Greater Hume Shire Council: Nature, Walking Trails and Heritage

Greater Hume Shire Council brings together a range of visitor experiences: protected forest landscapes, lookouts and birdwatching sit alongside trails, museums, churches and a decommissioned submarine. When planning your trip, it is therefore helpful to decide first what you want to focus on: nature and outdoor activities, or regional history and culture. The destinations below offer specific starting points for both interests.

Nature, Lookouts and Trails

Woomargama National Park is the largest protected forest area west of the Great Dividing Range. One lookout in the park is Norths Lookout: the natural granite platform sits at an elevation of about 1,000 metres and offers a 180-degree view of the Upper Murray Valley, the western side of the Snowy Mountains, the Riverina District and the town of Holbrook.

The section of the Hume and Hovell Track from Lankey’s Creek to Bowna passes through Woomargama National Park. 4WD tours are also available there. The Tunnel Road picnic area offers opportunities for birdwatching and walking; in spring, wildflowers add a seasonal highlight. Birds that can be spotted in the park include the Regent Honeyeater, Superb Parrot and Powerful Owl.

The Burrumbuttock Walking Track offers a different kind of walk: it is a 4.5-kilometre circuit around the town. This makes it distinct from the previously mentioned section of the Hume and Hovell Track. A total of 150 bird species have been recorded at Gum Swamp Reserve. The paths in the western part of the reserve give walkers easy access. At the Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre, a scenic dam and a picnic area with a free electric barbecue are available together. Morgan’s Lookout is also recommended as a picnic destination.

History and Regional Culture

Jindera Pioneer Museum has more than 25 rooms and galleries. Its shop building is considered outstanding in New South Wales because of its original shop fittings and equipment. The Zion Lutheran Church in Walla Walla was built in 1924; it is the largest Lutheran church in New South Wales and has just under 600 seats. Heritage Trails can be found in Burrumbuttock, Culcairn, Henty, Jindera, Walla Walla and Woomargama. The Heritage Walk in Walla Walla offers an opportunity to learn more about German influence.

Holbrook is home to the decommissioned Australian submarine HMAS OTWAY. Holbrook’s Submarine Precinct is a stop on the Hume Highway and a designated stopping point for travellers on that road.

Events and Visitor Information

The Henty Machinery Field Days are held every September and attract around 50,000 visitors over three days. If you would like to plan your stay around the event, check the exact dates before travelling. The Greater Hume Visitor Information Centre offers expert advice, travel tips and recommendations for attractions and suitable stops. You can enquire about booking a guided walk up Table Top Mountain. If you are interested, check availability for your preferred date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Bowna, Albury City Council, Singleton Shire Council, Edward River Council, Lithgow City Council, Cessnock City Council, North Sydney Council, Blayney Shire Council.

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.