Adventure awaits you

Australia’s premier long distance trekking route for the self reliant trekker stretches an incredible 5330 kilometres from Cooktown to Healesville. The Trail links stock routes, bush tracks,fire trails and surveyed roads along the Great Dividing Range.

Since 1989 the name of legendary Australian bushman R.M. Williams has been synonymous with the National Trail, who, alongside the Australian Trail Horse Riders Association created a Trail where walkers, horse riders, cyclists and animal packers could experience the lifestyle of drovers who once frequented Australia’s stock routes.

Farewell to Treks editor Roger Fryer

May 15, 2022: The National Trail Board mourns the loss of our long term and dedicated NT member, supporter and editor of our Tracks magazine, Mr Roger Fryer.

“Roger took our Tracks magazine from little more than a newsletter to a glossy highly respected magazine,” board chair Neil Ward said.

“He never ceased his quest to make Tracks interesting and relevant, as well as beautiful. 

“He faced his health issues with courage and dignity and continued to pursue his publishing interests right to the end. He completed the March 2022 edition of Tracks while in hospital.

“Roger loved the outdoors and, more than most, understood and loved the National Trail for itself and what it represents.”

Weather and map updates

May 15, 2022: Severe weather including heavy rainfall and flash flooding continues to affect parts of the trail across Queensland and northern NSW. We strongly recommend any trekkers currently on the trail, in the path of these weather events, consider pausing their travel where appropriate, or seeking up-to-date advice from section coordinators on the trail’s condition.

Two major updates are relevant for Section 4 with urgent information for current trekkers.

Trail notes for the current guidebook map 4.20 currently enters a mine blast zone. This is a life-threatening situation. If planning to travel along Section 4, please check the section coordinator lists and seek information before joining the trail, to develop an alternate route.

On the guidebook map 4.21, the Burnett River is in flood and uncrossable. Trekkers should contact the section coordinator for assistance through to Mount Perry to avoid both maps 4.20 and 4.21.

Please monitor the Bureau of Meteorology website for updates, listen to local ABC radio stations for emergency broadcast information, and consider your own safety first. For those planning treks in northern NSW and South East Queensland in the coming weeks, consider delaying your trip, or contact section coordinators for advice on the condition of the trail where you plan to travel. Trekkers currently on the trail seeking advice can email info@nationaltrail.com.au.