Explore The Aussie Alps With The Experts

 
 
 
 
  
 
Excellent5.0180 reviews
 
5.0
 
Excellent180 reviews
 
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 Cassie Woolley 
 
0 days ago
 
 
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+0
I booked this tour very much at the last minute, and the only way I could even contemplate it was if I knew I didn't have to then run around and collect piles of hiking and camping gear. I rocked up to day 0 (prep day) and found an exceptionally organised team waiting. They had all of the ultra light gear ready for us to learn about and pack into a hiking pack (also provided). We went upstairs and were kitted out with fleece, down and rain layers as well as accessories like gaiters, buffs and gloves. Back downstairs we packed our own snacks from a wide range of nuts, dried fruit, lollies, chocolate, chips, muesli bars and hot drink supplies.
The organisation and good vibes continued throughout the trip. Our guide Maddie was positive and supportive and led us on quite an adventure over 4 days. We all carried a share of the group meals, which were filling and tasty. I am vegetarian and that was no problem either. One of my concerns was that I would be cold, especially at night. It was chilly when the sun went down with some winds that came up that week but the sleep system was amazing and I was toasty in bed.
The route was a great variety of canyons, plains, caves, forests, and wetlands. I also enjoyed visiting the historical huts, in particular the one with the newspaper from the 1940s lining the walls.
If you are looking for an adventure in a supportive environment with top notch gear supplied, I can highly recommend Maddie and The Adventure Gene.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 alison taggart 
 
1 days ago
 
 
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A really wonderful experience. Very calming. The amount of walking to painting was well balanced. The guides were very supportive, they provided everything we needed.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Angie Lucena 
 
3 days ago
 
 
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The Paint and Hike tour I did with The Adventure Gene was fantastic. 4 days of not too difficult hiking in the Kosciusko National Park with loads of time for our painting. Maddie our hiking guide was lovely and very helpful. Sophie our painting guide gave so much encouragement and some great tips. I went with a friend but 5 of the 9 women on our tour had come by themselves.

The equipment they provided was excellent. Best camping mattress I’ve ever slept on! I was warm and comfortable at all times, even when the temperature dropped into the minuses overnight and I had to shake the ice off my tent. Maddie did a great job cooking - tasty, filling meals and we even had dessert every night.

The tour will suit everyone who is moderately fit - but you do need to do some training. I’m 61 and go to the gym often and  run, I had no problems. My friend is older and not very fit and was very proud that she made it.
There is a lot of emphasis on the painting aspect of the hike. The views are spectacular and offer lots of beautiful painting subjects. I’m not a great painter but feel I’ve come away with better ideas and techniques.
I couldn’t recommend The Adventure Gene highly enough.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Jackie McKay 
 
7 days ago
 
 
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My Budawangs Traverse experience with The Adventure Gene (TAG) met all my expectations and more!

Exploring this part of Australia’s incredible landscape and discovering its hidden treasures was truly eye-opening and unforgettable.

I love hiking and exploring, but I’d never experienced an overnight trek before. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I knew I could rough it, but I like to be warm and I definitely don’t like being hungry! These were two of my biggest concerns, and TAG absolutely nailed it. I’m hooked!

I’ve come away with so much more than just an amazing experience. I’ve gained the knowledge, skills and confidence to tackle future walks, treks and adventures. I now have practical tips, delicious meal recipes, snack ideas, and firsthand experience with lightweight gear and recommended products—all while learning how to manage pack weight.

Throughout the trek, I was warm, well-fed and felt confident and in control, all while being completely in awe of Australia’s breathtaking landscapes.

I couldn’t recommend this adventure more highly! If you love hiking, want to take your adventures to the next level, or are curious about overnight trekking, TAG is the way to go.

Thank you, TAG, for an incredible experience and for equipping me with the confidence and knowledge to keep exploring!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Shari Lofthouse 
 
7 days ago
 
 
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A wonderful experience across beautiful country, with a wonderful experienced guide.  Very well organised  and managed, great gear to test out. Can thoroughly recommend!
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Rachel Wright 
 
8 days ago
 
 
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+2
Paint and Hike from Blue Waterholes was an incredible trip! The company, the views, the food and the gear was amazing. Great for a beginner hiker and an amateur artist, and special thanks to Tearloch, head guide (and head of laughs) and Sophie for her artist tips and tricks.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Virginia McLaren 
 
15 days ago
 
 
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+2
Budawangs 5 day hike. 2nd-6th October. Tom and Maddie had thought of everything for our comfort, and prepared us extremely well. Their attention to detail is exceptional. They're kind and caring with excellent leadership skills.
Ultra light gear was of the highest quality. Yummy,  nutritious food was plentiful and prepared for us. The wilderness experience of the Budawangs is quite spectacular. Such diversity with scrubby bushland,  majestic rocky outcrops, lush rainforest  with mossy valleys, soaring escarpments and beautiful sunsets.
Thank you for a wonderful experience.
Will definately be doing another hike with them.
Virginia.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Gaye Ponting 
 
18 days ago
 
 
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What a fabulous  5 days of walking in a wonderful environment. Our guides Maddie and Tom were energetic, knowledgeable,friendly,thoughtful and fun! They shared their experiences with the group. I have learnt many tips and tricks for my future hikes. The landscape was spectacular.  The food was superb nourishing and tasty. Then there is the lightweight equipment,clothes,gear.Worked wonderfully well in the rain and sun!!Tick, tick, tick!! Also the people in our group were all lovely, friendly, and helpful.❣️❣️❣️🤸‍♀️
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 Ellen Egan 
 
19 days ago
 
 
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+2
I cannot recommend a trip with The Adventure Gene more highly. I’d never overnight hiked and it had been 25 years since I’d camped. The TAG team taught me so much over the course of 5 days - I’ve gained confidence and skills that go far beyond setting up a tent in the rain! TAG have a brilliant philosophy and are doing something really special - if you want to get out into Australia’s stunning national parks but need some guidance and encouragement to get there, this is the way to go.
  
 
 
 
 
 
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 James Biggam 
 
23 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Just completed the five day Budawangs traverse and loved it. Maddie and Tom made this premier hike accessible to a noob.