The historic 1824 expedition of Hamilton Hume and William Hovell has been reimagined for today’s adventurers with the launch of a new digital tool designed for hikers exploring the 426 km Hume and Hovell Track.
The Hume and Hovell Track Trip Planner is an interactive, online resource that allows users to customise their journey along this iconic long-distance trail, which retraces the explorers’ original route from Appin to the Murray River.
First opened in 1988, the track passes through diverse landscapes — from cool-climate forests and swamplands to mountain foothills and farmland — offering both short walks and extended expeditions.
Packed with more than 150 bridges, boardwalks and numerous campsites, the trail provides a unique blend of natural beauty, physical challenge, and historical insight.
Previously, planning a hike on the track meant navigating various maps and resources. Now, with the trip planner — developed by the NSW Crown Lands team and a web developer — users can easily map out their trek. Features include the ability to set custom start and end points, view elevation profiles, access campsite details, find vehicle entry points, and receive current track notifications.
A key feature is the ability to generate a personalised trip plan and download it as a GPX file for GPS or smartphone use — an essential tool for remote navigation where reception may be limited.
The planner also highlights short walk options, points of interest, and links to further resources, helping both seasoned hikers and newcomers make the most of their Hume and Hovell Track experience.