Key Features
Take in epic mountain sunrises & sunsets.
Visit historic alpine huts.
Enjoy an isolated wilderness experience.
Discover famous Australian alpine wildflowers & snow gums.
Camp on the rooftop of Australia.
Highlights & Itinerary
- Summit the tallest mountains in Australia; Mt Kosciuszko (2228m), Mt Townsend (2209m), Mt Twynam (2196m) and Rams Head (2190m).
- Walk past Australia's highest alpine lakes including Lake Cootapatamba, Club Lake, Blue Lake and Lake Albina.
- Summit Mt Jagungal (2061m), the northermost 2000m peak in Australia.
- Visit the head of Valentine Falls, which has a total drop of 120m.
- Discover hidden cascades and swim in alpine creeks.
The Day Before: Preparation Session
We meet the afternoon before our hike to distribute gear and perform a final equipment check. This ‘shakedown’ ensures your safety and comfort, while giving you the chance to learn systems refined over 40,000km of hiking. We use this time to fine-tune your setup, ensuring a smooth start to Day 1 and the best possible outcome for your trip.
Note: If you prefer to use your own hiking gear, please bring it along. We are required to inspect all equipment to ensure it meets our safety standards.
Day 1: Kiandra to Four Mile Hut, 7.5km (+230m, -141m)
We’ll start our day in Canberra at 7am, boarding the bus for a 2.5-hour drive to Kiandra. This historic 1859 gold mining town is famously recognised as the birthplace of Australian skiing, where miners once fashioned the country’s first skis from wooden fence palings.
Following the Tabletop Mountain Trail, we’ll pass weathered aqueducts and rusted machinery, remnants of the area’s rich gold rush history. As we ascend past Selwyn Snow Resort, we’ll immerse ourselves in the high country, taking in sweeping views of rolling mountains framed by twisted snow gums.
We’ll finish our day at Four Mile Hut. Originally built in 1937 from flattened five-gallon cans, the hut was meticulously rebuilt after the 2020 bushfires to replicate unique historical details, right down to the small leather washers under its roofing nails. Arriving at camp early, we’ll have ample time to familiarise ourselves with our gear and settle into the rhythm of the trip.
Meals provided: Lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 2: Four Mile Hut to Happys Hut, 14.8km (+457m, -420m)
Leaving Four Mile Hut, we’ll continue along the fire trail through open, grassy terrain. You’ll have the option to take a short detour and summit Tabletop Mountain, a striking volcanic plug capped with ancient Tertiary basalt that rises 150 meters above the surrounding landscape. This summit will offer panoramic views of the Main Range, our final destination.
Afterwards, we’ll briefly follow fire roads through expansive sub-alpine terrain before venturing off-track to Happys Hut, our campsite for the night. Though tragically lost in the 2019/2020 bushfires, the hut was beautifully rebuilt in 2024 and provides a wonderful piece of high-country history for our evening camp.
Popular side trips:
- Tabletop Mountain, 1.3km return (+124m, -91m)
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 3: Happys Hut to Mackays Hut, 16.8km (+424m, -381m)
Departing Happys Hut, we’ll head off-track again, this time towards Brooks Hut, another recently rebuilt shelter. From here, we’ll follow the Brooks Hut Trail until it connects with the AAWT at Grey Mare Trail. Continuing along this route through open grasslands, we’ll enter the remote Jagungal Wilderness. Known for its rolling alpine terrain and absence of modern infrastructure, this pristine area will offer sweeping, wild views of the Snowy Mountains.
In springtime, you’ll see the landscape come alive with vibrant alpine wildflowers like billy buttons, silver snow daisies, and royal bluebells, adding bursts of colour to the green tussock. The remainder of the day will take us along open tracks to Mackays Hut, an iron-clad shelter originally built for grazing in 1944, where we’ll set up camp for the night.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 4: Mackays Hut to Derschkos Hut, 16.6km (+567m, -517m)
Leaving Mackays Hut, we’ll continue along Grey Mare Trail, crossing both Doubtful Creek and Bogong Creek as we make our way toward O’Keefes Hut. Originally built in 1934, this shelter is renowned for its historic newspaper-lined walls, painstakingly restored with authentic 1940s editions.
From O’Keefes Hut, you’ll have the chance to leave your pack behind and summit Mount Jagungal, an imposing ancient basalt peak that stands as the northernmost 2,000-meter mountain in Australia. Serving as the source of the Tumut, Tooma, Geehi, and Gungarlin rivers, this prominent landmark will offer uninterrupted, 360-degree views across the wilderness and toward the Main Range.
