Snowies Alpine Huts & Blue Waterholes
Snowies Alpine Huts & Blue Waterholes
Overview
Discover the High Plains and karst landscapes of Kosciuszko National Park on this 2-day hiking adventure around Blue Waterholes. Visit historic alpine huts, walk through stunning limestone gorges and discover waterfalls feeding into crystal-clear swimming holes. With opportunities to explore hidden caves, relax in natural hot springs, and take in breathtaking views of the Brindabellas, this trip is perfect for those seeking a unique and immersive wilderness experience.
Join us for an overnight outdoor escape that combines both adventure and relaxation.
Key Features
- 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.
- Walk through Kosciuszko National Park.
Highlights
- 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. This aligns with our experience based on over 35,000km of hiking. 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. 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
Day 1: Blue Waterholes to Old Currango Homestead, 15.5km
Our trip begins in Canberra with a 3h15 drive to Blue Waterholes, a picturesque karst landscape filled with limestone gorges and caves that we will explore on the second day of the trip. Following Blue Waterholes Trail, we make our way through undulating terrain as we approach the open and sweeping Currango Plain. You have the option to take a short detour to visit Pockets Hut, which was built in the 1930s and previously had hot water and electricity! We then head off-track towards Old Currango Homestead. This off-track route takes us along the base of Howells Peak, before crossing expansive tussock fields and open landscapes.
We spend the night camping at Old Currango Homestead. Built in 1873, it is the oldest hut in Kosciuszko National Park and offers a glimpse into the history of graziers living on the Snowy High Plains. It also provides stunning views of the Brindabella Mountains from its veranda.
Popular side trip:
- Pockets Hut (1.3km return)
- Oldfields Hut (5.7km return)
Meals provided: Lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 2: Old Currango Homestead to Blue Waterholes, 15.1km
On our second and final day, we explore Blue Waterholes and the nearby caves. Starting from the Old Currango Homestead, we follow fireroads to Bill Jones Hut (built 1952) before venturing off-track towards the Nichols Gorge Walk. Here, we spend time discovering Murray Cave. The cave stretches 200 meters into the rock, showcasing a range of rock formations including a water-filled siphon at the end. Further down the trail is Cooleman Cave, which also extends up to 200 meters into the rock.
After leaving the caves, we drop our packs at the bus and make our way along the Clarke Gorge Walking Track. This scenic route through the gorge allows us to explore some smaller caves, and take several swims in the clear, blue waters. At the end of the trail we reach Cooleman Falls, one of our favourite swimming spots in the area. After a short scramble to the base, the open pool at the foot of the falls offers the perfect spot for a refreshing swim.
After returning to the car park, we board the bus for the journey home. On the way, we stop at Coolamine Homestead and the thermal pools at Yarrangobilly Caves. These natural hot springs, with a temperature of 27°C, provide the perfect opportunity to unwind and relax our muscles after the trip. If time allows, we’ll also visit South Glory Cave at Yarrangobilly before continuing our journey 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 hiking gear including tents, sleeping bags, packs, mats and trekking poles. 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.
- A professionally edited video of the trip.
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.
- Group Discount Available LimitedSaturdayFeb 8, 2025SundayFeb 9, 2025AUD $495.002Available
- Group Discount Available LimitedSaturdayMar 29, 2025SundayMar 30, 2025AUD $495.006Available
- Group Discount Available LimitedSaturdayApr 26, 2025SundayApr 27, 2025AUD $495.005Available
- Group Discount Available LimitedWednesdayOct 15, 2025ThursdayOct 16, 2025AUD $495.006Available
- Group Discount Available LimitedTuesdayNov 18, 2025WednesdayNov 19, 2025AUD $495.005Available
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 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.
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.
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) | 15.3 | 15.1 | 15.5 |
| Elevation gain (m) | 350 | 280 | 420 |
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 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 2 day food carry. Each person will initially have to carry up to ~1.8kg 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.
What type of meals do you provide?
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.
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 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.
Do I need accomodation before and after the trip?
We recommend booking accomodation the night before the trip starts, we have an early start on the first day of the trip,
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 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 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 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?
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!
