AAWT Guided Hiking Tour: Kiandra to Dead Horse Gap
AAWT Guided Hiking Tour: Kiandra to Dead Horse Gap
Overview
The Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT) is Australia’s premier long-distance alpine bushwalk. At 680km in length, it traverses Australia’s finest high country between Tharwa (ACT) and Walhalla (VIC).
Passing through terrain that is inaccessible by vehicle, the track offers the potential to explore some of the most remote and rugged areas within Victoria, NSW, and the ACT. Unlike the standard tourist hikes of Australia, the remote nature of this route provides an authentic wilderness experience without the crowds.
This trip tackles 113km of the AAWT, from Kiandra (NSW) to Dead Horse Gap (NSW). Traversing the high plains of the Snowy Mountains, explore historic alpine huts, spot native wildflowers and summit Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko.
On this trip you have the opportunity to develop your outdoor skills and knowledge. Our world-class guides are passionate about sharing their experience. Learn how to lighten your pack, nail your nutrition and navigate in the backcountry. Have the confidence to pursue unguided multi-day hiking trips or even take on a thru hike like the Pacific Crest Trail!
Key Features
- An isolated and quiet wilderness walking experience.
- Famous Australian alpine wildflowers and snow gums.
- A variety of track types including firetrails, single track, and off track walking.
- Many historic alpine huts (10+ depending on side trips taken).
- Walk through Kosciuszko National Park, including exploring Australia’s Snowy Mountains and summiting Mount Kosciuszko (the highest point in Australia).
Highlights
- Summit Mt Jagungal (optional side trip).
- Visit the head of Valentine Falls, which has a total drop of 120m (optional side trip).
- Traverse the Rolling Grounds.
- Walk past Australia’s highest alpine lakes including Lake Cootapatamba, Club Lake, Blue Lake, and Lake Albina.
Itinerary
Meet your guides in Canberra the afternoon before the tour starts. You will receive all your gear (tent, sleeping bag, pack etc.) and we will do a final clothing check.
Days 1-2: Lower Snowy Mountains, ~17.5km per day
We begin our hike in the historic gold mining town of Kiandra, celebrated as the birthplace of Australian skiing. Climbing up past Selwyn Snow Resort, we pass evidence of the 1860s gold rush, including old aqueducts and rusting machinery. Following rolling terrain we enter the heart of Australia’s high country. We have the opportunity to summit Tabletop mountain, a volcanic plug that sits high above the surrounding landscape. Scattered with Australia’s iconic snow gums, this section provides distant views of our final destination – the Main Range.
Popular side trips:
- Newly rebuilt Four Mile Hut (1.5km return)
- Broken Dam Hut (3.2km return)
- Tabletop Mountain (1.3km return)
Elevation Profile
Days 3-5: Jagungal Wilderness, ~14.5km per day
Entering Jagungal Wilderness, we follow Grey Mare Trail through open grassland. Passing many historic huts, we travel along open tracks and take in the extensive views of the surrounding Snowy Mountains. The well-formed trail makes for quick progress, providing ample opportunity to explore some of the most remote side trips of the tour. This includes summiting Mt Jagungal, the northernmost 2000m peak in Australia and the source of the Tumut and Geehi rivers. There is also the chance to make the short 800m return trip to visit the head of the 120m drop Valentine Falls. Alternatively, relax at the campsite and enjoy the tranquility of Jagungal Wilderness.
Popular side trips:
- Mt Jagungal (5.2km return)
- Grey Mare Hut (0.9km return)
- Valentine Falls (0.8km return)
Elevation Profile
Days 6-7: The Rolling Grounds and the Main Range, ~17km per day
Climbing up onto the Main Range, we traverse the Rolling Grounds and explore the pristine alpine environment of Australia’s tallest mountains. The track follows a faint footpad through open, grassy terrain, surrounded by meadows of alpine wildflowers with granite boulders scattered throughout. We pass Australia’s highest alpine lakes including Lake Cootapatamba, Club Lake, Blue Lake, and Lake Albina. This section offers the widest range of available side trips throughout the tour. This includes the option to summit Mt Kosciuszko, the highest point in Australia. Ending our trek at Dead Horse Gap, we head into Jindabyne for some hot food and drive back to Canberra.
Popular side trips:
- The Sentinel (3.3km return)
- Blue Lake (3km return)
- Mt Townsend (5km return)
- Mt Kosciuszko (2km return)
Elevation Profile
Please note that 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.
Inclusions
- Modern hiking gear including tents, sleeping bags, packs, mats and trekking poles (plus a bunch of our other favourite little goodies). We estimate you can hike comfortably with a total pack weight under 10kg for nearly the entire trip.
- Quality, nutritious meals, snacks and hot drinks for the entire trip. This includes a cooked breakfast and dinner. Excludes breakfast on the first day, and dinner on the final day.
- Two world-class guides.
- Transport from and to Canberra at the beginning and end of the trek.
- Access to a support vehicle on Day 5.
- Detailed pre-tour preparation package tailored to the AAWT.
- A digital map of virtual reality 360 photos and videos taken on the trip (see example below).
