Trail summary
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
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 850 m
Min elevation: 250 m
Total climbing: 3195 m
Total descent: -3195 m
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Tanjil Bren, Noojee, Willow Grove, Erica, Rawson
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).
Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
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.
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Baw Baw National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
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.
1 Review on “Aberfeldy Thompson Loop Hike (50km)”
Definitely a hike for summer. My group was well prepared for the cold and for the rain but the ATV tracks you’re forced to climb become mud slides with all the rain during winter that make the already brutal inclines pretty damn dangerous. The camp sites were in good nick, a little bit of rubbish and some glass bottles left by people that had clearly driven into the campsite but other than that they were beautiful. Despite the dense fog day 1, day 2 cleared up and we had clear blue skies all day giving us the most beautiful views of the mountains. I’d say if the climbs weren’t as dangerous then I’d have given this a much higher score so please don’t be put off by this review if you’re planning to go during the warmer, drier seasons.
That doesn’t sound like a lot of fun. Glad day 2 turned in the weather and views for you.