast, we heard the crack of breaking timber and the thud of impact. The tree hit the ground just 15m from my tent! It is now the second fallen tree past the sign heading out of camp. That was too close for comfort.
We took our time weighing up multiple options for the day. Still being very wet, just above zero and windy had us both wanting to stay in bed all day, that was without doubt the most attractive option.
In the end, we made different choices. Damien decided to stay where he was for the day and walk along the road to O’Sheas tomorrow, all 29+km of it. We would plan to meet there. I decided to continue along the AAWT as originally planned.
A large part of Damien’s determination came about from the section of AAWT we had walked yesterday afternoon. Overgrown, trees down and some difficulty following the track at times. It had made us both extremely wet and cold with repeated contact with wet flora.
As Stronachs Camp sits right at the northern edge of Baw Baw National Park, I probably should not have been surprised that its track maintenance was much better than on yesterday’s section outside of the park. Up until the Upper Yarra Walking Track intersection, the AAWT was consistently about 2m wide with minimal shrub intrusion, and there was no chance of getting wet from the vegetation.
Forest past Stronachs Camp
Early on along the track, there is a magnificent section of tall straight Mountain Ash trees with a very ferny understorey. It was really beautiful, especially with it all being mist amongst the trees. Along here, I encountered a lyrebird on the track, hard at work scratching the ground, at least until it saw me approaching and scampered off.
The mist and low cloud hung around all day, and with an obvious 100% humidity, nothing was going to stay dry for long. Around Mount Whitelaw, the weather turned, becoming significantly colder. It was just above zero, the wind had picked up, and it also began to rain gently. Perfect hypothermia weather. This continued into the early night.
I was most pleased to arrive at camp as by this time everything was saturated. I was also pretty chilled, the feet particularly cold from being in wet boots all day.
Tent up, I retreated to warm up. It took three hours in my sleeping bag for my feet to not feel cold. I certainly hope tomorrow’s forecast for no rain is correct; otherwise, I will be cold and wet again.
Despite some discomfort, I was really glad with my decision to walk today, as it was magical walking through such a wet, misty landscape. I hope Damien is now dry and well rested for his big road walk tomorrow.
Whitelaw Hut Site
Damien
With a loud crack, just at dawn, a 25m tall dead tree came down across the track. It had a 20cm diameter and would have caused damage to anything underneath it.
The rain poured down at regular intervals throughout the day.
Day 58: Thursday 29/05/2025 Mt Whitelaw Hut Site – AAWT – Mt Baw Baw Track (intersection) – Saint Phillack Saddle – Mt Saint Phillack Campsite – Mount Saint Phillack 1556m – Rock Shelter – Mount Saint Gwinear Track – St Gwinear Campsites – Talbot Peak 1517m – Talbot Hut Site ruins/Mt Erica Campsite
Baw Baw National Park, VICTORIA
Gunai/Kurnai Country
Max elevation: 1580 m
Total climbing: 578 m
Total descent: -542 m
Average speed: 3.49 km/h
Total time: 05:33:59
Last night, my Goretex jacket, soaked through, was left on bare earth under the tent fly, as it was too wet to even attempt to dry. I would just have to put it on today if I had to, walk fast and use body heat to stay warm.
The rain and wind continued into the evening, and the forecast was for another cloudy day. To my surprise, I awoke late, at 8:00am, to a cloudless blue sky with streams of sunlight illuminating what was not blocked by the forest trees. I quickly got to work, wiping dry the inside and outside of my tent, and found spots to hang wet cloths in the sun.
I didn’t get walking until after 10:00am, determined as I was to get my gear a little drier, but nothing was going to help the boots. Setting out, the track and everything else around me were still very wet. Luckily, the first kilometre of the track was free of any overhang, but the next couple of kilometres had lots of wet stuff that couldn’t be avoided. Beyond this, the track was wider and more open, so a bit drier to walk through. The track near Mt Baw Baw doubles as a Nordic ski track, so it is a bit wider again, and a bunch of preseason bush trimming had very recently been completed.
The Rock Shelter at the Mount Saint Gwinear Track junction is definitely for dire emergency use only, as you would have to crawl into it. There is only enough room to lie down. From there, I headed off along Mount Saint Gwinear Track but only as far as the creek, and with the sun out and it being a treeless area, I stopped for lunch. This provided a great chance to get some wet gear into sunlight, enough to get the Goretex jacket and ground sheets dry. Although I could see the campsite upstream, I did not consider wandering up to explore it, as the track looked really wet.
Rock Shelter at Camp Saddle
Moving on, I passed four or five great-looking, grassy Saint Gwinear Campsites. Beyond here, as I began to leave the resort influence and quickly became aware of deteriorating track conditions. Here, numerous sections of track had turned into creeks and mud holes, and attempts to improve the track quality were poor. Flat wooden boards worked in some spots, but elsewhere, walking on them made them sink into the water. On another, my leading foot started sliding forward, and I found myself performing the splits. Elsewhere, branches had been thrown into the water troughs (track). With some of these, I could get them to work as I was using two trekking poles, a boon for slippery conditions and extra stability. Also, a lot of these wet stretches were hemmed in by neighbouring shrubs, so avoiding the water was seriously challenging.
