The Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT) is one of the most iconic and rugged long-distance hikes in Australia. At ~680km, it winds through the high country of Victoria, New South Wales, and the ACT.
The trail gets its challenging reputation from many factors, including navigation, track quality, long water carries, complex logistics, remoteness and steepness. Whether you’re planning a full thru-hike, or looking to tackle a specific section, understanding the terrain and difficulty of each leg is important for a successful trip.
Logistics of Hiking the Whole Trail
Attempting the full 680km journey can be a serious logistical undertaking. Unlike popular trails in the US or Europe, the AAWT requires a high degree of self-sufficiency.
- Food Drops and Resupply: Towns are few and far between. You will need to arrange food drops in advance or plan for hitches into towns to resupply. Some roads have little traffic, so lifts might need to be arranged in advance. Check out our article on Hiking The AAWT Without Food Drops for more information on resupply strategies.
- Time: With 680km of rough terrain, this is a multi-week to multi-month commitment for most people.
- Navigation: Trail quality is varied, and there are extended sections without markers or easily identifiable tracks.
- Water: Long water carries are common, especially along the ridgelines where reliable sources can be scarce. This is particularly true in the southern third of the trail, and towards the end of summer.
Why Thru-Hike?
The AAWT is widely considered one of the toughest long-distance walks in the country. It is notably steeper than other major trails, with an average elevation change of 8.2%. By comparison, the Bibbulmun Track has an elevation change of 4.5%. Completing the entire length offers an unparalleled immersion in the Australian Alps.
Why Section Hike?
Not everyone has the time or desire to hike 680km in one go. The beauty of the AAWT is the huge variation in difficulty and scenery between sections.
The hardest parts of the track are generally found in the south, from Walhalla to Mt Hotham. Once you cross the border from Victoria into NSW, the track quality generally improves and progress becomes easier as you follow flat(ish) fire trails.
Section hiking is a practical alternative if you are limited by time or want to avoid the complex logistics surrounding resupply. It allows you to break the trail into manageable trips and prioritise the most scenic sections without the commitment of a full thru-hike.
Section Distance and Elevation Stats
| Section | Distance (km) | Elevation Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Walhalla – Rumpff Saddle | 114.3 | 8.8 |
| Rumpff Saddle – Mt Hotham | 127.1 | 11.5 |
| Mt Hotham – Omeo Highway | 73.6 | 8.2 |
| Omeo Highway – Dead Horse Gap | 148.9 | 7.6 |
| Dead Horse Gap – Kiandra | 114.6 | 6 |
| Kiandra – Tharwa | 107.1 | 6 |
Our Favourite Sections
Kiandra to Dead Horse Gap
If you want the beauty of the Alps without the steep climbs of the Victorian section, the section from Kiandra to Dead Horse Gap is a great option. You travel past Tabletop Mountain, through Jagungal Wilderness, and over the Main Range. This includes summiting Mt Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak.
If you’re interested in doing a guided trip along this section, you can find more information here.
Omeo Highway to Hotham
If you want to traverse the rooftop of Victoria, this 73.6km section delivers the classic High Country experience. You will traverse the open expanse of the Bogong High Plains, cross Big River, and have the option to summit Mt Bogong, Victoria’s highest peak.
The Razor-Viking Wilderness (Rumpff Saddle to Hotham)
If you are looking for a physical challenge and remote wilderness, the section from Rumpff Saddle to Mt Hotham is the standout choice. Covering 127.1km, this is statistically the hardest part of the entire AAWT with an average elevation change of 11.5%. You will hike through the Barry Mountains, the Razor-Viking Wilderness, and traverse the Crosscut Saw. This section sits within the “Walhalla to Mt Hotham” zone, widely recognised as having the most difficult terrain of the entire trail.
Guided Trips Along the AAWT
If you’re interested in a guided experience on the Australian Alps Walking Track, we offer expeditions that complete the entire trail across three 16 day trips. On these journeys, all logistics, food drops, and premium ultralight gear are provided. You can read more about these trips here.
Conclusion
The AAWT can be a serious challenge. With an average elevation change of 8.2%, it is steeper than famous international long-distance trails like the Appalachian Trail (7.8%) and the Pacific Crest Trail (6.6%). The decision to section hike or thru-hike comes down to how much time you have and what your specific hiking goals are.
