News
Welcome to the news page. Feel free to pass these stories around, contact us if you would like more information or join our online newsletter to be kept up to date with news and stories from the alps.
2012
Celebrations for the completed Wallace's Hut | 4 December
There were congratulations all round at the historic Wallace’s Hut recently when around sixty people gathered on the Bogong High Plains, just east of Falls Creek, to celebrate the heritage listed hut’s restoration.
Over the past year, a team of about twenty volunteers devoted ten days to restoring the hut to its original state. It was badly in need of repair both inside and out, with major structural replacement required.
Read the Parks Victoria media release | Find out more about the Bogong region
Elyne Mitchell - Mountain author | 20 August
Join historian Matthew Higgins as he talks about Elyne Mitchell - author of the popular Silver Brumby books.
The talk will be held at the National Library of Australia on Friday 24 August at 12.30 pm.
For more information, see the flyer below.
Rug up and get out this winter in Victoria's high country | 31 July
Winter is an amazing time of year in the Victorian High Country. Dust off the skis, try some winter camping, or nestle in with a hot chocolate by the fire at one of the alpine resorts.
Read Parks Victoria's winter newsletters to find out more about what is going on in the Victorian Alps this winter.
Read the Alpine National Park winter newsletter (PDF - 464 KB) | Read the Mt Buffalo National Park winter newsletter (PDF - 304 KB)
Heartwarming stories for two threatened iconic Alps species | 16 July
Richard Snashall has produced these two amazing documentaries on the plight of the mountain pygmy possum and the southern corroboree frog.
Discover how mountain pygmy possum numbers are picking up again in Kosciuszko National Park. Follow Dr Linda Broome and Haijing Shi as they survey current possum numbers near Cabramurra. Read more about the survey.
Follow Dr David Hunter and staff from Melbourne and Taronga Zoos to find out about how southern corroboree frog eggs from captive breeding programs have been released back into the wild. Southern corroboree frog numbers are dwindling due to habitat destruction and an amphibian pathogen, so the release of these eggs will give them a fighting chance.
Watch possums in the sky | Watch the frog hunters
Lauristoni girls | Parks VIC
Many hands make light work | 9 July
The Mansfield based Parks Victoria team recently hosted five students and a teacher from Lauriston Girls School's Howqua Campus who assisted with a variety of park management activities in Howqua Hills Historic Area and the Alpine National Park.
Download the Parks Victoria media release (PDF - 90KB) | (DOC - 81KB) | More about the Alpine National Park
Ranger Roo | Parks VIC
Fun in the snow with Ranger Roo | 29 June
Parks Victoria's cuddliest ranger is calling all kids and their parents to send in photos of their best snowmen, snowwomen and snow rangers this year in parks.
There will be snowplay opportunities across the North-east parks including: Mount St Gwinear in the Baw Baw National Park and Mount Buffalo National Park.
Download the Parks Victoria media release (PDF - 88KB) | (DOC - 80KB)
Jason recollaring a feral goat
Parks VIC
Feral goat eradication program continues on the Alps! | 25 June
Parks Victoria has recently completed a program to eradicate the feral goat population at McKillops Bridge located in the Alpine National Park in Far East Gippsland.
The first of its kind, this project was based on expert recommendations regarding feral goat eradication in the Snowy River corridor, and so far has achieved outstanding results.
Download the Parks Victoria media release (PDF - 90KB) | (DOC - 83KB) | Learn more about the Alpine National Park
Illegal Activity in Remote Areas of Alpine National Park | 29 May
Parks Victoria is reminding park visitors to abide by park regulations. The reminder follows the issuing of Infringement Notices and seizure of several firearms in the Alpine National Park east of Benambra this past weekend.
Offences ranged from carrying a range of firearms in an area of park where firearms are not permitted, illegal brumby running and bringing dogs into the park.
Parks Victoria Senior Ranger Richard Laurier said rangers are conducting targeted compliance operations across the entire Alpine National Park on a range of illegal activities that are being reported.
Download the Parks Victoria media release (PDF - 89KB) | Learn more about the Alpine National Park
Moroka Hut, before (top) and after (bottom) | Parks Victoria
Moroka Hut undergoes a facelift | 25 May
Good news for visitors to the Moroka River area in the southern section of the Alpine National Park with Parks Victoria announcing that repairs have now been completed on the historic Moroka Hut.
