The Ben Smith Campsite near Tumut in New South Wales has reopened after several years of closure following the 2019–20 bushfires and subsequent flooding, completing restoration efforts along the Hume and Hovell Track, one of regional New South Wales’ best-known long-distance walking routes.
The reopening follows a A$350,000 investment by the New South Wales government to rebuild and upgrade the campsite and surrounding infrastructure.
The site had remained inaccessible after bushfire, and flood damage affected nearly 120 kilometers of the 426-kilometer Hume and Hovell Track, which stretches from Yass to Albury through farmland, forests, and national parks in the Riverina and Snowy Valleys regions.
With the reopening of Ben Smith Campsite, the entire trail is once again accessible to walkers, trail runners, and multi-day hikers. The project represents the final stage of recovery work on the route after years of restoration and infrastructure repairs.
Upgrades at the campsite include a new hikers’ hut with an elevated sleeping platform that can accommodate up to six people, repairs to the water tank and barbecue facilities, and expanded level ground for tents. Additional picnic tables are expected to be installed in the coming months.
The project also added a new 1.2-kilometer walking track connecting Yellowin Road to the campsite, along with a pedestrian bridge that overlooks the surrounding Riverina landscape.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper told SecretSyndey that the reopening provides visitors with “a safe and affordable way” to experience the walking track while supporting tourism and local businesses in the region.
Independent Member for Wagga Wagga Joe McGirr described the campsite as a “key point” along the trail and said its reopening marks an important milestone for communities recovering from the impacts of bushfires and floods.
The Hume and Hovell Track follows the route traveled by explorers Hamilton Hume and William Hovell during their 1824 expedition through southeastern Australia. The trail crosses several rivers, including the Murrumbidgee and Tumut Rivers, and includes more than 100 footbridges.
Ben Smith Campsite remains free to use and does not require bookings. Amenities include a pit toilet, barbecue area, water tank, and camping facilities.
The reopening may also offer broader implications for operators in the outdoor hospitality and caravan sectors, particularly those serving regional tourism markets.
The return of long-distance hiking traffic to the full Hume and Hovell Track could increase demand for nearby accommodations, RV parks, campgrounds, food services, outfitting businesses, and guided outdoor experiences throughout the Snowy Valleys and Riverina regions.
Industry operators may also view the project as an example of how public investment in trail infrastructure can contribute to tourism recovery following natural disasters.
In addition to hiking opportunities, the area surrounding the campsite includes access to the Jounama Pondage Trail, swimming and paddling activities at Jounama Pondage, and views of infrastructure associated with the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme, including the Tumut 3 Power Station pipelines.
The campsite can be reached by road from Sydney in approximately 4.5 to 5 hours via the Hume Highway and Snowy Mountains Highway through Tumut and Talbingo.