After descending from the summit, we’ll follow the open fire road to Derschkos Hut, where we’ll set up camp for the night.
Popular side trips:
- Mt Jagungal, 5.2km return (+409m, -409m)
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 5: Derschkos Hut to Valentine Hut, 16.6km (+539m, -473m)
We’ll begin the day with an easy walk along Grey Mare Trail, winding through gently undulating alpine grasslands. A short detour will lead us to Grey Mare Hut, originally established in 1934 for mining. Beside the hut, you’ll find remnants of old machinery and a stamper battery, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area’s rich industrial past.
After our visit, we’ll rejoin the AAWT and follow Valentine Trail. This well-maintained track will allow for steady progress as we make our way toward Valentine Hut. Built in the 1950s by Snowy Scheme surveyors and famously painted a striking red with white hearts, this shelter stands out vibrantly against the landscape and is one of the region’s most iconic spots to set up camp.
Once we arrive, a brief optional side trip will take you to the head of Valentine Falls. As the highest waterfall in Kosciuszko National Park, its impressive 120-meter drop is a spectacular sight to round out the day’s adventure.
Popular side trips:
- Grey Mare Hut, 900m return (+52m, -52m)
- Valentine Falls, 2km return (+85m, -85m)
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 6: Valentine Hut to Whites River Hut, 9.8km (+297m, -270m)
Today, we’ll journey from Valentine Hut along the fire road toward Schlink Hut. Known affectionately as the “Schlink Hilton” due to its generous size, this 1960s shelter honours the early pioneers of Australian backcountry skiing.
From there, we’ll make our way to Whites River Hut. Originally constructed in 1934 for stockmen, it sits at the base of the spectacular Rolling Grounds. Here, you’ll find an ideal spot to rest and recharge before our final two days traversing the Main Range.
After lunch, your guides will take a quick detour to the bus to grab our resupply for the final leg of the trip, giving you a well-deserved, relaxing afternoon around camp.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 7: Whites River Hut to Wilkinsons Creek, 23.7km (+1042m, -835m)
Ascending onto the Main Range, we’ll traverse The Rolling Grounds and immerse ourselves in the pristine alpine environment of Australia’s highest peaks. The trail will follow a faint footpath through open grassy terrain, where you’ll spot seasonal alpine wildflowers, like billy buttons and silver snow daisies, scattered among ancient granite boulders.
As we journey across the range, you’ll have the option to leave your pack behind and summit Mt Twynam, Australia’s third tallest mountain. This summit offers breathtaking views of the Main Range and Mount Kosciuszko, all in a quieter, less crowded setting.
Afterwards, you’ll have the option to visit Blue Lake Lookout. This spectacular 28-metre-deep body of water is a Ramsar-listed wetland and one of only four true glacial cirque lakes on mainland Australia. It was carved out by ice tens of thousands of years ago.
Continuing along the Main Range Track, we’ll pass two more glacial lakes, Club Lake and Albina Lake, as we follow a well-defined trail toward Muellers Pass.
We’ll conclude the day with a descent to Wilkinsons Creek, a sheltered campsite renowned for its spectacular sunsets over the mountains on clear evenings.
Popular side trips:
- Mt Twynam, 500m return (+20m, -20m)
- Blue Lake lookout, 2.5km return (+96m, -96m)
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 8: Wilkinsons Creek to Dead Horse Gap, 14.6km (+638m, -970m)
We’ll begin our final day with a sunrise from the highest mountain range in Australia. After sunrise and packing up camp, it will be a short 3km walk to summit Mt Kosciuszko (2228m), named in 1840 by Polish explorer Paul Edmund de Strzelecki. Arriving before the crowds, you’ll take in panoramic views of the Snowy Mountains, relishing the unique experience of standing atop the highest point in Australia.
After descending from the summit, we’ll pass Lake Cootapatamba, the highest altitude lake in the country, formed by a glacier spilling from Kosciuszko’s southern flank. We’ll then leave the marked trail to explore the Rams Head Range. This off-track route will weave through complex granite tors and rock fields where millions of migrating Bogong moths gather. This incredible migration historically drew First Nations peoples to the high country for summer feasts.
Offering a final immersive experience and the opportunity to climb three additional prominent peaks, this route will descend from Rams Head South along a narrow trail framed by snow gums.
Our adventure will conclude at Dead Horse Gap, the watershed of the Snowy and Murray river systems. You’ll have the opportunity to celebrate with a well-deserved hot meal in Jindabyne before we make the drive back to Canberra that evening.