Parks Victoria Ranger Norm White stated that Moroka Hut had sustained significant damage to the chimney/fireplace, structural support poles and the saddle/wood shed at rear of hut.
'The damage caused was mainly due to oversized fires in the fireplace and general vandalism which is very disappointing,' said Norm.
Download the Parks Victoria media release (PDF - 103KB) | Learn more about the Alpine National Park
Australian Alps national parks Strategic Plan 2012-2015 now online | 22 May
The 2012-2015 Strategic Plan for the Australian Alps has been released. This plan will guide the Alps Co-operative Management Program for the next three years. It builds on the 2008-11 plan which was updated to include the increased knowledge and certainty about climate change, the increased threat that invasive plants and animals posed to ecosystems, and recognition that recovery from recent bushfires was well underway.
Download the Strategic Plan | More publications
Temporary closure of McKillops Bridge visitor area, Alpine National Park | 17 May
A goat control program will be carried out in the Alpine National Park, with sections of the park to be closed from 23 May until 15 June 2012.
The section of Alpine National Park closed for the goat control program is located east of the Snowy River from Sandy Creek down to McKillops Bridge, including the Snowy River itself and the McKillops Bridge day visitor area.
This will affect all canoeists, kayakers, other river users and walkers accessing that area.
For further enquiries please contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963 or visit parks.vic.gov.au
AAWT, Viking Saddle
photo: Parks Victoria
Australian Alps Walking Track maintenance work around Viking Saddle | 15 May
Parks Victoria rangers have been hard at work clearing out some overgrown and fire-damaged sections of the Australian Alps Walking Track. The following sections have been attended to:
- 3km of regrowth cleared between Viking Saddle and Razor Ridge
- 2km section of Viking Ridge towards Barry's Saddle has been cleared
- 1.5km section of heavy scrub cut back from Catherine Saddle up to Mt Despair
- 6.5km section from Catherine Saddle towards Viking Saddle was cleared and marked
See the Alps on Flickr | 1 May
There is a new Australian Alps Flickr page showcasing all the stunning images that have been captured for the program over the years. Better yet, Klaus Hueneke, renowned photographer, explorer and author of all things Australian Alps related, has kindly supplied the best of his photos to add to the collection.
The photos have been organised by location and theme to make browsing easier. All of the Australian Alps Program photos are freely available to use under Creative Commons licenses (non-commercial, no modifications and attribution required), while permission to use Klaus's beautiful photos can be arranged by contacting him directly.
Traditional owners
Australian Alps traditional owners met in Bright | 23 April
The Australian Alps have always been a place of great significance to Australia's First People and on March 22 and 23 the Australian Alps Traditional Owners Reference Group met with national park managers in Bright.
Read the media release | Learn more about Aboriginal heritage
Australian Alps National Parks annual report 2010-2011 now available | 29 March
The 2010-2011 annual report is now available online to view or download.
Before and after | DSE VIC
Many friends makes light work! | 23 March
Parks Victoria recently partnered with the Friends of Baw Baw National Park and the Strzelecki Bushwalking Club to undertake their annual pilgrimage to maintain sections of the iconic Australian Alps Walking Track.
The four day working bee, now in its sixth year of operation, has focused on various sections of the Australian Alps Walking Track in Baw Baw National Park over the years covering approximately 26km of track from Mt Erica car park to Stronachs Camp.
Read the media release (Parks Victoria website) | Australian Alps Walking Track
Wild weather results in limited access for some parks and reserves | 5 March
Extensive rainfall over the past week has resulted in flooding, tree falls and landslips throughout the Australian Alps National Parks. Visitors are advised to take note of the latest advice and forecasts by visiting the Bureau of Meteorology and State Emergency Service websites.
Further information on current conditions and road closures can be obtained from regional Visitor Information centres.
ACT Emergency Services Agency | NSW State Emergency Service | VIC State Emergency Service
Skyhigh anticipation for restored Alpine Walk | 1 March
Parks Victoria invites visitors to explore the restored Wallace Heritage Trail after flood recovery works to repair the 6.5km trail were completed.
The Alpine National Park was affected by a severe storm event in 2010 that damaged and destroyed roads and sections of the Wallace Heritage Trail. Ross Grant, Ranger in Charge, Bogong Management Unit said Parks Victoria invested $80,000 in flood repairs and improvement works.
