Ben Smith Campsite Reopening

A significant milestone has been reached on the Hume & Hovell Track. Ben Smith Campsite has re-opened after it was damaged during the 2019-2020 bushfires and subsequent severe flooding in 2020. This campsite, along with the section of track between Yellowin Access Road and Boundary Road near Talbingo, is the final area to reopen to hikers following the devastating damage caused by the bushfire.

The newly opened campsite has undergone further upgrades and enhancements, including a new camping hut, water tank, barbeque, and pit toilet. The hut features an elevated sleeping platform accommodating up to six people, and nearby tent sites have been levelled for hikers who prefer to pitch a tent. Picnic tables will be installed over the coming months.

A new, more flood‑resilient access track has also been constructed between Yellowin Access Road and the Ben Smith campsite, improving safety and ensuring more reliable access for campers.

This reestablished section will allow walkers to hike from Cooma Cottage in Yass right through to the Hovell Tree in Albury, the full 428km track now open. We look forward to welcoming walkers back to this beautiful section of the track.