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Important Note
Great care has been taken in compiling both the Guidebooks and this WWW site.
However, no responsibility is accepted for for any inaccuracies or for any
mishap that may arise out of the use of the BNT, or the Guidebooks, or this
WWW site. The information given in these WWW pages is by itself insufficient
for planning a trek or for making use of the Trail. Anyone planning a trek on the BNT should join the BNT and purchase the appropriate guidebook/s.
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Guidebook 1, Cooktown to Gunnawarra
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Guidebook 2, Gunnawarra to Colinsville
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Guidebook 3, Collinsville to Kabra
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Guidebook 4, Kabra to Biggenden
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Guidebook 5, Biggenden to Blackbutt
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Guidebook 6, Blackbutt to the Border
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Guidebook 7, Killarney to Ebor
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Guidebook 8, Ebor to Barrington Tops
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Guidebook 9, Barrington Tops to Jenolan Caves
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Guidebook 10, Jenolan Caves to Kosciusko
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Guidebook 11, Kosciusko to Omeo
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Guidebook 12, Healesville to Omeo
Location map
History and tropical beauty come together in this very demanding and remote
section which begins exactly where Captain Cook beached Endeavour. The Trail
heads south from Cooktown through the tropical rainforests of Cedar Bay National
Park to Daintree and Mossman before turning west into an area which is harsh
and dry, in stark contrast to the coastal areas. The dry season (April -
October) is recommended as many rivers and creeks are impassable during the
wet. Crocodiles are a danger and water can be elusive inland.
This section should not be travelled alone.
Terrain: Ranges from quite easy to very difficult. Mostly not suitable for
bicycles or horsedrawn vehicles.
Navigation: Compass and topographic map essential for maps 11 & 12.
Water: Must be carried in some parts. Water conservation measures necessary.
Climate: Tropical- very hot and dry during the dry season, very hot and
impossibly wet during the wet season. Break camp early and avoid travel during
the heat of the early afternoon.
Horses: It is strongly recommended that local horses should be bought for
a trip as they are accustomed to the extreme climate. Southern horses should
be given a couple of weeks to adjust to the heat before starting out.
Planning a trek: Long-distance trekkers should plan their departures from
Cooktown so that the can be south of Townsville before September otherwise
heat and lack of water make travelling too stressful on humans and animals.
The best time for travel is as soon as possible after the wet season (April/May)
to capitalise on surface water and natural feed for the first 800 km..
Location map
Passing through vast remote cattle stations in the steps of our pioneers,
travellers develop a special fondness for this section of the Trail. It follows
lonely roads along the wide stock routes to the ghost town of Ravenswood,
and the massive Burdekin Dam, then follows the rivers to Collinsville, a
large inland mining town. This section is mostly easy flat travelling but
not in the wet season when most rivers flood. Temperatures can be extreme.
Not suitable for novices.
Terrain: Varies from flat to undulating with no steep climbs. Travel by mountain
bike and horsedrawn vehicles is feasible.
Navigation: Route is entirely along (sometimes barely) trafficable roads.
Water: Scarce during the dry season. Each days travel is planned not so much
on distance but on availability of water.
Climate: Tropical. Most rain from January to March, followed by a prolonged
dry season with temperatures after August reaching 45 degrees C. Travel is
impossible during the wet season. Travel at night, or break camp early and
avoid travel during the heat of the early afternoon.
Planning a trek: Trekking through this section is usually best in the cooler
months between May (if the rivers aren't still flooded) and August.
Location map
Still following the inland rivers, the Trail heads to Eungella Dam and Nebo
before joining the little used wagon road over Connors Range to the coast
at St. Lawrence. The Trail crosses the coastal saline flats before heading
inland along another old stock route that follows the Fitzroy River west
of Rockhampton. This section is less remote, mostly easy travelling and suited
to most forms of travel. Canoeists should be aware that crocodiles have been
sighted as far south as the Fitzroy River. Climate is subtropical.
Recommended for experienced trekkers only.
Terrain: Significant climbs at Eungella Dam (Map 5) and Connors Range (Maps
12 & 13). Remainder flat to undulating. Not particularly difficult, but
a harsh, remote environment. Virtually all suitable for mountain bikes,
horsedrawn vehicles and support vehicles. The short sections which are not
suitable are easily gone around.
