Paint & Hike Blue Waterholes
Paint & Hike Blue Waterholes
Overview
Become inspired by the natural beauty of Blue Waterholes and Australia’s backcountry. Your perfect introduction to the joys of hiking and painting.
On this 4-day paint & hike adventure around Blue Waterholes, we explore the vast High Plains and the striking karst landscapes of Kosciuszko National Park. Walk through stunning limestone gorges, visit historic alpine huts, and kickstart your creativity in one of the most picturesque pockets of Australia.
This trip is perfect for those looking for a one-of-a-kind and immersive experience in the wilderness.
Contents
Key Features
- Up to 3 hours of painting per day
- Detailed painting workshops led by local Canberra artist Ineka Voigt
- An isolated and quiet wilderness walking experience.
- Limestone gorges and caves.
- A variety of track types including firetrails, single track, and off track walking.
- Historic alpine huts.
Highlights
HIGHLIGHTS
- Daily painting workshops led by Canberra artist Ineka Voigt
- Paint the pristine landscape of Kosciuszko National Park
- Visit up to 4 huts, including the Old Currango Homestead (1873), the oldest historic hut in Kosciuszko National Park.
- Swim in pristine natural waterholes.
- Explore the Clarke and Nicols Gorges.
- Visit Cooleman Falls.
- Explore Murray Cave, Cooleman Cave and Blue Waterholes Cave, extending up to 200m underground.
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 2PM 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: Blue Waterholes to Pockets Hut, 7.9km
Our journey starts in Canberra with a 3-hour and 15-minute drive to Blue Waterholes, a stunning karst landscape featuring limestone gorges and caves, which we’ll explore on the final day of our trip. As we follow the Blue Waterholes Trail, we traverse rolling terrain before reaching the vast and open Currango Plain.
We arrive at Pockets Hut in the early afternoon, a shelter which was built in the 1930s that used to have hot water and electricity!
After familiarising ourselves with our gear and setting up camp, we jump into our first painting workshop! Here, Ineka will lead her introduction to painting outside, where you will learn how to make the most of your materials and the natural landscape.
Meals provided: Lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 2: Pockets Hut to Old Currango Homestead, 8.2km
We begin our day with an optional painting opportunity over coffee before breakfast. Over the course of the day, Ineka will build your practical painting skills through mini observation, mark making and colour theory exercises. The evening is spent relaxing at camp and painting the stunning landscape that surrounds us at golden hour.
After packing up camp, we venture off-track toward Old Currango Homestead. We follow a route that winds along the base of Howells Peak before crossing vast tussock fields and open landscapes.
We spend the night at Old Currango Homestead, the oldest hut in Kosciuszko National Park, built in 1873. This historic site offers a fascinating insight into the lives of graziers on the Snowy High Plains and boasts breathtaking views of the Brindabella Mountains from its veranda.
The evening is spent relaxing at camp and painting the stunning landscape that surrounds us.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 3: Old Currango Homestead to Blue Waterholes, 12.4km
Leaving Old Currango Homestead, we follow fire roads to Bill Jones Hut, built in 1952, before heading off-track toward the Nichols Gorge Walk. Along the way, we take time to explore Murray Cave, a 200-meter-long cave featuring diverse rock formations and a water-filled siphon at its deepest point. Further along the trail, we encounter Cooleman Cave, which also extends 200 meters into the rock, offering another fascinating glimpse into the region’s underground landscapes.
We will spend some time exploring and painting these caves before continuing onto our campsite for the evening.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 4: Clarke Gorge Walking Track, 5.6km
On our final day of the trip we explore the Clarke Gorge Walking Track. This picturesque route through the gorge offers the chance to explore smaller caves and enjoy several swims in the crystal-clear, blue waters. As we reach the end of the trail, we arrive at Cooleman Falls—one of our favorite swimming spots in the area. After a short scramble down to the base, the open pool at the foot of the falls provides an ideal place for a refreshing swim. Here, we will have our final painting workshop of the trip. Ineka will support you to create a beautiful larger artwork inspried by Blue Waterholes.
After returning to the car park, we board the bus for the journey home. If time permits, we stop at Coolamine Homestead on the way 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 or painting workshops may need to be altered.