Popular side trips:
- Mt Kosciuszko, 2.0km return (+64m, -64m)
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch & snacks
Note: The listed itinerary is a guide. Due to many circumstances including those beyond our control (e.g. weather, park closures etc.), the route may need to be altered and/or side trips not offered.
Weather
Below is the average temperature for this region, where the shaded area highlights the range expected 80% of the time.
Inclusions
- World-class ultralight hiking gear & clothing (total pack weight ~10kg).
- All meals, snacks, and hot drinks (excludes breakfast on day 1 and dinner on the final day).
- Two world-class guides.
- Access to a support vehicle on day 6 to resupply food.
- Return transport from/to Canberra.
- Extensive preparation package, including a detailed packing list document and video.
- Small group size of max 10 people with 2 guides (5:1 guest-to-guide ratio).
Gear & Clothing
Every trip includes access to our signature Ultralight Comfort System™. We equip you with premium, state-of-the-art gear and clothing – just bring your shoes and the clothes on your back!
This kit is what we personally use on our own trips. Valued at $4,500, this setup is expertly curated to be exceptionally lightweight without compromising on comfort, warmth or safety.
The weight breakdown:
- Gear: 4kg
- Clothing: 1.2kg
This brings your pack weight to 5.2kg (without food, water or consumables).
Food
We provide all meals, snacks and hot drinks, excluding breakfast on the first day and dinner on the last day. Breakfast and dinners are hot meals, cooked and enjoyed whilst relaxing at camp. Lunches and snacks will be eaten during breaks throughout the day.
We work with a local freeze-drying company in Canberra to bring you delicious and nutritious meals in the backcountry. Freeze-drying is preferable to dehydrating food because of the improved taste, texture and nutrient preservation.
All of the meals we prepare are designed as part of our nutrition program to ensure you are well nourished and maintain high energy levels for the duration of the trip.
We cater for nearly all dietary requirements. This includes vegetarian, vegan, lactose free, gluten free (including coeliac) and general allergies. If you are unsure whether we will be able to cater for your needs, please contact us and we will chat about your options!
What Makes Us Different
We provide the most supportive and all-inclusive multi-day hiking trips in Australia. We are industry leaders by providing the best gear, world-class guides, top quality food, intimate group sizes, detailed preparation support and extensive opportunities for skill development.
The table below compares our trips to similar tent-based guided hikes.
| Our Trips | Similar Trips | |
|---|---|---|
| Provided Gear | All gear & outer layer clothing included. No additional hire fees. | Either not provided, only some items provided, or has an extra hire fee. |
| Gear Quality | Modern and lightweight. We aim to keep your pack under 10kg for nearly the entire trip. | Usually outdated, heavy gear with pack weight sometimes over 20kg. |
| Guides | 2 full-time, world-class guides, always walking with the group. | Sometimes one guide. If there are two guides, one is often driving the bus or not walking with the group. |
| Provided Food | All food provided, including snacks and hot drinks. | Not always provided or comes at an additional expense. |
| Food Quality | We always make our own meals. We use freeze-dried ingredients for increased taste, texture, and nutrition. | Often dehydrated meals from a packet. |
| Group Size | Maximum group size of 10, with an industry-leading guide-to-guest ratio of 1:5. | Frequently 10+ group size with only one walking guide (ratio of 1:10). |
| Wilderness Immersion | Optional daily mindfulness exercises to engage with the natural environment. | Guided mindfulness sessions are rarely included. |
| Preparation Support | Detailed preparation package with clothing, training, footwear, and blister prevention suggestions. | Usually only a simple packing list. |
| Skill Development | Strong focus on education and skill development for those who are interested. | Typically less focused on skill development. |
Reviews
Browse our verified Google reviews to see what others are saying about our trips.
Trip Dates
Reserve your spot and lock in the current trip price with a $99 deposit. Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like a personalised payment plan.
Note: Trip prices vary to account for our awesome guides working on weekends and public holidays!
$99 deposit and payment plans
We offer a flexible range of payment plans, allowing you to split your payment into monthly instalments at no additional cost.
Price-lock guarantee
Secure today’s price by locking in your $99 deposit. This protects your booking from future price changes, so you know exactly what you’ll pay.
$99 deposit and payment plans
We offer a flexible range of payment plans, allowing you to split your payment into monthly instalments at no additional cost.
Price-lock guarantee
Secure today’s price by locking in your $99 deposit. This protects your booking from future price changes, so you know exactly what you’ll pay.
Check out our trip calendar for a visual overview of all upcoming hikes!