Water: Generally adequate during the wet and early part of the dry season.
Climate: Summer - up to 40 degrees C with high humidity in coastal areas.
Winter - cool nights (down to 10 degrees C) with warm dry days (20 - 25 degrees
C). Most rainfall is between December and March when flooded creeks may close
parts of the route. Travel at night, or break camp early and avoid travel
during the heat of the early afternoon. Best time to travel is April through
to November.
Planning a trek: The best time to travel this section is from about April
through November although rainfall (or lack of it) may dictate a shorter
trekking season. Grass and water are usually abundant in the early parts
of the dry season, becoming scarcer towards the end of August. Availability
after August depends on more rain.
Location map
Much of this section is through rugged, often dry terrain but the hardships
are richly rewarded. After leaving the National Trust classified town of
Mt. Morgan, the Trail follows the Don River to its head in the Calliope Ranges,
past Biloela and into the seemingly impenetrable wilderness of the Kroombit
Tops. Rainforest and rare native fauna occupy the massive gorges. Beyond
Monto the terrain eases as the Trail follows roads and tracks to Mt. Perry
then through the Goodnight Scrub to the Burnett River, a favourite of canoeists.
Shorter treks are more feasible in this section and an agreeable climate
allows year-round enjoyment.
Terrain: Varies from easy well-watered country to parts which should only
be tackled by fit and experienced trekkers. Not much is suitable for mountain
bikes or horsedrawn vehicles.
Water: Shortage can be a seasonal problem - seek local information. Route
passes permanent water at least once each day.
Climate: Summer temperatures in mid to high thirties with warm nights. Winter
days typically dry and sunny around 20 degrees C, but nights can be frosty.
Early winter is probably the best time to travel. Most rainfall is between
December and March, when flooded creeks may close parts of the route. Travel
at night, or break camp early and avoid travel during the heat of the early
afternoon.
Planning a trek: Grass and water are usually abundant enough in the first
half of the year, but become scarcer as the year progresses. Availability
after August depends on more rain. Check with the local shire office for
further information.
Location map
Through this area the Trail is mostly through forests along the coastal ranges.
Many of the roads and tracks are the original pioneer routes. The alluvial
goldfield just south of Nanango will reward most amateur fossickers, so a
gold panning dish is recommended luggage. Red deer may be spotted along with
many other species of wildlife and this part of the Trail is well suited
to family trips any time of year.
Terrain: Not particularly rugged although there are a few climbs which will
exercise the lungs.
Water: Available at each overnight camp and usually throughout the day from
creeks, dams and windmills but some water should be carried, particularly
in mid-summer.
Climate: Southern Queensland enjoys a near-perfect climate that makes this
section of the Trail ideal for travel throughout the year. In winter some
of the higher parts can be cool (10 - 20 degrees C) with occasional frosts
but generally temperatures of 20 to 30 degrees C can be expected. Most of
the rain is in the summer months.
Location map
A pleasant mix of forests and farmland, the Trail here follows the foothills
of the Great Dividing Range and passes just to the east of Toowoomba. There
are side trails linking to Brisbane from the north and south to create an
exciting 3 week loop from Brisbane, and local trails feed into Toowoomba.
South of Ravensbourne the Trail is mostly along quiet roads which makes it
safe for adventurous youngsters. The Trail passes through Killarney before
crossing into New South Wales at Cullendore. The higher parts offer magnificent
views and a great variety of fauna and flora, particularly in Ravensbourne
National Park.
Terrain: None of the Trail through this section is particularly difficult.
It passes through a mixture of rough bushland and settled grazing/agricultural
areas, and mostly follows along the foothills of the Great Dividing Range
but climbs the range just south of Toowoomba and again near the border.
Water: Usually ample.
Climate: Southern Queensland enjoys a near-perfect climate that makes this
section of the Trail ideal for travel throughout the year. In winter some
of the higher parts can be cool (10 - 20 degrees C) with occasional frosts
but generally temperatures of 20 to 30 degrees C can be expected. Most of
the rain is in the summer months.