Bespoke Paintings
The Adventure Gene is excited to offer the opportunity to commemorate your journey with us by receiving a personalised commission painting by local Canberra artist, Ineka Voigt. Personalised commissions are based on a chosen photograph, or series of photographs and everyone receives 20% off their first painting. Click here for more details.
The Adventure Gene, Ineka Voigt 2024. Oil on canvas board, 30cm x 40cm. The Sentinel, Kosciuszko National Park.
Tour Dates
| TRIP DATES | AVAILABILITY | PRICE | SPACE LEFT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 2, 2025 - February 8, 2025 | Limited | $3,495.00 |
4 Available | |
| February 16, 2025 - February 22, 2025 | Limited | $3,495.00 |
5 Available | |
| October 26, 2025 - November 1, 2025 | Limited | $3,495.00 |
6 Available |
Other Information
Preparation Package
This tour includes an extensive preparation package filled with gear suggestions and techniques designed to help you thrive in the Australian Alps. Additionally, you will receive a detailed trip itinerary 8 weeks before the trip starts.
Contact
We encourage you to reach out and ask questions at any time. You can contact us via email (contact@theadventuregene.com), social media or through the website.
Insurance Coverage
All participants are required to have adequate travel insurance that covers the following:
- Medical evacuation by air, land, or sea. Please note that any evacuation deemed necessary by the guides will be the financial responsibility of the guest.
- 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 tour?
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?
For a multiday hike with camping, we rate this tour as moderate to challenging. You can see the distance and elevation details in the table below:
| Average | Minimum | Maximum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance (km) | 16.6 | 10 | 22 |
| Elevation gain (m) | 500 | 200 | 885 |
How much weight will I need to carry?
We estimate that you will be able to keep your pack weight below 10kg for nearly the entire trek. Gear provided will equate to 3.5-4kg. This leaves clothing, personal items, food and water making up the rest of the weight.
Food:
All food carries are 3 days or less, with the exception of one 5 day food carry in the second half of the trip. For the shorter resupplies, this equates to roughly 2.5kg of food per person. For the longer food carry, each person will initially have to carry up to 4.5kg 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 trek 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.
What type of meals do you provide?
All meals, snacks and hot drinks are provided, excluding breakfast on the first 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. All food is designed as part of our nutrition program to ensure high energy levels for the duration of the trip.
The following are some examples of our favourite trail meals and snacks.
Breakfast:
- Trail oats with mixed nuts, dried fruit, chia seeds and maple syrup.
- A breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, bacon, refried beans, spinach, cheese and tomato sauce wrapped in a soft tortilla.
- Buckwheat pancakes with Nutella, dried fruit and nuts.
Lunch:
- A backcountry charcuterie board! Consisting of a selection of cheeses, crackers, cured meats and hummus.
- Pitta pockets filled with olives, sundried tomatoes, cheddar, spinach and cured meat.
- Creamy pumpkin soup with sourdough bread.
Dinner:
- Trail-made gnocchi in a tomato and herb sauce.
- Cumin, lentil and apricot dahl.
- Nachos; refried beans, corn, avocado and cheese served on crispy corn chips.
What should I pack for the tour?
After your place on the tour is confirmed, you will be sent a detailed packing list of required clothing and personal items. We also provide tailored recommendations based on our 30,000+km of experience!
If you are unsure what to pack, make sure to reach out and ask questions at any time.
Do I need to share a tent?
We have both one person and two person tents available. Whilst we recommend sharing a tent to reduce pack weight, it is not a requirement. If you choose to use a one person tent, this will equate to carrying roughly an extra 325g.
How often will I get to talk to my family?
Telstra provides the best mobile phone coverage on the AAWT. Whilst not always guaranteed, we have found that we have had service at some point almost every day along the tour (most consistently at high points and mountain passes). 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 Australian Alps Walking Track offers 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.
Are there age restrictions for this tour?
All participants must be over the age of 18. Participants over the age of 65 require medical clearance from their doctor to partake in this tour.
Why do I need to get my gear checked the day before the tour starts?
The entire group will meet in Canberra the afternoon before the tour starts. We will issue your gear and perform a mandatory final gear check. All participants must attend. This is a safety measure to ensure everyone is carrying the appropriate gear for the remote, alpine environments we will encounter.
Do I need travel insurance?
All participants are required to have adequate travel insurance that covers the following:
- Medical evacuation by air, land, or sea. Please note that any evacuation deemed necessary by the guides will be the financial responsibility of the guest.
- 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.
What is your cancellation policy?
You may change your trip start date, or transfer to another trip, if you notify us more than 90 days before departure.
If you wish to cancel your trip and cannot transfer to another trip, we will charge the following per person:
- 60-90 days before departure: 25% of trip price
- 30-59 days before departure: 50% of trip price
- 15-29 days before departure: 75% of trip price
- 14 days or less before departure: 100% of trip price
No refunds will be given for unused services after the trip starts. Full payment is required 90 days before trip departure. If payment is not received by the due date, we reserve the right to cancel your booking.
For more information about the AAWT, please see our AAWT Track Guide. Alternatively, feel free to send us a message and we will be able to help you out!