Read the media release (Parks Victoria website) | Discover the Bogong region
Clearing the track | DSE VIC
Iconic Alpine track cleared | 16 February
A 25 kilometre section of one of Australia's most rugged and remote walking trails has been reopened thanks to the hard work of Heyfield crews.
The Australian Alps Walking Track is an iconic track that stretches over 650 kilometres from the historic township of Walhalla in Victoria through to Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory.
Along its length the walking track traverses the high country of Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, taking in some of Australia's most remote and stunning mountains and forests.
Read the media release (Parks Victoria website) | Australian Alps Walking Track
The Australian Alps, a powerful teacher | 14 February
The Australian Alps has renewed its resource for teachers and students - the Australian Alps Education Kit. There are factsheets available for download on the following topics: climate, Aboriginal people, conservation, fauna, vegetation, fire, geology, grazing, mining, recreation and tourism, soils and water catchment. There is helpful information to help with planning a field trip into the Alps, along with dedicated teacher's notes. Finally, there is a selection of links to further resources for each topic.
Maintenance works continues at Fry's Hut | 14 February
Fry's Hut working bee | Parks Victoria
Another collaborative effort between Parks Victoria and the Victorian High Country Huts Association was held recently at the Fry's Flat in the Howqua Hills Historic Area.
A working bee was held last weekend as part of the continuation of works from similar events that have been held at Fry's Hut over the past few years.
Read the Parks Victoria media release | Visit the Mansfield region
Wallace's Hut gets a makeover | 3 February
Parks Victoria in conjunction with the dedicated volunteers from the Victorian High Country Huts Association will be commencing the restoration works on the renowned Wallace's Hut during a series of working bee weekends in February, March and April.
The restoration works will be completed by skilled heritage builders led by Lachie Gales and James Findlay under the supervision of a heritage architect.
Read the Parks Victoria media release | Visit the Bogong region
King River Hut is now open for visitors | 18 January
Parks Victoria in conjunction with the Victorian High Country Huts Association and Mansfield Shire Council are delighted to announce the King River Hut was officially opened today.
King River Hut, located approximately 43kms east of Mansfield in the Alpine National Park, was identified as a key restoration project following its destruction due to an unattended fire within the hut in July 2008. It was recognised for its significant social values and was regularly used by local Mansfield grazing families including the Hearn's, Ross's, Gough's and the McCormack's.
Discover the Yarrangobilly caves | Prime7 TV
See scaly and slimy reptiles around Tumut | Prime7 TV
Read the Parks Victoria media release | Visit the Mansfield region
Discover Yarrangobilly's stunning caves | 4 January
Learn more about the wonderful Yarrangobilly cave system, as Prime7 TV joins a NSW National Park run tour. This is a great spot to take the kids on the school holidays. Not only will they learn about the geology and formation of two million year old caves, but it's a great way to beat the summer heat too!
Learn more about the caves | Visit the Yarrangobilly and Tumut region
Scaly and slimy reptiles from Tumut | 2 January
Prime7 TV captures one of the NSW National Parks Discovery tours, educating children about some of the local reptiles in the Tumut area in northern Kosciuszko National Park.
Learn more about Kosciuszko National Park | See what Discovery tours are coming up
2011
Chris Sexton breaks the Australian Alps Walking Track record, raising money along the way | 20 December
39 year old Sydney resident Chris Sexton has completed the entire Australian Alps Walking Track solo, setting a new record. Despite incurring an ankle injury along the way, he completed the track unsupported in 16 days - an incredible feat given that experienced bushwalkers take 6-10 weeks to travel the 650kms!
Congratulations to Chris for completing the track safely and also for raising money for a good cause - donations went to the Australian Children's Music Foundation.
Find out more | Read the media release (PDF - 1.08MB) | Learn more about the Australian Alps Walking Track
Watch a snapshot of the Kiandra event | NSW National Parks
Australian Alps marks 25 years of working together | 12 December
Wild weather did not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowds who took part in community days across the Australian Alps recently to celebrate 25 years of cross-border cooperation.
New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT all held community days on 20 November to mark the 25 year anniversary, with the public encouraged to join in and appreciate the beauty of the Australian Alps.
An open day held in the Snowy Mountains' historic goldmining town of Kiandra attracted more than 250 people who had the chance to soak up the area's Aboriginal and European history, as well as its stunning natural beauty.
The main drawcard was an exhibition of Kiandra artefacts at the old courthouse, which is being restored by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife.