Past Baw Baw, there are forests of beautiful snowgum, striking because of how healthy most of the trees look. This region is far more attractive than the large expanses of diseased and dead snow gum in many areas of Kosciuszko National Park, where I have spent a lot of time.
I was a little disappointed upon reaching Talbot Hut Site ruins/Mt Erica Campsite, as despite the sun still being up and unimpeded by cloud-cover, there are so many snowgums that I was already in full shade at 3:30pm. So much for a lazy afternoon soaking up some sunshine. Obviously, now, after almost finishing the AAWT, I can see an advantage in walking the AAWT in the warmer months, as all the trees provide plenty of shade! Alternatively, approaching winter, walking through so much forested country can work against you.
So now at camp, the tent was quickly set up, water collected and a rapid retreat made into the relative warmth of the tent.
Damien got word through tonight that he was just about to reach O’Sheas Camp after his long road walk from Stronachs Campsite this morning. I should find him there tomorrow so we can complete our epic AAWT adventure as we started it, together.
Talbot Hut Ruins campsite
Damien
I tried to get an early start, but old habits die hard, and it was 8:30am before I hit the road.
It was a perfect weather day with not a cloud in the sky, but everything was wet and muddy, and the tent needed a full wipe down before being packed away.
The plan was to walk down the Thompson Valley Road to O’Sheas Camp. This had to all be done in one day, as it is all a water catchment area, and they don’t like people camping there.
The legs were sore before I got into camp just after 7:00pm, two hours after sunset.
Day 59: Friday 30/05/2025 Talbot Hut Site ruins/Mt Erica Campsite – AAWT- Mount Erica 1509m – Overhanging Rock – Mushroom Rocks – Mushroom Rocks Campsite – Mount Erica Car Park – Mount Erica Road – Mountain Monachs Walk – Firebreak Track
Baw Baw National Park, VICTORIA
Gunai/Kurnai Country
East Tyers Road – Tyers River East Branch – Tyers Road (intersection) – O’Sheas Mill Site Campsite (Eastern Tyers Camping Area)
Tyers State Forest, VICTORIA
Gunai/Kurnai Country
Max elevation: 1514 m
Total climbing: 149 m
Total descent: -1253 m
Average speed: 3.70 km/h
Total time: 06:04:10
From inside my tent, set up next to the Talbot Hut ruins fireplace and chimney, I caught innumerable incredible, golden spotlights striking the surrounding snow gums, as the dappled light of the rising sun left its first glowing impressions. This had me jump into action and head off back up the track towards Talbot Peak to enjoy this incredible show from different angles. Again, I was struck by the beauty of this snow gum forest and how healthy it was. The open and very green grassy understory made it picture perfect. It was a fabulous way to start my penultimate day. Amongst this forest, there are also several great campsites set back off the track, amongst the trees, and when the ground wasn’t quite as wet, would be preferable to the area next to the ruins.
Sunrise at Talbot Hut Ruins
I was finally walking by 10:00am. At the small footbridge near camp, the track on the opposite bank, with a good volume of water flowing along it, looked more like a tributary of the creek than a track. Wet feet again looked to be the order of the day, but this improved once past Mount Erica. Another 2km or so on, I was at Mushroom Rocks, a series of striking, large granodiorite tors. Amongst those is “Rock Shelter”, a large, well-rounded boulder with plenty of space underneath. It appears a horizontal line of a black compound has been smeared around its outer edge to prevent water tracking across the roof and dripping onto anyone inside. This area is well worth exploring.
Around 1.5km beyond the tors, I arrived at Mount Erica carpark, from where I continued along the gravel Mount Erica Road to the Mountain Monarchs carpark for a side trip of the mature Montane Wet Forest. This side trip traverses around the 1,000m contour and is very easy walking amongst a predominantly Mountain Ash and Shining Gum upper layer with middle strata incorporating Silver Wattle, Myrtle Beech and Sassafras amongst other rainforest plants. At ground level, there are Soft Tree-ferns, the smaller Hard Water-ferns, Mother Shield-ferns and Ruddy Ground-ferns. I was really glad the fallen trees had been chainsawed to allow easy passage, as their trunk diameters approached my height.
On departing the Mountain Monarchs walk, I continued downhill, east along Mount Erica Road for another 2km, keeping an eye out for the AAWT turnoff at 850m (elevation). Yet another real forest track, this one descending steadily towards the south-east along a wide ridge. As it descends, there is a series of distinct changes in the vegetation, hardly surprising as from Mount Erica, the day would involve a total descent of 1,200m. After the first kilometre, the steep descent becomes more gradual and the track becomes less obstacle-strewn.
After a solid, quad-challenging 5 1/2 hour descent, the track turns sharply from its lower south-westerly heading to the north-east to now contour around the bottom of the ridge and follow Tyers River East Branch. Just before you reach O’Sheas Mill Site Campsite, you get to cross the river. At least I had a pretty little waterfall to admire whilst I took my boots off to cross.
