Kiandra to Kosciuszko Snow Camping Expedition
Overview
Tackle Australia’s most iconic multi-day winter expedition.
On this 10 day trip from Kiandra to Kosciuszko, we navigate the historic route first completed by Herbert Schlink’s party in 1927.
This expedition is for those who crave an authentic winter backcountry experience. Learn to thrive in an alpine environment, supported by our expert guides.
Join us for a challenging and deeply rewarding adventure of a lifetime.
Contents
Key Features
- An isolated and quiet wilderness snowshoeing experience.
- Learn to snow camp.
- World-class winter gear provided.
- Sunrises and sunsets over snow covered mountains.
Highlights
- Traverse off-track in Jagungal Wilderness and the Rolling Grounds using snowshoes.
- Panoramic winter views across the High Country.
- Summit Australia's tallest mountains, including Mt Kosciuszko.
- Complete Australia's iconic K2K route in winter.
Wilderness Immersion
At the core of The Adventure Gene is the belief that outside is better than inside. Our trips are designed to get you deep into nature, away from big cities and crowded walks filled with day hikers. That’s why we only provide tent-based adventures. We want you to see the sunrise (and the sunset). To hear the birds talking after the rain passes. To feel the cool breeze come in after a day of walking. To be outside, in our natural environment.
Indeed, a 2022 meta-analysis of scientific studies found that 98% of people improved their mental health after engaging with natural outdoor environments. Our 35,000km of hiking experience agrees with that. However, it’s not as simple as just being in nature. Recent research shows that the biggest benefits come from connecting and engaging with the natural environment (1, 2, 3).
Based off these recent findings, each day on trail we will run a short, optional, mindfulness exercise to help you notice, engage, and connect with the surrounding natural environment. All of our guides are qualified instructors, where current research at Macquarie University shows that as little as 20 minutes of nature engagement per week is enough to feel:
- 50% more relaxed
- 36% happier
- 20% less negative
- 7.7% more productive
- 31% more connected to the natural environment
Of course, on this trip we are lucky to have far more than 20 minutes to engage with the incredible nature available to us ☺️
Itinerary
Meet your guides in Canberra at 12PM 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.
Day 1: Kiandra to Four Mile Hut, 7.5km
Starting in Canberra, it’s a short 2.5 hour drive in private 4WD transport before we reach Kiandra. This historic gold mining town is the birthplace of Australian skiing.
Following Tabletop Mountain Trail, we pass remnants of the 1860s gold rush, including weathered aqueducts and rusty machinery, potentially caked in snow.
As we continue on past Selwyn Snow Resort, we climb higher into the snowy landscape of Australia’s High Country.
We finish our day at Four Mile Hut, which was rebuilt in 2024 after being destroyed in the 2020 bushfires. By getting to camp early, we have plenty of time to familiarise ourselves with our winter gear and practice setting our tents up.
Meals provided: Lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 2: Four Mile Hut to Happys Hut, 14.8km
From Four Mile Hut, we continue along fireroad, through open terrain. We pass Tabletop Mountain, a volcanic plug that rises 150 metres above the surrounding landscape. In the distance, we can see the snow-covered Main Range, our final destination of the trip.
We continue along rolling terrain before descending off-track to Happys Hut, our campsite for the night. Happys Hut was destroyed in the 2019/2020 bushfires and rebuilt in 2024.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Days 3: Happys Hut to Boobee Hut, 12.2km
Day 3 begins with an off track traverse through open landscape towards the newly rebuilt Brooks Hut. After stopping for morning tea, we follow Brooks Hut Trail before continuing along Happy Jacks Road. Take in far-reaching views across the landscape as we traverse the snow-dusted Happy Jacks Plain.
We finish our day with a short off-track section to Boobee Hut, where we camp for the night.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 4: Boobee Hut to Cesjacks Hut, 12.8km
Today we begin with a short off-track traverse towards Mackays Hut (built in the 1940’s). After a hot drink and some morning tea, we continue along fire road until we reach Doubtful Creek.
Here we depart from the track and follow true right of the creek as we climb steadily up the valley towards our campsite – Cesjacks Hut.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 5: Cesjacks Hut to Mawsons Hut, 12.3km
From Cesjcaks Hut, we follow the ridge line up from Doubtful Creek, taking in far reaching views of the alpine backcountry. On clear days we see Mt Jagungal, a prominent peak in the region and a popular destination for winter enthusiasts.