Location map
Tourist information
This section traverses rugged remote country just east of the Great Dividing
Range, following the Demon Fault Line. The route is well watered but long
climbs require a high level of fitness in walkers, riders and horses. There
is a great variety of scenery and access to several national parks including
Bald Rock, Gibralter Range and the rainforest wilderness of Walshpool National
Park is nearby. A special feature is the most remote part of the Trail, following
the Guy Fawkes River through the Guy Fawkes National Park. The higher parts
can be bitterly cold in winter and the best time is after the spring rains.
There are no facilities on the Trail between Killarney and Ebor, although
access is readily available to nearby towns.
This section should not be travelled alone.
Terrain: This section of the Trail traverses rugged remote country just east
of the Great Dividing Range, following the Demon Fault line. There are a
few steep climbs requiring some level of fitness in travellers.
Water: Well watered.
Climate: The higher parts, particularly Ebor, occasionally experience snow
in winter but in the valleys it is much milder. The reverse applies in summer
with the valleys hot, but pleasantly mild at higher altitudes. Avoid travelling
in the heat of the day.
Planning a trek: Winter frosts burn off the grass so horse travel is best
done after early spring rains raise new growth.
Location map
Rugged and remote, the Trail here follows the rivers and gorges of the Demon
Fault line, picks up the historic stock route through Nowendoc then climbs
through the forests into Barrington Tops. Much of this section is State Forest
or National Park and includes Oxley Wild Rovers, Werrikimbe, Woko (World
Heritage listed) and Barrington Tops National Parks. At 1,600 m, the Tops
is an area of breathtaking beauty with snowgums, snowgrass and snow in winter.
Even in summer both extremes of weather can be experienced at the higher
altitudes. There is unlimited scope for walking and horse riding in this
region but provisions are only available at the very small villages of Ebor
and Nowendoc.
This section should not be travelled alone.
Terrain: Steep and remote. Not suitable for horsedrawn vehicles.
Climate: The higher parts, particularly Ebor and the Barrington Tops,
occasionally experience snow in winter but in the valleys it is much milder.
The reverse applies in summer with the valleys hot, but pleasantly mild at
higher altitudes. On the Barrington Tops snow is a possibility any day of
the year and the change in weather can be very rapid and dramatic. Summer
days on the Tops are usually dry and mild but the nights still get cool.
Avoid travelling in the heat of the day.
Planning a trek: Many trekkers, especially in the cooler months, bypass the
Barrington Tops taking the easier (and warmer) route along the quiet roads
around the northern and western sides, and linking into the stock route systems
of the Hunter Valley.
Location map
This section takes you across the Barrington Tops then crosses the rich plains
of the Upper Hunter Valley, breeding centre of Australia's horse industry.
Following quiet roads and historic stock routes, the Trail leads to the top
of the Great Dividing Range and along the vast wilderness of the Wollemi
and Blue Mountain National Parks. Despite its rugged grandeur, this section
of the Trail is quite safe for first time adventurers to tackle with confidence.
Several campsites are in established areas with hot water and electricity
and the unforgettable Jenolan Caves are only a short distance off the Trail.
Both mid-summer and mid-winter are best avoided for their extremes of
temperature.
Terrain: The only difficult climb is at Mt Barrington (900 m in 7.5 km),
but apart from that there are only a few short sharp climbs so high levels
of fitness are not necessary, as long as you take it easy. From Rydal south
this section is suitable for horsedrawn vehicles, with short detours around
only a few tricky parts. Mountain bike riders will find all except the descent
of Mt Barrington to be very worthwhile.
Climate: This latitude typically has a mediterranean climate but at higher
altitudes of the trail it will be several degrees cooler. Winter snow and
sleet along the ranges are not uncommon so travel is recommended in the warmer
months. On Barrington Tops snow is a possibility on any day of the year,
and the change in weather can be very rapid and dramatic.
Planning a Trek: Spring, early summer and autumn are the best times to travel
on this part of the Trail. Avoid winter which is often wet and cold, and
midsummer if it has been very dry.
Location map
Most of this part of the Trail is suited to horse drawn vehicles but restrictions
prevent four wheel drive access for significant distances in the more remote
parts. Support vehicles are definitely feasible. The Trail traverses the
southern highlands of New South Wales, and the fine wool growing districts.