Health & Insurance Requirements
Medical Clearances
Your safety is our top priority. We reserve the right to request a medical clearance from any participant if there are concerns about specific health conditions or fitness levels.
Insurance Requirements
All participants are required to have adequate insurance that covers medical evacuation by air, land, or sea. Please note that Medicare does not cover ambulance services. This cover is typically in the form of ambulance cover, which is normally included in a general private health policy and can cost as little as $50 per year separately. Any evacuation deemed necessary by the guides will be the financial responsibility of the guest.
It is also recommended that you have travel insurance that covers potential losses, damages, or injuries, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
Note that The Adventure Gene’s cancellation fees apply and cannot be waived.
FAQs
What level of fitness and experience is required for this trip?
Previous hiking and camping experience is not required. Our guides are experts and can teach you everything you need to know. Additionally, we provide you with all the information you need to prepare for the trip. However, it is essential that you have the required level of fitness and a willingness to learn.
You need the fitness required to carry a ~10kg pack for extended periods of time and for multiple days in a row. This includes walking off-trail and up and down steep terrain.
We recommend that all participants engage in regular weekly aerobic activity 3+ times per week. This could include activities such as hiking, cycling, swimming, running, or a team sport with lots of activity (e.g. soccer, AFL, rugby, basketball). Walking on flat concrete paths is not adequate preparation for this trip.
How difficult is this trip and how fast do we walk?
For a multiday hike with camping, we rate this trip as moderate. You can see the distance and elevation details in the table below:
Trip statistics (without side trips)
| Average | Minimum | Maximum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance (km) | 15.0 | 7.5 | 23.7 |
| Elevation gain (m) | 524 | 180 | 950 |
Daily walking times are generally between 4-8 hours. Due to the small group size and having two guides, we are able to cater to a wide range of walking speeds and encourage everyone to walk at their own pace. Additionally, we can tailor the difficulty of the trek by adjusting which side trips each person does.
If you are unsure whether this trip is appropriate for you, please contact us. We are more than happy to have a chat and answer any questions you have. We support all our guests in preparing for their trip.
What if I am too slow?
It’s very common to be concerned about being too slow, or the slowest in the group.
Our trips are designed to be achievable and enjoyable – not a race. There is time for plenty of photos and breaks! Additionally, with small groups and 2 guides, we are able to cater to a wide range of paces, ensuring everyone feels supported.
How much weight will I need to carry?
We estimate your pack weight will be ~10kg. The gear and clothing we provide weighs approximately 5.2kg. This leaves personal items, food and water making up the rest of the weight.
Food
We have a 5.5 day food carry, followed by a 2 day food carry. For the longer food carry, each person will initially have to carry ~5kg of food.
Water
Whilst water is generally readily available in this region, it is highly dependent on recent rainfall. It is uncommon to carry more than 2L of water, and the longest water carry for this trip could be up to 22km.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
We are experienced in catering for a wide range of dietary requirements, provided you let us know in advance. If we are unable to cater for your dietary needs, we will contact you and find an alternative solution.
When does the trip start and finish?
The trip starts at 7am on Day 1, the date listed on the website and in your booking confirmation email.
Expect to be dropped back here at around 6-7pm on the final day, although delays can occur and we do not recommend booking a flight for that evening.
Note: The compulsory preparation session occurs at 12PM the day before the trip starts, at Unit 3, 1 Tooth Street Mitchell. We offer a complementary shuttle service from the trip pickup location (see below) to the gear check at 11:45AM.
What is the trip pickup and drop-off location?
The trip starts and finishes at 20 Genge St, Canberra, 2601.
When and where is the preparation session?
The preparation session occurs at 12PM on Day 0, the day before the trip starts, at 3/1 Tooth St, Mitchell, ACT, 2611.
We provide a complimentary shuttle service between the trip start location (see above) and the preparation session on Day 0. The shuttle leaves for the preparation session at 11:45AM. It will return after the preparation session is complete, which normally takes around 4 hours.
Do I need accommodation before and after the trip?
You will need accommodation for the night before the trip starts as we have our gear check at 12PM the afternoon of Day 0.
Additionally, we highly recommend booking accommodation for the final night of the trip, as we cannot guarantee the time we will return to Canberra for flights.
Where should I stay in Canberra?
The trip starts and finishes at 20 Genge St, Canberra, 2601. There are many options for accommodation near here to suit a wide variety of budgets.
What should I do with my luggage?
You are welcome to leave a small carry on size bag of luggage with the support vehicle for the duration of the trip. If you have more luggage than this, we recommend that you arrange to leave it at the accommodation you are staying at the night before the trip.