Continuing down to Valentine Creek, we cross the river before making the short climb up to Mawsons Hut. Here, we set up camp for the evening.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 6: Mawsons Hut to Horse Camp Hut, 15.0km
Day 6 begins with a steady climb up onto the Kerries, where we spend a good portion of the day following the ridge line towards Mt Gungartan. As the tallest mountain in Australia outside the Main Range, the summit offers spectacular views towards the Main Range and Mt Kosciuszko. On clear days, you can also see the Bogong High Plains in Victoria in the distance.
Descending down from the peak we make our way to Schlink Pass before following the valley past Whites River Hut. Following Horse Camp Aqueduct Trail, we make our way to our campsite for the evening.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 7: Rest day
Today is a great chance to rest and re-energise before the final push across the Rolling Grounds and the Main Range. Your guides will walk down to Guthega Power Station to collect our resupply. You are welcome to join them for a stroll down the mountain to our support vehicle. You are also able to access your drop bag and make gear/clothing changes.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 8: Horse Camp Hut to Mt Twynam Cirque, 11.6km
Day 8 begins with a climb up to Consett Stephen Pass. From the pass, we make our way to the summit of Mt Tate (2068m), enjoying far-reaching views across the snow-covered high country.
Following the ridge line, we approach Mt Twynam, stopping below the summit to camp for the night. Here, we enjoy spectacular views across the Snowy Mountains from the comfort and warmth of our tents.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 9: Mt Twynam Cirque to near Seamans Hut, 9.9km
After breaking camp we summit Mt Twynam (2195m), Australia’s third tallest mountain. Making our way to Carruthers Peak we spot Blue Lake, one of the few places in Australia where you can go ice climbing in winter.
Continuing along the Main Range, we pass Club Lake and Lake Albina, and summit Mt Lee and Mt Northcote. We then descend down to the Upper Snowy River, before reaching Seamans Hut where we camp nearby for the night.
Note: To comply with camping regulations, we do not camp within 200m of Seamans Hut.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks.
Day 10: Near Seamans Hut to Thredbo Chairlift, 7.8km
On the last day of the trip we reach our final destination – Mt Kosciuszko (2228m), Australia’s tallest mountain. On clear days, you can see back to Tabletop Mountain, which we passed on Day 2.
Descending from the summit, we pass Lake Cootapatamba as we follow the signposted track down to the Thredbo Chairlift. Taking the ride down the mountain, we descend into the ski resort where we meet the bus. From here, we make our way into Jindabyne where you have the opportunity to grab some hot food before we drive back to Canberra.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch & snacks
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.
Map
Inclusions
- Modern winter 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 15kg 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.
- Access to a support vehicle on Day 7 to resupply food.
- Transport from and to Canberra at the beginning and end of the trek.
- Detailed pre-tour preparation package tailored to winter expeditions.
Intimate Group Sizes
All of our trips have a strict maximum group size of 8 people. With 2 full-time guides, we have an industry leading guest to guide ratio of 4:1. This means our guides are always available if you need them, and you’re free to walk at your own pace.
Gear
We provide state-of-the-art modern winter gear for the trip. All of the gear we provide is kit that we have and personally choose to use on our own adventures. The gear is lightweight but does not compromise on comfort or safety. The total weight of this gear equates to roughly 7kg and is valued at $5000.
Please note that on all winter trips, you will be required to share a tent. If you are a solo traveller, you will not be asked to share with the opposite sex.
Gear provided includes the following:
Food
All meals, snacks and hot drinks are provided, 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!
The following are some examples of our typical trail meals and snacks.
Breakfast
- Trail oats with mixed nuts, dried fruit, chia seeds and maple syrup.
- Breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, bacon, refried beans, spinach, cheese and tomato sauce wrapped in a soft tortilla.
- Buckwheat pancakes with Nutella and walnuts.
Lunch
- Shepherd’s pie; freeze-dried beef mince in a Worcestershire sauce, layered with mint peas and topped with creamy mashed potato.
- Wholemeal wraps filled with smashed avo, chicken, sun-dried tomatoes and cheddar.
- Trail nachos; taco-spiced beef mince, refried pinto beans, corn, avocado and cheese served with crispy corn chips.
Dinner
- Fluffy quinoa mixed with tender chicken or tofu in a rich, peanut satay sauce.
- Classic beef spaghetti bolognese with mushrooms and sundried tomatoes, cooked in a tomato and herb sauce and topped with cheese.
- Spicy chicken and risoni pasta tossed in a creamy coconut sauce.