This is an historic area, first settled around 1820. Passing through Taralga
and Gundaroo, the Trail follows the equestrian trail system around Canberra's
outer suburbs before heading into Namdgi National Park and crossing into
Kosciusko National Park. Travel is advised in milder months. Total fire bans
often apply January to March.
This section is not remote like much of the Trail, it can be approached with
some degree of confidence by inexperienced trekkers.
Terrain: Most this section is suitable for mountain bikes and horsedrawn
vehicles.
Climate: Summers are generally warm and dry with occasional heatwaves in
mid-summer that may take temperatures over 40 degrees C. Winter produces
cold gusty winds with occasional sleet and snow and doesn't make for pleasant
travel.
Location map
Here the Trail crosses the vast alpine playground of Kosciusko National Park,
the land of mountain horsemen, wildflowers and snow gums. The Trail connects
with the Alpine Walking Track which offers walkers an alternate route through
Victoria. The National Trail in Victoria accesses the lesser known, remote
rugged areas, part of the huge Australian Alps National Park. The more remote
areas are recommended for competent, fit travellers and the going is often
steep. This part of the Trail is closed by snow in winter, and snowfalls
can occur even in summer. Ski tourers will enjoy the Trail in winter, for
others the best time is October to April. Special fire precautions apply
January to March. There are no sources of provisions between Khancoban and
Omeo.
This section should not be travelled alone.
Terrain: Rugged and remote, with long steep climbs. Travellers should not
underestimate how tough this section is, both on themselves and pack animals,
especially in Victoria.
Navigation: Topographic maps should be obtained . Use of a compass is necessary.
Unexpected detours may be required.
Water: Availability decreases as the dry summer progresses. Expect difficulty
finding water in some areas, especially later in summer.
Climate: Snow is a possibility at any time, and the change in the weather
can be very rapid and dramatic. Even in summer you should be prepared for
both extremes of temperature, including severe heatwaves when it is too hot
for trekking. For days on end it is not unusual to be in shorts at lunchtime
and wrapped in everything you have after dark.
Planning a Trek: Parts of this section are closed from 15 June to 31 October.
This is not pleasant trekking country in winter so plan for trips from November
through mid-April. Water and grass availability decrease as summer
progresses.
Location map
Almost entirely within forests and National Park, the Trail offers a rich
variety of scenery from dense forests to trout-filled rivers and subalpine
meadows. Rich in history too, this part of the Trail encounters the sites
of many old gold towns and pioneer settlements. This is big, rugged country
and its challenges should not be underestimated although the first five days
from Healesville are relatively easy. Travel October to April, and be ready
for total fire bans in mid summer. The southern end of the Trail is at
Healesville, a pretty town nestled among green hills just 60 kilometres
north-east of Melbourne.
This section should not be travelled alone.It is suitable only for fit and
experienced travellers
Terrain: The first few days out of Healesville are relatively gentle, especially
if the first climb out of Healesville is bypassed. However, once the Big
River is reached a very steep climb over Mt Terrible marks the end of the
easy terrain. Most of the remainder of this section is over big, rugged,
steep and remote country. It is not feasible for horsedrawn vehicles to follow
much of the Trail in Victoria and the steepness excludes all but the most
determined mountain bike riders.
Navigation: Topographic maps should be obtained . Use of a compass is necessary.
Unexpected detours may be required.
Climate: The altitude of the National Trail in Victoria is mostly in the
800 m - 1300 m range. Snow is a possibility on any day of the year, and a
change in weather can be very rapid and dramatic, with temperature falls
of up to 20 degrees C in just a few minutes. Even in summer you should be
prepared for extremes of temperature.
Temperatures range from -5 degrees C in winter to over 40 degrees C in summer.
Precipitation varies from 1000-2000 mm per annum in the higher parts, but
most of this falls as snow in winter. Summer days are usually dry and mild
with cool nights, but heatwaves occur occasionally and these can be severe.
Planning a Trek: Sections of the Trail are closed (with locked gates) by
the Dept. of Conservation and Environment in winter so be sure to plan trips
between October and mid April. This is important for there is too great a
risk of being caught in bad weather outside this period.
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