Australian Alps Program Manager Anthony Evans said the day was a success and plans were underway for another event towards the end of summer.
"It was great to have so many people come to Kiandra in such wild weather and while not all of our outdoor program could go ahead, groups still headed off into driving rain to explore with our experts on hand," Mr Evans said.
"Twenty-five years ago NSW, Victoria, the ACT and the Commonwealth signed a MOU to officially work together regarding the Alps, and the anniversary of that agreement made for a fantastic day in Kiandra."
A bushwalk was held in Namadgi National Park, where walkers had a choice of three walks, all of them along the famous Australian Alps Walking Track and finishing at the Namadgi Visitors Centre on the outskirts of Canberra.
Event organiser, Sandra Clifford from ACT Parks and Conservation Service was thrilled with the support received from the Canberra Bushwalking Club. A surprise anniversary cake awaited bushwalkers at the end of the event.
At the opposite end of the Australian Alps Walking Track, near Baw Baw National Park, the rain prevented a ranger-guided interpretive walk along the Track, however around 50 people still attended a community barbecue to commemorate and celebrate 25 years of people working together across the alps.
See photos on Flickr from the Kiandra event
New lookout platform | Parks Vic
Great new visitor facilities on the Bogong Alpine Way | 22 November
Parks Victoria is pleased to announce the opening of the new Bogong Alpine Way visitor facilities located within the Alpine National Park. These new visitor facilities complement the recent sealing of the Bogong High Plains Road in 2009. The new $350,000 facilities includes a new lookout platform and observation deck, as well as a series of interpretive panels.
Additionally, the historic Weston Hut which was burnt down as a result of the 2006-07 Great Divide fire has now been fully restored and is open for visitors.
To help visitors to make the most of this beautiful area, Parks Victoria has developed a self-guided touring itinerary that is available on CD at Alpine National Park Visitor Centres or for download, which highlights the loop drive between the Bogong Alpine Way and Great Alpine Road though Bright, Mt Beauty Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Omeo.
Find out more to do in the Bogong region | Learn more about the Alpine National Park
Bushwalkers enjoying the Alps
Photo:
Lois Padgham
A wet anniversary walk through Namadgi National Park | 20 November
On Sunday 20 November, amidst amazing wildflowers, Canberra residents hiked a section of the Australian Alps Walking Track in Namadgi National Park to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Australian Alps Program. Despite the wet weather, there was a good turnout of walkers to experience the beauty of the Alps.
The Australian Alps Walking Track stretches from Walhalla in Victoria to Tharwa in the ACT. It can be walked in one go, or broken up into smaller sections.
Learn more about the Australian Alps Walking Track | Find out more about Namadgi National Park
25th anniversary celebrations for the Alps | 20 November
25 years ago, the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Victoria signed a historic memorandum of understanding to collaborate across their borders and to create 1.6 million hectares of protected alpine area. Steeped in Indigenous and pioneer history, the Alps' stunning natural beauty and myriad of recreational opportunities are found in ancient landscapes supporting a range of distinctive plants and animals, many of them living nowhere else on earth.
Help us celebrate this fantastic milestone by joining us at some of the events organised for 19 - 20 November, 2011. These events span locations across the Australian Alps' two states and the ACT, so be sure to come along!
Come and celebrate on the Bogong High Plains ***CANCELLED*** | 19 November 2011
Wallace Hut | Joel Bramley
The official opening of the Bogong Alpine Way visitor facilities event that was to be conducted on Saturday 19 November has unfortunately been cancelled due to the forecasted inclement weather.
As you can appreciate, the natural Alpine climatic activity has come into effect with quite changeable weather patterns predicted for this coming weekend.
Nevertheless, we encourage and welcome visitors to explore the Bogong Alpine Way touring route, walk along the new Wallace's Heritage Trail and enjoy these fantastic new facilities at their leisure.
We thank you for your understanding.
Caring for our Australian Alps catchments - Summary report for policy makers | 10 October 2011
Greg Combet, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, has released a scientific report assessing the condition of the Alps catchments. This report follows on from an original report published in 1957, and draws on research and data collected for over 60 years.
A number of recommendations have been made to help prepare the Alps catchment areas for the future impacts of climate change while optimising water yields.
Media release | Shrub reveals the secret of climate change | September 2011
News from the Alps #42
In an Australian first, scientists from The Australian National University (ANU) and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) have uncovered a new way of identifying 300 years of climatic changes in the Australian Alps by looking at the growth rings of a sturdy, long-lived alpine shrub - the mountain plum pine.