Where can I leave my car if I drive to Canberra?
Depending on your accommodation plans you have two options.
1) Leave your car at your accommodation.
If you are booking accommodation, you can contact your hotel to discuss whether they would be happy for you to leave your car with them during the trip.
We have an agreement with the Canberra Rex Hotel to store your car for free for the duration of your hike, provided you stay with them before and after the trip. They will be able to keep your car across the road in their overflow carpark (outside, not undercover) whilst you are away. However, you should call them to confirm they can do this for the dates you are looking at.
2) Park near the pick up location.
If you aren’t booking accommodation or don’t want to leave your car there, you can drive to the pick up location and leave your cark in a nearby carpark.
Please see the map below for parking options and the pickup point.
What do I need to bring?
We provide all the gear and outer-layer clothing. This includes (but is not limited to) tents, sleeping bags, hiking packs, hiking poles, down jackets, down pants and fleece layers.
The only things you need to bring are your base layers and personal items:
- Long-sleeve shirt and hiking pants
- Shoes (either trail runners or hiking boots)
- Socks and underwear
- A hat and sunglasses
You can read more about our Ultralight Comfort System™ here.
Will I be cold?
All trips include access to our Ultralight Comfort System™. Designed by experts and curated from manufacturers around the world, this premium gear and clothing package is designed to keep you safe, warm, dry and happy in the mountains!
Our setup features double-walled tents, -8°C sleeping bags, and -20°C sleeping mats. We also supply fleece layers, down jackets and down pants. This keeps the vast majority of hikers warm, but we have extra layers ready if you tend to get cold easily.
Do I need to share a tent?
We have both one person and two person tents available.
Do you charge a single supplement fee?
No, we do not charge a single supplement fee.
How often will I get to talk to my family?
Telstra provides the best mobile phone coverage. Whilst not always guaranteed, we typically have service at some point every few days on the trip. Please note that the reception may not always be good enough to hold a phone conversation, however text messages will generally send with time.
Additionally, both guides will be carrying devices with inReach satellite technology to always have an open line of communication.
What kind of terrain will we be hiking on?
The Snowies offer a diverse range of terrains and track qualities. We will spend time walking along well-formed tracks, as well as navigating off trail. Hikers will experience steep ascents and descents, river crossings and trekking through uneven terrain.
Am I too old?
We don’t believe age is a good measure of ability. We have guided many people in their 60s and 70s (and 80s!) and sometimes they are the fittest in the group.
Our hikers are typically aged between 16 and 75 years old.
Are there age restrictions for this trip?
There are no age restrictions for our trips, however, participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Do I need a medical clearance to participate?
To ensure every participant can safely enjoy the trip, we may require medical clearance from a qualified health professional (e.g., GP, Exercise Physiologist, or Physiotherapist) based on factors such as pre-existing health conditions, current fitness levels, or the physical demands of the specific trip.
Do I need to carry a first aid kit?
No, our guides carry a comprehensive first aid kit that has everything we will need. However, if you have certain items that you would like to carry, feel free to bring them.
Why do I need to attend a preparation session and get my gear checked the day before the trip starts?
The entire group will meet in Canberra the afternoon before the trip starts. This ‘shakedown’ ensures your safety and comfort, while giving you the chance to learn systems refined over 40,000km of hiking. We use this time to fine-tune your setup, ensuring a smooth start to Day 1 and the best possible outcome for your trip.
Note: If you prefer to use your own hiking gear, please bring it along. We are required to inspect all equipment to ensure it meets our safety standards.
Are you licensed to run guided trips?
Yes, we are fully licensed and insured NSW EcoPass Operators.
Do I need travel insurance?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory. However, we strongly recommend having travel insurance that covers potential losses, damages, injuries, cancellation costs, and loss of luggage. Please note that The Adventure Gene’s cancellation fees apply and cannot be waived.
Cover for medical evacuation by land, air, or sea is required. Medicare does not cover ambulance services. Full details are outlined above under Health & Insurance Requirements.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you wish to cancel your booking, please note that the following cancellation fees apply:
- More than 90 days from the scheduled departure date, a fee of $350 per person will be charged with the balance payment refunded to you.
- Between 90 and 60 days prior to departure, you will be charged 50% of the full trip cost with the balance refunded to you.
- Within 60 days of departure, no refund is available.
You can read our full terms and conditions here.
I still have questions?
We know preparing for a trip brings up plenty of questions! Email or call us, and one of our senior guides will be more than happy to answer them.
We encourage you to reach out and ask questions at any time. You can contact us via email ([email protected]), social media or through our website.