Forest along AAWT before O’Sheas Mill Site
A last, short walk through the carpark had me at O’Sheas Mill Site Campsite and within sight of a now very familiar tent. By my 4:00pm arrival, Damien was already snuggly tucked away inside his tent. It soon became obvious as to why he was, as the campsite gets very little sun this time of the year due to a high, neighbouring ridge and solid tree cover. So, despite mostly blue skies throughout the day, the whole area was still very damp and cold.
Damien had spent the whole day here resting and waiting for me. During that time, a lyrebird had completed extensive scratching in the 10m between his tent and the forest along the river.
Damien
An easy day was needed after the 45km walk yesterday. This campsite has ample clean water, a picnic table and toilets. Although it must be mentioned that the whole area is perpetually wet, as the sun does not get down into the bottom of the valley.
It does have phone reception that allowed me to communicate with Stephen, who was walking over the Baw Baw Plateau and planning to rendezvous here tonight.
Day 60: Saturday 31/05/2025 Tyers River East Branch – Tyers Road (intersection) – O’Sheas Mill Site Campsite – Eastern Tyers Camping Area – AAWT
Tyers State Forest, VICTORIA
Gunai/Kurnai Country
Thomson Valley Road (intersection) – Thomson River – Poverty Point Bridge – Poverty Gully – Poverty Gully Walking Track – Steel Bridge Track – Thomson River Campground – Walhalla Road – Thomson River Bridge – Stringers Creek – Mormon Town Track – AAWT
Thomson State Forest, VICTORIA
Gunai/Kurnai Country
Tramway Walkway – Walhalla
Walhalla Historic Area (town and historic reserve), VICTORIA
Gunai/Kurnai Country
Max elevation: 553 m
Total climbing: 433 m
Total descent: -452 m
Average speed: 3.87 km/h
Total time: 05:28:47
Although finally, to our last day, we were not unhappy to be leaving this cold, dank O’Sheas Mill Site Campsite. Although on the positive side, there is plenty of good, easily obtainable drinking water, vehicle access, a toilet and a nearby waterfall.
Damien at O’Sheas Mill Site, East Tyers Campsite
Away just before 9:00am, we followed the fern and fungi-lined track through the forest about 160m uphill before crossing Tyers-Thompson Valley Road, and then turning to the north-east and descending about 200m along a ridge. Views of the Thomson River appeared below as we approached. Departing the ridge and heading south, the track flattens out and follows the Thomson River for about 5km before reaching Walhalla Road. Along the Thomson River, we stopped briefly to look at some sites, including the Flintstone Table and Chairs and the historic Poverty Point Bridge, which was originally built in 1901. The bridge has now been declared structurally unsound and is closed until further notice.
Stephen at Flintstone Table and Chairs along Thomson River before Poverty Point
The ferns and fungi were also prolific along this section of track. Further along, along the river, it was a bit disappointing to find what looked like a long-abandoned blow-up raft. Hundreds of metres later were abandoned life jackets and paddles. Still, I hope the owners were OK after their aborted water escapades.
We were really feeling we were back to civilisation once we reached Thomson Bridge Campground, which had facilities we would have been happy to have available on most previous days. The lunch break on a sheltered picnic table, we could get used to that!
Our timing was good as well, for as we crossed the Walhalla Road Bridge, the tourist train left the station and crossed the river. We felt they had timed it for our arrival.
Past the bridge, I was on familiar ground, as Sue and I had visited and walked the Walhalla – Australian Alps Walking Track – Mormon Town Track – Britannia Spur Track – Main Road loop back in 2023 when the AAWT was just a bit of an itch I was starting to develop.
Sue had driven into Walhalla ahead of us and walked out along the track to join us for the last steps of our expedition. She reported that earlier, a guy, dressed in his kilt, had climbed up onto some concrete foundations above Walhalla and entertained the people below with his bagpipes. We mistimed that.
Our arrival in Walhalla had us checking with locals as to whether or not there was a logbook in which we could record our completed journey. No such luck, as the person who used to have a logbook for that purpose was no longer in business, and no one else had taken over the AAWT logbook.
So, after asking the Ranger at Namadgi National Park Visitors Centre how many people completed the full walk each year, she thought 30-40. Walhalla has no records. I photographed logbooks along the way and believe the one at Barry Saddle would contain the best and most complete record. Barry Saddle is remote and offers a rudimentary campsite, small water tank and weather-protected pedestal with logbooks. The first has entries back to 1997, and the second up to the present. Every walker walks along the track within a metre of this spot, and if they we going to record their presence doing the AAWT at any location, I feel this would be the one. Here I counted 26 people SOBO and 39 NOBO for 2024 (65 people in total for 2024). We appear to have joined a very exclusive group!
Stephen and Damien at the end of their Australian Alps Walking Track adventure
Damien
The weather turned it on for our finale. Only a short 12.5km day today.
A leech or two was encountered around the campsite, but they weren’t very hungry and thus did not manage to bite us.
I carried a litre of water, which would last for half the day. It would be after lunch until we came across clean drinking water.
We had lunch just beyond the Poverty Point Bridge. The Bridge is closed to the public as it is very old and unsafe.
