The Bicentennial National Trail (BNT)
The Bicentennial National Trail (BNT) is one of the longest non-motorised trails in the world. It extends from Cooktown, in far North Queensland, down the Great Dividing Range to Healesville in Victoria. The entire length of the trail spans four states of Australia (Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, and Victoria), and covers a distance of 5330km (3312 miles). The BNT is made up of old stock routes, private property, state parks, and national parks. It crosses a variety of landscapes, and is very remote in some area.
The BNT was developed in the 1970's and 1980's as a long-distance horse trekking route, but alongside horses, the trail accommodates hikers and cyclists, whether for day trips, weekends, months, or longer!
The founders of the BNT were the famed RM Williams, Dan Seymour, Mike Allen and Brian Taylor. The trail was officially opened in 1988. The first horse trekkers, Sharon Muir Watson and Ken Roberts, completed the trail from Cooktown to Healesville over two years in 1990, with Sharon later penning her memoirs of the trip in a fabulous book entitled 'The Colour of Courage'.
The BNT is divided into 12 sections, each having its own guidebook, which can be purchased through the BNT website.
The BNT is run purely by volunteers, who do an amazing job in maintaining a 5330km stretch of trail and assisting people who want to get out and enjoy this great Australian trail.
Please consider supporting the trail by becoming a member, or put your hand up to volunteer on the trail. You can find ways to offer assistance HERE.
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For more information on the Bicentennial National Trail, click HERE to access their website.