This paper describes early results in minimum cost routing and wavelength allocation of multi-wavelength all-optical transport networks using a genetic-algorithm (GA)/heuristic hybrid approach. The results were obtained using a tool for optical network optimisation, modelling and design (NOMaD) developed by the author. NOMaD is used as part of the author's research into the application of GA/heuristic hybrid optimisation techniques to network design, as well as in several research projects at Essex, including two under the European Commission funded research programme in Advanced Communications Technologies and Services (ACTS): WOTAN (Wavelength-agile Optical Transport and Access Network) and OPEN (Optical Pan-European Network); and the Fujitsu Telecommunications Europe Ltd. “Future Broadband Networks” project.