As I sat down intending to eat, another creature was intending to eat me for lunch. Ten leeches in total tried to bite me. At these moments, I’m glad I had a cigarette lighter with me. Still, I had to cut my meal short and get moving. It is a scenic walk high up on the mountainside overlooking the Thompson River.
We saw the train leave the station when we reached the Walhalla Road. Here, there is one of the best campgrounds (for cars) in the Victorian part of the AAWT.
Overall, the campgrounds of the Victorian AAWT are underwhelming. Small, overgrown and devoid of flat ground, the blackened fireplace normally takes up the premium spot in the campground.
Another two hours found us at the finish line in Walhalla.
Stephen’s wife, Sue, was waiting with the van to take us back to civilisation in Moe, and for me, public transport back home.
Amongst other photographically recorded observations during this walk, we were able to confirm sightings of each of the following species: Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), Lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae), Brumbies (feral horses)
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Information on Parks signage along the way
Poverty Point Bridge – DANGER – Bridge CLOSED
No Pedestrians
Parks Victoria recently commissioned a Level 2 condition assessment of the Walhalla Tramway Bridge as part of a regular monitoring program of high risk assets on the Parks estate.
The report has identified structural concerns with the bridge that require urgent remedial works to ensure the bridge is safe and serviceable.
In order to ensure the safety of our visitors it is necessary for Parks Victoria to close the bridge while funding is obtained and the remedial works are planned & delivered.
An alternative route has been identified to ensure that walkers along the Australian Alps Walking Track can continue their journey.
RED JACKET ‘JORDAN’ HOTEL C. 1862
The Red Jacket or ‘Jordan’ Hotel, the first licensed hotel in the Jordan Goldfields, was established in May 1862 by Michael and Anne O’Keefe who travelled to the newly discovered goldfields after their marriage in Geelong in 1961.
O’Keefe’s hotel became the focal point for the Red Jacket township and Lower Jordan community for over 50 years, with Annie O’Keefe often being acclaimed as a most genial host.
In 1865 the hotel consisting of 2 sitting rooms and 3 bedrooms was described as “For this wild district, a comfortable sort of place and a great acquisition to a thirsty traveller whose tea-total principles in no way interfered with his choice between dirty water and good clean grog..”
The Postal Department opened a branch at Red Jacket in 1865, and between 1871-1875 Michael O’Keefe became the postmaster, operating this business from the hotel. The hotel was his prime occupation, yet he had an interest in the town and in mining matters in general. Known mostly as Annie, the majority of Mrs O’Keefe’s life revolved around managing the hotel and her great interest in affairs of the town. With a good number of children of her own (she given birth to nine children), her concern was with the quality of education at Red Jacket. In 1873 she wrote to the Board of Education to re-open the school. Another of her charities was the Upper Goulburn and District Hospital, Wood’s Point, and for this organisation she constantly made collections and raised funds.
Michael O’Keefe’s death in 1894 was a great loss to not only his immediate family, but to the entire mining community of Red Jacket and surrounding districts. Correspondence from the Gippsland Guardian in July 1862:
“At O’Keefe’s restaurant I never received better and kinder entertainment in my life. Nothing was considered too much provided they could make you comfortable. The hospitable host was thoroughly delighted with the newly acquired connection with Gippsland. I left his house with a feeling which will not easily be forgotten. Through Mr O’Keefe / was enabled to see and learn more of the actual diggings than I otherwise could have done; and was greatly astonished to learn that a large quantity of gold was actually buried in the ground for want of some safe facility for removing it to safer custody….
In the early part of 1900s, the Licensing Board reduced the number of operational hotels, and the Jordan Hotel was denied a license to sell liquor. Undaunted, Mrs O’Keefe retained the old hotel as her family home and secured the license of James Toner’s Junction Hotel, Mount Lookout in 1904, until her death in 1913.. One of the Gippsland newspapers, the Walhalla Chronicle, published the obituary of Mrs O Keefe:
“The death of Mrs Anne O’Keefe, of Red Jacket, will be received with wide spread regret, not only throughout the ranges where she was noted for her warm hearted hospitality, but for travellers far and wide. Her hotel was a popular stopping place, as besides exceptionally clean and well conducted, the visitor was always sure of pleasant entertainment from the owner, whose quaint Irish speech and humorous anecdotes made her a special favourite..”
Villages of different colours – Blue Jacket 1862 – c. 1868
This small village was just downstream from the township of Red Jacket.
Both are said to have taken their names from sunken ships. Others argue the townships were named after the red and blue garments worn by the early settlers.
The shingled roofs and log cabin establishments gave the town an American frontier feel, local newspaper, the Gippsland Guardian advertised: “Mr O’Keefe’s Restaurant on the Blue Jacket, (as having every accommodation for the traveller”.
When the reporter later visited, he had this to say: “I never received better and kinder entertainment in my life, nothing was considered too much provided they could make you comfortable. I left his house with a feeling which is not easily forgotten”
Confusion over Red and Blue Jacket caused problems,advertising and sales within the town had several examples of incorrect reporting. This may have been due to the two town’s lack of distinction given their close proximity and similar names.
Like many early gold mining towns of the era, after the short rush, many commercial undertakings were in financial difficulty. Most of the residents moved away.