Dessert
- Silky coffee and chocolate tiramisu topped with crispy wafers.
- Freeze-dried ice cream (multiple flavours including Golden Gaytimes)!
- Warm, cinnamon spiced apples topped with a golden, buttery crumble.
Snacks & hot drinks
We have a variety of different snacks, including chocolate (the best hiking food), lollies, nuts, dried fruit, museli bars, chips and pretzels.
For hot drinks, we carry Moccona coffee, milk powder, Milo, black tea, green tea and lemon & ginger tea.
Tour Dates
Want to secure your spot? We only require a $99 deposit to confirm your place on the trip. We have payment plans available with full payment required 60 days before the trip start date. Please get in touch if you have any questions, want to join the waitlist for a sold out trip, or would like a personalised payment plan.
Monday
Wednesday
AUD $5795.00
Note: Trip prices vary to account for our awesome guides working on weekends and public holidays!
Stay informed and find out about new dates!
Compare
We provide the most supportive and all-inclusive multi-day snow camping 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 winter tours.
| Our Trips | Similar Trips | |
|---|---|---|
| Provided Gear | All gear 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 15kg for nearly the entire trip. | Usually outdated, heavy gear with pack weight sometimes over 25kg. |
| 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 8, with an industry-leading guide-to-guest ratio of 1:4. | 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. |
Other Information
Money Back Guarantee
Your safety and enjoyment are paramount. That’s why we guarantee that our guides are seasoned-experts who will ensure that you feel supported, informed, and secure every step of the way.
In the unlikely event that you don’t feel like you had this experience, we will give you a full refund.
Preparation Package
This tour includes an extensive preparation package filled with gear suggestions and techniques designed to help you thrive on your trip. Additionally, you will receive a detailed trip itinerary 8 weeks before the trip starts.
Stay Up To Date
Join our Facebook Event to get the latest information and updates about the trip. It’s also a great way to discuss with others, ask any questions you might have, and learn about special deals, new trip dates + promos.
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 insurance that covers medical evacuation by air, land, or sea. This 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. Please note that any evacuation deemed necessary by the guides will be the financial responsibility of the guest.
FAQs
What level of fitness and experience is required for this tour?
Previous snowshoeing/snow camping experience is not required for this trip. However, it is recommended that you have some 3 season hiking and camping experience. Our guides are experts and can teach you everything you need to know.
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 ~15kg pack for extended periods of time and for multiple days in a row. This includes walking through snow, 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?
Compared to our summer trips, we rate this tour as challenging. The level of fitness required for this trips is slightly higher than our summer trips.
You can see the distance and elevation details in the table below:
| Average | Minimum | Maximum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance (km) | 10.5 | 0 | 15 |
| Elevation gain (m) | 363.4 | 0 | 722 |
Daily walking times are generally between 4-8 hours.
If you are unsure whether this tour 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.
How much weight will I need to carry?
We estimate that you will be able to keep your pack weight below 15kg for nearly the entire trek. Gear provided will equate to 5.5-7kg. This leaves clothing, personal items, food and water making up the rest of the weight.
Food:
We have a 6.5 day food carry for this trip. This equates to roughly 5.5kg of food per person.
Water:
Water is generally readily available in this region. It is uncommon to carry more than 2L of water.
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.
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 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 The Griffin Centre in Civic. There are many options for accommodation near here.
What should I do with my luggage?
If you have luggage, 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?
You should contact your accommodation to discuss whether they would be happy for you to leave your car with them during the trip.
We have an agreement with 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.
You also have the option to get a multi-day permit for government car parks.
If you prefer undercover parking, there are several options in the city that have paid parking for ~$35/day.
What do I need to bring?
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 35,000+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?
On winter trips, you will be required to share a tent. If you are a solo traveller, you will not be asked to share with the opposite sex.
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 through the Snowies. Whilst not always guaranteed, we have found that we have had service at some point every few days 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.
Are there age restrictions for this tour?
Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Participants over the age of 70 require medical clearance from their doctor to partake in this tour.
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 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 medical evacuation by air, land, or sea. This is typically in the form of ambulance cover. Please note that any evacuation deemed necessary by the guides will be the financial responsibility of the guest.
It is also recommended that you have 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.
Are you licenced to run guided trips in the snow?
Yes, we are fully licensed and insured NSW EcoPass Operators for both 3 season and winter trips.
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.
“The X-Mid 1 is my favorite tent…it is a great shelter if you want a trekking pole tent that is affordable, spacious, stormworthy, and packs up small.”