Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the beauty of Victoria's Walhalla Historic Area on this 8.8km circular hike. Starting and ending at Thomson River Bridge, near the quaint town of Walhalla, this Grade 3 trail is a moderate walk that takes about 3.5 hours to complete. On your journey, immerse yourself in dry forests and pockets of wet forest, and explore the remains of the historical tramways and dry stone walling from Walhalla's gold mining era. Just a short drive from Melbourne, this scenic hike offers a delightful blend of history and nature.

Length:

8.8km

Duration:

3.5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 353m

Min elevation: 226m

Total Ascent: 254m

Start: Thomson River Bridge

End: Thomson River Bridge

Walhalla Historic Area

Victoria

Nearby town: Walhalla

From state capital: 180km

Latitude: -37.95862609

Longitude: 146.41993403434756

Overview

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Important info

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.

Hike overview

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.

Track grade

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.

Walk map and GPX file
Poverty Point Bridge Hike (8.8km)

Total distance: 8854 m
Max elevation: 353 m
Min elevation: 226 m
Total climbing: 254 m
Total descent: -248 m

Gallery

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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.

Get there with Google Maps

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.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Erica, Moe, Moondarra, Rawson, Thomson, Thomson Dam, Tyers, Walhalla

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Walhalla Historic Area? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

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Poverty Point Bridge Hike (8.8km)

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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

March 28, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Important info

Hike overview

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Poverty Point Bridge Hike (8.8km)