Some lost themselves in drink after never recovering their debts. Others turned to criminal activities. The town never held the status of its neighbours and faded like a true ghost town of the Gippsland Goldfields.
Welcome to Mushroom Rocks, Baw Baw National Park part of the Australian Alps
While this area is today one of many outstanding natural attractions open to people to visit across the southern foothills of the Australian Alps, there was a time back in the early 1900s when Mushroom Rocks was a true regional icon.
The then State Governor – Sir Reginald Arthur James Talbot – had himself visited the area in early 1907 as part of his travels along the newly cut Baw Baw Track.
This track was a four day walk from Warburton to Walhalla supported by a new tourist map and the construction of huts at Talbot Peak, Mt Whitelaw and Yarra Falls.
The Baw Baw Track was part of an innovative marketing package designed by Victorian Railways to coincide with the opening of the new rail link to
Walhalla in 1910 – a major tourism initiative for its day.
The track’s fortunes prospered up until the time of the Second World War when the 1939 Black Friday bushfires burnt the track and destroyed two of the huts.
This, plus the closure of the Walhalla Railway in 1942 saw walker interest in the route decline.
The final chapter for the Baw Baw Track then came after the war when the
Yarra Falls section was declared a closed water supply catchment and visitor access was prohibited.
A revival of interest in the plateau portion of the track came in the 1970s when the Federation of Victorian Walking Clubs included the Walhalla to Mt Whitelaw section as part of their Victorian Alpine Walking Track – the forerunner of the present day, tri-state Australian Alps Walking Track.
Much of this track section is also today celebrated via the Great Walhalla Alpine Trail – a 40km overnight walk between the Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort and Walhalla.
360 – 370 million years ago…
The large tors found here at Mushroom Rocks are a very distinctive remnant of an ancient landscape. Unlike lava that erupts from volcanoes and cools on the Earth’s surface (such as basalt), the rocks here formed as molten magma cooled deep within the Earth’s crust (granite & granodiorite)
The hard, resistant granodiorite is eventually exposed as the surrounding softer rock is worn away, often along faults or lines of weakness running at right angles to one another, like a giant block of chocolate.
A bird’s eye view of the region shows an extensive elevated plateau surrounded by steep slopes and escarpments. The plateau is characterised by long straight stream channels and gentle slopes rising to rounded or flattened hilltops. These are highlighted on the inset section of the plateau shown below.
How do mushroom rocks form?
Water is the key to understanding how the granodiorite has taken on its distinctive mushroom shapes.
Groundwater charged with acids, salts and bacteria is a potent mixture. When it finds its way into the rock along fracture and fault lines it takes up residence as a festering mass that rots away at the rock surface.
A local tourism icon
From 1964 onwards, the early residents of the area saw the Baw Baw Plateau as simply the place they had travelled over to get to the new goldfields of Walhalla.
But by the turn of the century, this view of the plateau began to change, as the early gold rush spoils were won, and the town of 2,000 selted into the hard slog of mining the deep underground reefs.
The value of the plateau as a place to relax and enjoy became established after a track was cut from Moondarra to Mt Phillack. Mushroom Rocks became a particular favourite with day trippers from Walhalla. Visitors were also attracted by the winter snows on the slopes of Mount Erica above here.
Their enjoyment of this area fuelled enthusiasm to establish the town as a major tourism centre for the mining community. Unfortunately, by that time, the mining industry was already showing signs of the decline that would see its eventual demise in 1914.
the Australian Alps Walking Track …
650 kilometres of mountainous and often remote walking. Along the way, the track passes through spectacular country: grassy high plains, towering mountain forests, tranquil snow gum woodlands and rugged alpine summits.
Thousands of years ago, Aboriginal ancestors formed intricate pathways across this whole region. Their journeys were to find food, and conduct spiritual, cultural and important intertribal business.
Early settlers are known to have followed these routes, or were guided into the high country by Aboriginal people. Today, the Australian Alps Walking Track overlies many of these ancient pathways – a shared significance that links people, places, times and events.
Take a short walk through cool, ferny mountain forest to Mushroom Rocks, a maze of giant granite tors. The walk is 3 km, or 2 hours return.
WELCOME TO MOUNT ERICA CARPARK: Baw Baw National Park .. Part of the Australian Alps
From the carpark here at Mt Erica there are several walks you can explore.
Beech Gully Nature Walk.
A short 1.5 km walk through a grove of Myrtle Beech and fern gully taking some 30 minutes.
Mushroom Rocks / Mt Erica
Those wanting to stretch their legs can set off on the 3km, 2 hour return walk to a maze of giant granite tors called Mushroom Rocks. Energetic walkers can extend this trip to take in the views from the summit of Mt Erica. This track section forms part of the Australian Alps Walking Track.
The walk up to Mount Erica forms part of the Australian Alps Walking Track-a 650km track traversing the ridges and high plains of the Alpine country.
The Australian Alps contain the highest parts of the Great Dividing Range and al. of mainland Australia’s popular snow country:
Protected areas across the Alps include Mount Buffalo, Alpine, Snowy River, Baw Baw, Kosciuszko, Brindabella and Namadgi National Parks in addition to a number of smaller reserves.
