Key Features
Traverse iconic, alpine ridgelines.
Walk beneath towering mountain ash & ancient snow gums.
Take in epic mountain sunrises & sunsets.
Spot native High Country flora.
Explore Baw Baw & Alpine National Park.
Highlights & Itinerary
- Walk the spectacular knife-edge ridge of the Crosscut Saw.
- Navigate the rugged and remote Razor-Viking Wilderness.
- Summit The Twins (1703m) for panoramic views of the High Country.
- Traverse the unique granite boulder fields of the Baw Baw Plateau.
- Finish at the historic gold mining town of Walhalla.
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: Mt Hotham to Twins Water Tank, 5km (+373m, -440m)
Departing Canberra at 6:00 am, we’ll take a scenic 5.5 hour drive to Mt Hotham. We’ll travel along the Great Alpine Road (Australia’s highest sealed road), taking in sweeping views across the High Country. Arriving at Mt Hotham, you’ll be immediately immersed in the alpine environment, entering one of the few remaining habitats of the Mountain Pygmy-possum.
We’ll start our walk from Mt St Bernard, following the spine of the Great Dividing Range with extensive views across the valleys below. Fire trail will give way to off-track walking as we make a short and steep ascent to summit The Twins, before descending and setting up camp in the saddle. This will be the perfect introduction to the vast scale and ruggedness of the southern third of the Australian Alps Walking Track.
Meals provided: Lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 2: Twins Water Tank to South Selwyn, 17.4km (+1005m, -1149m)
Packing up our tents, we’ll start the day by following faint footpads along the crest of the Barry Mountains. We’ll pass the turnoff to Mt Murray as we enter a network of winding 4WD tracks. Leaving the peaks of Mt Hotham behind, this will be a day of transition, moving through shifting forests of Snow Gum and majestic Alpine Ash.
Venturing further away from civilisation, you’ll finish the day with a high camp at South Selwyn. This spot will provide wonderful sunrises and sunsets, offering a sense of isolation and peace as we look towards the Viking Wilderness.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 3: South Selwyn to Barry Saddle, 17km (+953m, -1395m)
Today will connect the Barry Mountains with the Razor-Viking Wilderness. We’ll follow undulating ridgelines, dipping into saddles and cresting knolls that reveal glimpses of the jagged peaks awaiting us in the south. The walking will be rhythmic and meditative, as you’ll be surrounded by dry sclerophyll forest and the sounds of the bush.
Our evening camp will be at Barry Saddle. This sheltered campsite is a key milestone on the track and will mark the gateway to some of the most dramatic and challenging terrain on the entire AAWT.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 4: Barry Saddle to Catherine Saddle, 12km (+1175m, -916m)
Today we’ll tackle The Viking! Climbing over 500m in 2.7km, this is one of the steepest climbs of the AAWT. We’ll leave early in the morning to ensure a nice and cool climb. Reaching the summit of this stone fortress, the scenery will feel prehistoric and raw, dominated by sheer cliffs and twisted snow gums. Here, we’ll also get our first glimpse of the Crosscut Saw, tomorrow’s objective.
Leaving the summit, we’ll navigate “The Chimney” as we descend further into the Razor-Viking Wilderness Zone. Passing Viking Saddle, we’ll follow overgrown single-track to Mt Despair. From here, the trail quality will improve and we’ll finish with a descent to Catherine Saddle, a pleasant and sheltered campsite nestled between towering peaks.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 5: Catherine Saddle to Macalister Springs, 12.4km (+1024m, -651m)
Leaving camp, we’ll set out to traverse the Crosscut Saw, a spectacular serrated, knife-edge ridge. We’ll start the day by summiting Mt Speculation, which will provide the best views of our efforts from the day before.
Traversing the Crosscut Saw, the world will drop away on both sides into the Terrible Hollow and the Howqua Valley. We’ll finish the day at the picturesque Macalister Springs, camped near the iconic A-frame Vallejo Gantner Hut. This will be a great place to soak our legs after a challenging two days of rugged peaks.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 6: Macalister Springs to Brocks Road, 11.6km (+767m, -774m)
Leaving dramatic rock formations behind, the landscape will soften into the high plains of the King Billy area. We’ll summit Mt Howitt and Mt Magdala, enjoying range-on-range views of the endless blue ridges that characterise the Victorian Alps. The route will move from footpads to off-track navigation, traversing the high-altitude meadows and Snow Gum forests of King Billy No. 1 and No. 2.
