Poverty Point Bridge Closure: After an engineers assessment, it was recommended that the the Poverty Point bridge (also known as the Old Steel Bridge) be closed for public safety. The Bridge will remain closed until significant repairs the structure have been completed and the Bridge made safe again for public use. An alternative route for hikers is south, via the Walhalla Road Bridge across the Thomas River.
The Walhalla Tramway Bridge (also known as the 'Old Steel Bridge' or 'Poverty Point Bridge') allows visitors to enjoy the great walks from either Walhalla or Thomson River stations. Follow the Thomson River upstream on one side and return on the other. Look for remains of the old tramways and dry stone walling that once supported the timber tramway from Walhalla. This walk varies between dry forest with a shrubby understorey to small pockets of wet forest with tree ferns and small creeks. Along the way search for remains of the old tramways and dry stone walling that once supported the gold mining timber tramway from Walhalla.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Total distance: 8854 m
Max elevation: 353 m
Min elevation: 226 m
Total climbing: 254 m
Total descent: -248 m
Login to Download GPXGPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Walhalla Historic Area.
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). The walk commences at the Thomson River Bridge, 4km from Walhalla.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
About the region
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.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Walhalla Historic Area? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Favourite
Favourite
Favourite
Favourite
Gallery
Got any photos from this hike? Your photos can help others plan. Share shots from along the trail so fellow hikers know what to expect.
Click to add your photos >>
Suggest an edit
Notice something different about this trail? Whether it’s a new feature, a route change, or a closure, share your update so we can keep our info accurate and helpful for fellow hikers.
Click to suggest edits >>