Recognising the importance and vulnerability of the Alps, State and Federal Governments have agreed to cooperate in managing the Australian Alps national parks – a conservation zone of international significance.
The Baw Baw Plateau’s isolation, harsh alpine climate and range of altitudes have resulted in a rich array of plants and animals.
It is recognised as a site of national botanical significance.
Some plants and animals, such as the Baw Baw Snow Gentian and Baw Baw Frog are found nowhere else in the world. Spectacular summer wildflower displays and snowy woodlands in winter highlight the changing beauty of Baw Baw National Park.
Gnarled Snow Gums and Alpine heaths stretch across the Baw Baw Plateau, while majestic tall forests grow within the surrounding river valleys.
Whether skiing a cross country trail, or walking along the Australian Alps Walking Track, the park offers a wealth of natural experiences.
Leadbeater’s Possum – their future is in our hands
Elusive and critically endangered, small fast-moving shadows that emerge in the twilight, Leadbeater’s Possum are very different to your garden variety of possúm: They weigh less than an apple. and are fast! They are the only marsupial unique to Victoria and yet are ‘critically endangered.
Their homes are under threat. Tree hollows are a critical resource for Leadbeater’s Possums, providing safe shelter during the day. Eucalypts are close to 200 years old before they have hollows suitable. These old trees have become extremely scarce due to the impacts of past wildfires.
Climate change and fires will be a major force in shaping the future of possums at Baw Baw by both the direct impact of mortality and the loss of critical hollows.
Bridging the hollow gap
Since 20144 Parks Victoria and Zoos Victoria have conducted surveys across the Baw Baw plateau to monitor colonization and occupancy by possums.
Long-lasting nest boxes have been specially designed and installed in suitable habital where there are few natural hollows. They are constructed from recycled plastic and expected to last more than 40 years.
Results to date have confirmed that Mt Erica and Mt St Gwinear support healthy numbers of possums, and they have been detected at sites such as Mt St Phillack on the central part of the plateau.
A community effort
Every species needs friends. Extinction is forever, but friends and supporters can change the future: You can join the effort to ensure a secure future in the wild for Victoria’s remarkable faunal emblem.
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Mountain Monarchs Walk
FOREST STRUCTURE
Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans) and Shining Gum (Eucalyptus nitens) are the two dominant tree species forming the upper layer of strata in this mature Montane Wet Forest. Underlaying this upper strata is a middle strata incorporating Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata), Myrtle Beech (Nothofagus cuninghamii), Sassaffras (Atherosperma moschatum) and other rainforest elements.
The Upper Strata
Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans)
With rough, dark bark at its base and smooth, pale bark otherwise Mountain Ash trees are the tallest hardwood (or flowering plant) in the world and have been known to reach in excess of 100m. They are easily killed by fire, regenerating prolifically afterwards.
The trees here, with an average diameter of 3 metres at breast height are probably well over 300 years old. This small remnant of original forest, in a wet cool, shady site on the south face of the Baw Baw Plateau, escaped the devastation of the 1939 wildfires.
Shining Gum (Eucalyptus nitens)
Shining Gums are identified by the presence of smooth bark right to the base, often greenish in colour and possess small, shiny black fruits.
The Middle Strata
The second layer consisting predominately of Silver Wattle, provides valuable food for possums and gliders such as Leadbeaters Possums. Myrtle Beech, with small, dark leaves in fan-like arrangements is a rainforest species and a relic from the Gondwanaland flora. This species is concentrated in gullies with Sassafras, but extends through wetter forests such as this one at similar and higher elevations is a common tree on the south face. Other rainforest elements such as this forest include Mountain Pepper (Tasmannia lanceolata) and Banyalla (Pittosporum bicolor).
The Ground Strata
At ground level, where less light penetrates through the higher strata and where temperatures are cooler, ferns such as Soft Tree-fern, the smaller Hard Water-fern, Mother Shield-fern and Ruddy Ground-fern are abundant, giving the forest a lush aspect. Mosses and liverworts flourish here and a diversity of fungi are present, especially in autumn and winter.
Granite boulders, often covered with moss and epiphytic ferns such as Kangaroo Fern and Filmy Fems are s feature of the Baw Baw Mountains.
Mammals
The common mammals include wombats, various possums and gliders such as the Greater Gilder and Leadbeater’s Possum with small mammals such as Dusky Antechinus and Bush Rat.
BIRD LIFE
Superb Lyrebirds are abundant, the forests often resounding with their famous vocal artistry. Combining their own calls and mimicked sounds of the forest, Lyrebirds possess the widest range of audio frequencies of the bird community. Other common birds include the Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos, White-throated Tree-creeper, Crescent and Lewin’s Honeyeaters and Crimson Rosellas. Pink Robins and Rufous Fantails are seen in the breeding season.
Poverty Point Bridge
By the 1890’s Walhalla’s gold mines were consuming 70,000, tonnes of firewood annually. Photos taken around 1900 show all the forests had been cleared between Walhalla and the Thomson River.
