Aberfeldy Thompson Loop is a 50km, grade 4 hike located in the Walhalla Historic Area and Baw Baw National Park, Victoria. The hike should take 3 days to complete.
Hike overview
Day 1: Walhalla to Aberfeldy River Campground (18km)
The Aberfeldy Thompson Loop commences in the centre of Walhalla where you will need to find a suitable place to leave your vehicle. Head north towards the Long Tunnel Extended Mine until you locate the zig zag track on the right which takes you up to the Walhalla Cricket Ground.
After leaving the cricket ground, the trail continue north, following a series of management tracks until reaching Binns Road at around the 15km mark. Turn left at Binns Road and walk approximately 500m to the start of the Dry Gully Track on your right. Follow this track to plane Track then head west to the Aberfeldy River Campground.
Day 2: Aberfeldy River Campground to Eastern Tyers Camping Area (17km)
After leaving the campground, walk out to Walhalla Road. Turn right and after approximately 100m, locate the trail to Low Saddle Track on your left. Follow this track for approximately 3km to the Thomson River. Cross at the bridge and follow Low Saddle Track to the junction of Narrows Road. Following Narrows Road will connect you with Brisbane Road and the Tyers-Thompson Valley Road. You will then follow Mount Erica Road, Firebreak Track and eventually the Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT) to the Eastern Tyers Camping Area.
Day 3: Eastern Tyers Camping Area to Walhalla (15km)
The third day is not as tedious to navigate as the previous days as you will now follow the AAWT for the next 15km back to Walhalla. The AAWT does cross the Thomson River at Poverty Point Bridge. Last time I completed this hike, the bridge was closed due to flood damage. If this is still the case, you can follow the Poverty Gully Walking Track along the western side of the river and after crossing at the Thomson River bridge, locate Mormon Town Track immediately on your left and climb the steep track back to the AAWT.
Campgrounds
Aberfeldy River Campground (Aberfeldy River Heritage River, Baw Baw National Park)
Nestled in the north-eastern corner of Baw Baw National Park, camp at Aberfeldy River Camping Area and make the most of the tranquil riverside location. Set on the Aberfeldy River this is a great spot for fishing and swimming or as a base to explore Baw Baw National Park. Visitor facilities include; pitfall toilet, car parking, fire pits, picnic tables and chairs.
Eastern Tyers Camping Area (Baw Baw National Park)
The Eastern Tyers Camping Area and is set beneath stunning towering forests and lush understorey beside Tyers River East. There are no facilities here other than wood barbecue (always check fire bans before lighting fires) and picnic tables
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 850 m
Min elevation: 250 m
Total climbing: 3195 m
Total descent: -3195 m
Trail location
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Getting there
Walhalla is 184km east of Melbourne. Access is via Princes Freeway (M1) to Moe, north through Erica (C466), turn east to Rawson then left to Walhalla (C461).
Gallery
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About the region
Walhalla Historic Area
Walhalla, a rich gold producer for 50 years, is a remote and picturesque mountain township. It is hard to imagine a more difficult site for a town than the steep, narrow valley of Stringers Creek as it winds down through the dense forests of the Baws Baws. Yet in its heyday, between 1880 and 1895, more than 4000 people lived there. The town is the start of the 650 km Australian Alps Walking Track to the ACT. But most people come to discover the remnants of a community that defied a forbidding environment in its quest for gold. The best way to see the town is on foot.
Baw Baw National Park
Spectacular year round, Baw Baw National Park covers a substantial part of the Baw Baw Plateau. As the snow melts see the hills come alive with vivid wildflower displays. Explore the wonderland of geological formations and walk or snowshoe one of the many trails that criss-cross through tangled snowgum forests. Walk a section of the Australian Alps Walking Track and discover Mushroom Rocks, a maze of giant granite tors rising from the forest. Head to Mount St Gwinear. Snowshoe, toboggan or cross-country ski one of the many trails that criss-cross the twisted snowgum forests. Walk the same trails in spring and see the Baw Baw Plateau come alive with a vivid display of wildflowers.
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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.