AAWT Northbound vs Southbound: Which Way is Better?
When planning your hike on the Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT), one of the first major decisions you will need to make is whether to go northbound (NOBO) or southbound (SOBO). Stretching between Tharwa (ACT) and Walhalla (VIC), this 680km trail can either start at Canberra (northern terminus) or Walhalla (southern terminus). Each direction comes with its own unique advantages and challenges. Factors like the weather, section difficulty, transportation, and personal preferences all play a role in determining the best direction for your hike.
Key factors to consider
Here’s a list of factors to keep in mind when deciding which direction to take:
- Hiking SOBO lets you ease into the hike and tackle the toughest sections at the end
- Transportation is easier to/from Canberra than Walhalla
- The northern third section is cooler (on average) due to higher altitudes
- Heading NOBO means getting more afternoon sun on your face
- There’s more water in the northern half, depending on the season
- Potential Kosciuszko National Park closures in mid-late November may require detours, like through the less scenic route via Guthega
Discussion
Whilst hiking NOBO is often seen as the more canonical direction, heading SOBO might offer an advantage for hikers who prefer to build up to the toughest sections of the trail. The southern third of the track has the most elevation change, with lots of steep fireroads and overgrown trails. It is also often the driest section of the AAWT (depending on the season). As such, your pack is likely going to be at its heaviest in this section. In our opinion, the combination of steep trails and heavy packs, makes the southern third the toughest section of the AAWT. One of the biggest advantages of heading SOBO is that you can build your hiking fitness on easier terrain with lighter packs and are stronger by the time you reach the southern third. This drastically reduces the risk of injury.
In contrast, one of the biggest advantages of heading NOBO is that you get the toughest section of trail done first. This can be a huge mental boost and incentivise some people to keep walking as they know that the terrain gets easier.
Transport logistics may also influence your decision. Traveling to and from Canberra is typically easier than Walhalla. If you choose to walk NOBO, for instance, you can end the hike with less concern about how you will get into town. The road is generally busier (making for an easier hitch), and it is not as far to travel from the city, meaning that it will be easier to pre-arrange a lift with a trail angel. In contrast, if you finish in Walhalla, you might find it harder to get a lift to Melbourne.
The next important factors to think about are the weather and water availability. The northern third of the track is generally cooler, as you consistently spend more time at higher altitudes. There is also typically more water available in the northern half (which is further discussed in our AAWT Track Guide). These factors should be considered if you plan to hike during warmer months.
Lastly, keep in mind that here are often closures in Kosciuszko National Park in mid-late November. These closures could require detours, potentially forcing you to skip sections like the Rolling Grounds and take a less scenic route via Guthega. Whilst they aren’t likely, they are something to remember when planning your hike. For a list of current closures, you can check out the NSW Parks website.
Conclusion
There are pros and cons to both directions when it comes to hiking the AAWT. Having hiked the trail both ways, we prefer to hike SOBO so that we can build up our fitness before hitting Victoria. However, there are lots of other factors to consider, and what works for us might not be the best choice for you.
If you need help planning your AAWT hike, check out our planning sessions for tips and discussions on hiking the track safely and successfully.