Keen to access untapped timber reserves on the Mt Erica side of the river, the. Long Tunnel Gold Mining Company investigated the possibility of building a bridge across the Thomson River. The bridge would have to be cleverly designed so it could withstand the severe floods the river commonly experienced following heavy, rain.
This bridge, spanning 48 metres, was erected in 1901 and is also known as the Walhalla Tramway Bridge or the Old Steel Bridge. It was pre-fabricated in England by the Westinghouse Foundry at a cost of £1,496. It originally carried the Long Tunnel’s timber tramway that supplied firewood and supporting timbers for the mine in Walhalla eight kilometres away.
The timber decking was repaired numerous times after the tramway closed to enable the bridge to continue to be used by pedestrians. Following the Black Saturday Bushfires of February 2009 the bridge needed its structural integrity checked and major repait, were carried out.
The bridge was classified by the National Trust in 1971.
Today the bridge is a crucial footbridge at the Walhalla. end of the Australian Alps Walking Track that stretches from Canberra to Walhalla.
Thomson Bridge And Surrounds
Poverty Point Walk
Return: 6.6km | 1hr 45 mins Follow an old timber tramway to the historic Poverty Point Bridge, also known as Old Steel Bridge. This walk passes small waterfalls and tree fern gullies as it winds along the banks of the Thomson River.
The bridge was built in 1901 to access firewood and timber on the western banks of the Thomson River for the Long Tunnel Mine in Walhalla. It spans 48 metres and was designed to withstand severe flooding.
The trailhead can be found 100m west of Thomson Bridge Campground on Old Depot Road. Parking is available opposite the campground entrance. There is no parking at the trailhead.
Poverty Point Bridge is the turnaround point for this walk, but from here prepared hikers can join the Australian Alps Walking Track towards Walhalla or Eastern Tyers Campground (O’Sheas Mill).
Horseshoe Bend Tunnel Walk
Return: 3.9km | 2 hrs Located 4km south west of Walhalla, this walk descends several switchbacks to the Horseshoe Bend diversion tunnel on the Thomson River.
The 220m long tunnel was completed in 1912 to divert water from the river, allowing miners to look for gold in the riverbed along a distinctive ‘Horseshoe’ shaped bend.
The walk splits at the picnic area leading to views of the tunnel inlet and outlet. Access to the tunnel inlet requires two river crossings on stepping stones and is only accessible when the river level is low.
For safety reasons, walkers must not enter the tunnel.
Erica Mountain Bike Park
Erica Mountain Bike Park offer 16 kilometres of dedicated MTB trails showcasing the fern gullies, tall eucalypt and dry forest ridges of the Erica State Forest.
The park is divided into an East and West network with three cross country and two all mountain trails for intermediate to advanced riders. These trails are one-way only. Riders must obey all signage.
For beginner MTB riders, walkers and horse riders the nearby Tyers Junction and Erica-Thomson Rail Trails provide over 15 kilometres of picturesque forest scenery.
For safety reasons, the mountain bike trails must only be used by bike riders.
Coopers Creek
Enjoy some time with family and friends in beautiful surrounds on the banks of the Thomson River just a stone throw from Walhalla and Erica. This area is rich with history and natural features ready to be explored such as the Thomson River Canoe Trail and nearby Horseshoe Bend Tunnel.
Coopers Creek offers two campgrounds and a large picnic area overlooking the river.
Campground One:| There are limited spots in this popular campground which gets very busy over summer and school holidays. Campground One has two sites for caravans/campervans. All other sites are walk in style only. There are two toilets and multiple fire-pits available.
Campground Two:
Set slightly back from the Thomson River, Campground Two hosts a range of sites suitable for vehicle based camping and some walk in sites along the northern perimeter. There are two toilets and multiple firepits available.
This campground is subject to seasonal closure from Thursday after Kings Birthday to Thursday before Melbourne Cup.
Welcome to the AUSTRALIAN ALPS WALKING TRACK
A walk from Walhalla to Canberra
In the early 1970s the Federation of Victorian Walking Clubs established the Alpine Walking Track through the Victorian high country. Since then the track has been extended all the way to Canberra.
The Australian Alps Walking Track runs north from here through Baw Baw and Alpine national parks, before crossing the New South Wales border into Kosciuszko National Park and into Namadgi National Park near Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory 650 kilometres from here.
The walk from here to Canberra will take between eight and ten weeks.
You can easily reach popular short sections of the track where walks can be planned for a day, a weekend or longer.
Ancient and unique
Taking in the nation’s highest peaks, the Australian Alps national parks protect unique alpine habitats, spectacular landscapes, vital water catchments and rich human heritage.
Most people visit the Australian Alps to experience nature and to enjoy their leisure time. Along the way the track passes through spectacular country: tranquil snow gum woodlands; fields of alpine flowers, towering eucalypt forests and remote grassy plains.
The challenge of the track— for experienced bushwalkers only
Walkers must be very well prepared to take the challenge of the Australian Alps Walking Track. They will need: excellent map and compass reading skills, to be self sufficient with food and shelter, to know where to access water, and to be equipped for all weather conditions.
