AAWT 194.8 Camp, Abbeyard VIC (Hike-in Only)
Known more by its kilometre marker than a formal name, the AAWT 194.8 Camp is an unofficial but recognised stopping point for hikers on the Australian Alps Walking Track. Located near the Selwyn Track in the remote Abbeyard region of the Alpine National Park, this campsite epitomises the wilderness experience. It is not a developed campground but simply a suitable patch of ground—a small, flat clearing in the snow gums—that offers a strategic place to rest between the more established huts and campsites along the trail. Its value lies in its location, breaking up a long and demanding section of the track.
Access is strictly on foot, and anyone planning to stay here must be a completely self-sufficient and experienced bushwalker. The site offers no facilities whatsoever. Water can typically be sourced from a nearby creek or gully, but it must be treated before drinking, and its reliability can vary depending on the season and recent rainfall. Camping here is a primitive affair, focused on the core essentials of shelter, warmth, and sustenance. The reward for this lack of amenities is a level of solitude and quiet that is hard to find, with just the sounds of the alpine environment for company.
This campsite is a testament to the ethos of the AAWT. It requires careful planning, expert navigation, and a deep respect for the fragile alpine ecosystem. Hikers must carry a trowel for personal sanitation and pack out every single item they bring in. Using a fuel stove is essential to minimise impact. For the dedicated long-distance walker, a night at the 194.8 km mark is a memorable part of the journey, offering a moment of profound connection with the vast, untamed beauty of the Victorian High Country, far from any road or sign of civilisation.
AAWT 194.8 Camp – VIC Location Map
Location: AAWT 194.8 Camp, Selwyn Track, Abbeyard, VIC 3737
GPS Coordinates: -37.08958702101864, 146.82560911235413
Website: Parks Victoria – Alpine National Park
Campsite Information
- Site Suitable For: One or two small hiking tents.
- Road Access: None. This is a remote, hike-in only site.
- Site Surface: Natural ground, possibly grassy or dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, dispersed wilderness camping is permitted.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit for hikers.
- Facilities: None. Total self-sufficiency is required.
- Potable Water: No. Source water from nearby creeks and treat/filter before use.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: None. An emergency beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger is essential.
- TV Reception: None.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. Carry a trowel and follow leave-no-trace principles for human waste.
- Rubbish Bins: No. Pack out everything you pack in.
- Open Fires: Strongly discouraged in the sensitive alpine area. Use a fuel stove for all cooking.
- Generator Use: Not applicable.
- Number of Sites Available: Very limited space.
- Essentials to Bring: All hiking equipment, water purification system, navigation tools, emergency communication device, trowel.
- Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not allowed in the Alpine National Park.
Local Area & Amenities (Relative to nearest road access points)
- Fishing: Not a practical activity from this location.
- Short Walks: The site is a waypoint on a very long-distance walk.
- Nearest Road Access Points for AAWT sections:
- Near Mount Hotham (Great Alpine Road)
- Buckland Valley Road
- Nearest Pubs (for post-hike celebration):
- The General (Mount Hotham): ~25-30 km hike
- Harrietville Hotel (Harrietville): ~40-50 km hike + drive
- Bright Brewery (Bright): ~60 km hike + drive
- Nearest Towns (for pre-hike supplies):
- Harrietville
- Bright
- Omeo
- Nearest Caravan Parks (for a base before/after):
- Harrietville Caravan Park
- Caravan Parks in Bright
- Nearest Dump Points: Bright or Harrietville.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Bright or Omeo (limited hours at Mount Hotham).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Fill up in the nearest town (e.g., Harrietville, Bright) before starting your hike.
- Public Toilets: Available in towns and at some major trailheads like Mount Hotham.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Mild to warm days but conditions can change to cold, wet, and windy very quickly. Be prepared for anything. Average temperatures: 5°C to 20°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Typically offers stable, cool, and clear conditions, but be prepared for cold nights and the possibility of early snowfalls. Average temperatures: 0°C to 15°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Extremely cold, with deep snow cover. The track is impassable except for highly experienced ski-tourers.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Cold, wet, and unpredictable. Snow patches can remain until late spring, making navigation difficult and creeks swollen.