After tackling both summits, we’ll descend to our camp near Brocks Road.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 7: Brocks Road to The Nobs, 18.5km (+915m, -1223m)
Today will be a challenging day as we continue our high-level traverse, passing over prominent peaks like Mt Clear, Square Top, High Cone, and The Nobs. Often the vegetation will be hardy and low, allowing for widespread views across layers of blue mountains that stretch to the horizon. The route will transition frequently between single-track and off-track walking until we’ll reach our camp at Nobs Track.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 8: The Nobs to Low Saddle, 11km (+450m, -826m)
We’ll start our day with an off-track and rocky ascent of Mt McDonald. At the summit we’ll have excellent views of Mt Buller and the surrounding rolling peaks of the next few days. The track will descend from the exposed peak into the shelter of tall forests, where a freshly cut track will aid our long descent to Low Saddle. The air will become richer with the scent of eucalyptus as the tall timber surrounds us, marking a shift from exposed summits to sheltered saddles.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 9: Low Saddle to Rumpff Saddle, 17.2km (+1197m, -789m)
Today will mark a significant change in terrain and track quality. After a steep single-track ascent of Mt Sunday, we’ll follow fire trails for the rest of the day. We’ll enjoy open walking along undulating ridgelines as we summit Mt McKinty.
This terrain will allow for easy conversation and observation of wildlife, including lyrebirds and wallabies, as we move through beautiful stands of mountain forest and ash-mallee. It will be a peaceful, green day that bridges the gap between the high rocky peaks and the deep river valleys ahead, finishing at the key junction of Rumpff Saddle.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 10: Rumpff Saddle to Black River, 15.7km (+648m, -1352m)
Today we’ll drop from the dry ridges of the past week into the deep, verdant valley of Black River. We’ll descend steadily through the forest, which will grow taller, darker, and more lush, filled with tree ferns. Crossing at a fallen log, we’ll reach our campsite to find ourselves in a cool, intimate wilderness setting that contrasts sharply with the exposed plains we’ll have left behind. Afternoon swims at Black River will be a must!
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 11: Black River to Bobs Hut, 14.1km (+963m, -453m)
Leaving camp, we’ll tackle a steep climb out of the river valley, rising through distinct ecological layers to reach the crest of the Great Dividing Range near Mt Victor. The ascent will highlight the dramatic shift from lush riverine ferns to dry ridge-top gums.
We’ll emerge onto the ridgeline near Mt Singleton, following fire trail to Fiddlers Green, the site of a restaurant that is thought to have operated between 1865–66. We’ll then arrive at Bobs Hut to camp for the night.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 12: Bobs Hut to Thompson River, 22.6km (+994m, -1631m)
Today we’ll traverse the rugged country between the Jordan and Thomson valleys, walking through the heart of Victoria’s gold-rush history. We’ll descend from the ridge to Red Jacket, a quiet site that was once a bustling settlement during the 1860s boom.
We’ll cross the Jordan River, which was named after the biblical river due to the tree ferns lining its banks. We’ll then undertake a steep climb to the top of the divide. As we drop down into the Thomson River valley, the vegetation will shift from dry ridge-top forest to lush gullies of Myrtle Beech. We’ll camp near the river within the protected water catchment.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 13: Thompson River to Stronachs Campsite, 12.2km (+922m, -215m)
Leaving the Thomson River valley, we’ll ascend steadily toward Baw Baw National Park, following a mixture of fire trails and single-track. This climb will mark a distinct shift in the landscape as we enter towering stands of Mountain Ash, the tallest flowering plants in the world.
The track will wind through a dense understory of tree ferns, blackwood, and Myrtle Beech as we make our way to Stronachs Camp. This historic sawmill site, established after the 1939 Black Friday fires, will provide a quiet clearing surrounded by tall timber and lush ferns for our stay.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 14: Stronachs Campsite to Rock Shelter, 15.8km (+843m, -547m)
Leaving the towering Mountain Ash of Stronachs Camp, we’ll begin a gradual climb up to the Baw Baw Plateau. Here, the landscape will be distinct from the sharp ridges we’ll have crossed over the past two weeks. The track will wind through rolling sub-alpine heathland dotted with massive granite tors and twisted, colourful Snow Gums.
Along the way, we’ll pass the solitary chimney of Mt Whitelaw Hut, a relic of the 1939 bushfires, and traverse Mustering Flat, a critical habitat for the endangered Baw Baw Frog. The scenery will be softer here, resembling a natural alpine garden as we make our way to camp at Rock Shelter.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 15: Rock Shelter to O’Sheas Mill Site, 19km (+392m, -1490m)
Our descent from the high country will begin as we’ll pass Mt St Phillack and the granite formations of Mushroom Rocks near Mt Erica. These massive, weather-sculpted boulders rise from the forest floor, dominating the landscape before the track drops into the heavily timbered valleys of the south. From here, we’ll be immersed in the wet sclerophyll forests that define this region.