Although the walk usually follows defined tracks some areas are difficult to negotiate. Distinctive track markers (right) indicate the route at most intersections. Throughout Victoria the old yellow markers of the Alpine Track may still be seen on trees. In the wilderness areas there are no marker — walkers must be prepared to navigate.
It is vital to keep family or friends informed about walking plans.
The local landscape features, geology, scenic highlights, flora, fauna, Indigenous history, white history and other nearby walks in the area (Perplexity AI Model)
Landscape Features
The AAWT between Fiddlers Green and Walhalla traverses a diverse and rugged section of the eastern Victorian Alps, descending from elevated ridges and forested valleys to the historic goldfield town of Walhalla. The terrain is characterised by steep, forested slopes, deep river valleys, and narrow gorges, with elevations typically ranging from approximately 1,000 m at Fiddlers Green to about 350 m at Walhalla. The track follows ridgelines and descends into the Stringers Creek valley, which is flanked by steep, vegetated hillsides and occasional rocky outcrops.
The landscape is shaped by fluvial erosion, with clear mountain streams such as the Barkly River and Stringers Creek carving deep valleys and alluvial flats. The area is remote and sparsely populated, with a strong sense of wilderness and natural beauty. The route passes through both dense eucalypt forests and open grassy clearings, with occasional patches of montane rainforest in sheltered gullies.
Geology
The geology of this region is complex and dominated by Palaeozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the Melbourne Zone The sequence includes sandstone, siltstone, shale, conglomerate, and minor limestone, with some areas featuring greenstone and chert interbedded with siltstone.. These rocks were deposited in deep-marine environments during the Cambrian to Devonian periods and were later deformed and uplifted during the Tabberabberan Orogeny. The Walhalla Synclinorium, a major structural feature, hosts significant gold mineralisation, with gold-bearing quartz veins associated with faults and the Woods Point Dyke Swarm. The area is renowned for its rich gold deposits, which have shaped both the landscape and the region’s history.
Scenic Highlights
Scenic highlights along this section of the AAWT include:
• Forested Ridges and Valleys: Dense stands of tall eucalypts and mixed forests, providing habitat for a range of wildlife.
• Deep River Gorges: The Barkly River and Stringers Creek have carved dramatic gorges and alluvial flats, offering spectacular views and tranquil settings.
• Historic Goldfield Landscapes: The track passes through areas of historic gold mining activity, with remnants of mines, water races, and settlements.
• Walhalla: A beautifully restored historic goldmining town, nestled in a narrow valley and surrounded by steep, forested hills.
• Remote Wilderness: The sense of isolation and natural beauty is a defining feature of this section, with few signs of human activity outside the historic mining areas.
Local Flora
The vegetation is highly varied, reflecting changes in altitude, aspect, and soil type:
• Tall Eucalypt Forests: Mountain ash (Eucalyptus delegatensis) and alpine ash (Eucalyptus delegatensis) dominate the higher slopes and sheltered valleys.
• Open Woodlands: Yellow box (Eucalyptus melliodora) and white box (Eucalyptus albens) woodlands are found on the lower slopes and river flats.
• Snow Gum Woodlands: Eucalyptus pauciflora is common on exposed ridges and higher elevations.
• Montane Rainforest Remnants: In sheltered gullies, myrtle beech (Nothofagus cunninghamii) and tree ferns (Dicksonia antarctica) can be found.
• Understorey and Groundcover: The understorey is rich in shrubs such as silver wattle (Acacia dealbata), and a variety of grasses and wildflowers.
Local Fauna
The region supports a rich and diverse fauna, adapted to both forested and open environments:
• Mammals: Eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor), wombat (Vombatus ursinus), and platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in the rivers and streams.
• Birds: Superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae), gang-gang cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum), wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax), and a variety of parrots and honeyeaters.
• Reptiles and Amphibians: Common skinks (Egernia spp.) and frogs such as the southern brown tree frog (Litoria ewingii) in wetlands and streams.
• Invertebrates: Diverse forest and grassland invertebrates, including endemic species adapted to cool, moist conditions.
Indigenous History
The traditional custodians of the land through which the AAWT passes in this region are the Gunai/Kurnai people. Gunai/Kurnai country encompasses much of the eastern Victorian Alps and the surrounding river valleys. The high country and river valleys were important seasonal gathering places for Indigenous peoples, who travelled to the area in summer to feast on Bogong moths (Agrotis infusa), a rich source of protein. The landscape holds deep spiritual and cultural significance, with evidence of occupation including artefact scatters, stone tools, and ceremonial sites. The Gunai/Kurnai people continue to maintain their cultural heritage and connection to country.
White History
European exploration and settlement of the area began in the mid-19th century, with the discovery of gold in the 1860s leading to a rapid influx of miners and the establishment of the Walhalla goldfield. The town of Walhalla became one of the richest goldfields in Victoria, producing more than 67 tonnes of gold and supporting a population of several thousand at its peak. The landscape was transformed by mining activity, with extensive tunnelling, water races, and infrastructure developed to support the industry. The remoteness of the area and the decline of gold mining led to the town’s gradual abandonment, but it has since been restored as a heritage site and tourist destination. The area remains a significant example of Victoria’s gold rush history and the impact of mining on the landscape.
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