News from the Alps 42 | August 2011
Catch up with all the news from the alps program with this special edition which celebrate 25 years of the Australian Alps National Parks.
Download the newsletter | Subscribe to receive News from the Alps online
News from the Alps 41 | May 2011
Catch up with all the news from the alps program with another bumper edition that covers a wide range of alps issues and activities such as growing wildlife corridors, maintaining balance in natural landscapes, alps works and how we are managing our invasive species. We also have some fascinating history stories, a great article about how the alps were made and information on the shared task of fire management.
Download the newsletter | Subscribe to receive News from the Alps online
Travel over 700 kms of Victoria in less than four minutes | April
The Australian Alps 'fly through' takes you on an aerial journey above the spectacular terrain of the Australian Alps. It provides a starting point for your exploration of one of Australia's unique and precious landscapes.
Recognition of Traditional Owners of the Australian Alps | Feb
The Australian Alps national parks program has moved to further recognise the heritage and role of Traditional Owners of the Australian Alps by including a logo representing Traditional Owners in its promotions.
Following the successful Australian Alps First People's Gathering in April 2010, the Traditional Owners of the Australian Alps will also be formally recognised on publications and promotional material, as these are developed and updated.
Read more
2010
April
- Continuing a long tradition of Aboriginal gatherings in the Australian Alps | 29 April
More than 150 Aboriginal elders and traditional owners from across the Australian Alps region will gather in Jindabyne this weekend for an historic meeting that must have occurred many times over the thousands of years of Aboriginal occupation on the Australian continent.
The gathering is being sponsored by the Australian Alps Liaison Committee (AALC), a body incorporating government agencies with a major role in managing significant parts of the Australian Alps national parks; the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Parks Victoria, ACT Parks Conservation and Lands working with Parks Australia.
More information | Media release
- The Australian Alps tourism strategy
The National Landscapes program is a partnership between Tourism Australia and Parks Australia, developed to identify and promote around 15 of Australia's best natural and cultural landscapes. The program aims to populate Brand Australia with world-class visitor experiences that draw on the landscape's nature and culture to appeal to the Experience Seeker. The Australian Alps is one of these National Landscapes.
See the tourism strategy >>
- News from the Alps 39
This feature is firmly focused on climate change and its effect on the Australian Alps. By gathering together the thoughts of a wide range of people who know what they're talking about - to create an expert forum on paper - we can appreciate both the Alps' vulnerability, and gain a clear idea of what needs to be done to weather the challenging times ahead. Through them, we're able to present a clear view of what's to be done and how this will make a profoundly positive difference to what would otherwise be a confronting future.
2009
December
- International Mountain Day | 11 December
International Mountain Day is observed every year with a different theme relevant to sustainable mountain development. The theme for the International Mountain Day 2009 is Disaster Risk Management in Mountains. This year's theme aims to raise awareness on the high number of natural hazards in mountain areas and the high vulnerability of mountain communities.
More information | Media release
September
- Australian Alps gets new Plan | 18 September
The Australian Alps National Landscape Management Committee today released its new Tourism Master Plan for public comment | Find out more
August
- Alps Aboriginal Group aims high
Representatives of various Aboriginal groups from right across south-east Australia met on 10 and 11 August in Beechworth, Victoria, as the Australian Alps Traditional Owners' Reference Group.
May
- On the Frontline in the Australian Alps
Some 30 frontline staff from NSW, Victoria and the ACT working throughout the Australian Alps will be attending a two day workshop at Birrigai at Tidbinbilla in the ACT on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. The workshop is aimed at increasing their capacity to better assist visitors to the Alps region.
March
- Aboriginal involvement in the Alps has a Bright future
Representatives of various Aboriginal groups from right across south-east Australia met over the last two days in Bright, Victoria, as the Australian Alps Indigenous Reference Group. - Restoration of Mires in the Australian Alps
Project judged by the Global Restoration Network as one of Australiasia's top 25 ecological restoration projects
January
- Alps Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 - now online
- Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens community listed as endangered
For more information see the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts - Species Profile and Threats Database
2008
December
- News from the Alps - No.37 Summer 2008-09 now available
November
- Heritage honour for iconic Alps
The Australian Alps has been awarded Australia's highest heritage honour with its inclusion in the National Heritage List.
For more information read the Minister's media release