Map
Inclusions
- All painting equipment, including an ultra-light paint palette with toxin-free gouache paint, 3-4 paint brushes, a handcrafted sketchbook (panoramic format) with artist-grade 300gsm watercolour paper.
- Modern hiking gear (see below). 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.
- Detailed pre-tour preparation package.
Gear
We provide state-of-the-art modern hiking gear for the trip. All of the gear we provide is kit that we have and personally choose to use on our own hikes. The gear is lightweight but does not compromise on comfort or safety. The total weight of this gear equates to roughly 4.5kg.
This includes the following:
- Tent (875g – 1085g) – Durston X-Mid 1, Durston X-Mid 2
- Sleeping mat (440g) – Therm-a-rest XTherm NXT
- Sleeping bag (695g) – Neve Gear Waratah Pro
- Sleeping bag liner (130g) – Sea To Summit Silk Blend Sleeping Bag Liner
- Inflatable pillow (90g) – Nemo Fillo Elite Pillow
- Hiking pack (850g) – Durston Kakwa 55L
- Trekking poles (165g) – Zpacks Minimalist Trekking Poles
- Sit mat (205g) – Therm-a-rest Z Lite SOL
- Poncho (145g) – Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Nano
- Powerbank (150g) – Nitecore NB10000
- Headtorch (40g) – Nitecore NU25
- Charging cables (40g) – Lightning, USB C, micro USB
- Bidet (12g) – Culoclean Portable Bidet
- Trowel (14g) – BoglerCo Ultralight Trowel
- Bug net (11g) – Sea to Summit Nano Head Net
- Waterproof gloves (45g) – Showa Temres 281
- Food container (135g) – Nalgene 16oz Storage Jar
- Spoon (12g) – Sea to Summit Camp Cutlery Spoon
- Day pack (72g) – Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack 20L
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.
Painting Workshops
On this tour, we will be joined by our creative guide, Ineka Voigt. Ineka is a professional artist known for her Australian landscapes and botanicals. She is a trained Artist Educator at the National Gallery of Australia and has facilitated dozens of adult painting workshops across Australia.
Ineka will lead 3+ hours of guided painting tuition each day, including optional classes. These workshops are designed for complete beginners, or those with painting experience wanting to step outside their creative comfort zone.
Over the course of the trip, you will learn slow-looking and observation, finding inspiration, warm-up exercises to spark your creativity, colour theory, mark making, painting techniques, practical tips for painting outside, and how to start and finish your first hiking paintings! Ineka is ready to assist you every step of the way.
Tour Dates
Note: You will be required to attend a gear check at 2PM the afternoon before the trip starts.
- Limited Available PackagesMondayDec 8, 2025ThursdayDec 11, 2025AUD $1,995.008Available
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 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.
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 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.
You need the fitness required to carry a ~10kg pack for short periods of time. This includes walking off-trail.
What level of painting experience is required for this tour?
No painting experience is required. This trip caters both to those who come from an artistic background, as well as those who have never held a paintbrush before. Lessons will be tailored to suit your skill level.
How difficult is this trip and how fast do we walk?
For a multiday hike with camping, we rate this tour as easy. You can see the distance and elevation details in the table below:
| Average | Minimum | Maximum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance (km) | 7.8 | 5.6 | 12.4 |
| Elevation gain (m) | 223 | 138 | 276 |
Daily walking times are generally between 2-4 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.
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 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:
We have a 4 day food carry. Each person will initially have to carry up to ~3.6kg 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.
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 accomodation before and after the trip?
You will need accomodation for the night before the trip starts as we have our gear check at 2PM the afternoon of Day 0.
Additionally, we highly recommend booking accomodation 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 in Haig Park, Braddon. There are many options for accomodation near here.
What should I do with my luggage?
If you have luggage, we recommend that you arrange to leave it at the accomodation you are staying at the night before the trip.
Where can I leave my car if I drive to Canberra?
You should contact your accomodation 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?
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. If you choose to carry a two person tent for yourself, this will equate to carrying roughly an extra 540g.
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 Kosciuszko National Park. 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.
What kind of terrain will we be hiking on?
Kosciuszko National Park 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 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.
Are you licensed to run guided tours?
Yes, we are fully licensed and insured NSW EcoPass Operators.
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.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help you out!