We’ll spend our last night on trail camping at O’Sheas Mill Site on the banks of the East Tyers River, a place where the history of the timber industry is slowly being reclaimed by nature.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 16: O’Sheas Mill Site to Walhalla, 13.3km (+821m, -764m)
For our final leg of the trip, we’ll follow the alignment of an old timber tramway. The walking will be relatively flat, winding high above the Thomson River and crossing the iconic Poverty Point Bridge. We’ll finish our journey in the historic gold mining town of Walhalla, walking directly into the heart of the heritage village.
From here, you’ll board the bus for the 8 hour return journey to Canberra, breaking the drive with stops for hot food and to stretch our legs.
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.
- Return transport from/to Canberra.
- Support vehicle access every 3-4 days for food resupply and personal drop bag.
- 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.
Posted on Google![]()
BELINDA PORCHERA3 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great Aussie hiking company ,they are very experienced,friendly,encouraging,helpful from the very beginning ,their knowledge is endless .Whether you’re a first time hiker or experienced make the first move and call adventure gene for your next hike.+2Posted on Google![]()
Bianca Ellen7 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Intro to Snow Camping (July 2026) It has taken me a while to write this review simply because I struggled to find the words to describe just how incredible this tour was and how much the experience meant to me. I booked this tour to build my confidence in the snow, having never camped or hiked in winter conditions before. From the moment I booked, the team could not have been more helpful. The entire experience was seamlessly organized—from the convenient pickup in central Canberra to the initial gathering at their office, which gave us all a great chance to connect before heading out. Our guides, Gus and Lisa, were exceptionally welcoming and educational right from the start. It is clear just how much they love what they do and how passionate they are about sharing it with others. The quality of the gear provided was top-tier, and getting to raid their pantry for snacks was an awesome bonus! The location in the Munyang Valley was the absolute perfect choice, offering a great balance where everything felt doable. Lisa’s supportive approach and encouragement were standouts—on one of the days, a couple of people were unsure if they could complete the planned hike, but thanks to Lisa, they made it the whole way. Beyond the hiking itself, the knowledge sharing was truly the best part. We learned so much about the history, geography, and geology of the region, and even got to do some unforgettable stargazing. I came away with invaluable tips that I now use on my own hiking and camping trips, boosted confidence in new environments, and lifelong friends. That kind of experience is priceless. I can’t recommend them highly enough!Posted on Google![]()
Nicole Tang8 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Paint and hike trip was well organised and the information provided beforehand made it much less intimidating to prepare for the trip, especially as it was my first big camping hike. Our guides, Annika and Tearloch, were incredible. They were really supportive with all aspects of the hike and were so friendly and sweet. Hike itself had some rough spots, but that's more down to the terrain itself, so can't fault the company there. Would totally recommend signing up for a trip with them.Posted on Google![]()
Darrel Robins8 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
WOW What a great adventure . For anyone who wanted to experience camping and hiking in the snow this is a must do . Thanks Maddie and TPosted on Google![]()
Poppy S9 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I did the 4 day Light to Light Paint and Hike. It was very well organised, the gear provided was excellent and easy to use and the guides were sensational. Even the food was tasty and plentiful. Great hiking, great experience.Posted on Google![]()
Lewis9 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Recently did 4 days Intro to Snow Camping, was a fantastic experience! Highly recommend going with TAG, our guides Tom and Maddie were clearly passionate about hiking, and kept us safe and well fed the whole time. The gear provided is high quality and lightweight and this trip was such a great way to get camping experience without worrying about buying all your own equipment. If you've been thinking about getting in to hiking, this is the place to start!Posted on Google![]()
Andrew C11 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We have just completed our " Introduction to Snow Camping" 4 day trip with Adventure Gene. We couldn't recommend the organisation more highly . From the introductory session the day before departure , to the 4 days of hiking and camping we felt very supported by this small organisation . The meals and equipment were extremely considered and of excellent quality. Our 2 leaders , Maddie and Tearloch were incredibly professional , competent , and generous with their time and energy that they put into the trip. We had some difficult weather conditions and the whole group felt safe under their leadership. The trip introduced us to a different type of outdoor activity which we thoroughly enjoyed. We would encourage anyone who is looking for a slightly different outdoor offering in the Alpine regions to have a look at their range of trips. We have already been encouraging our friends to look at their different experiences - and we are looking at a longer distance hiking trip with Adventure Gene for next years travels! Many thanks for a fantastic , very memorable trip! Andrew and KellyPosted on Google![]()
KR13 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Highly recommend booking trips with TAG-- everything from packs to meals has been considered, and guides were friendly and highly experienced! Would book againPosted on Google![]()
Janice Leung14 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My partner and I joined the 4D3N snow camping trip, and we had such an amazing time! 🏕️❄️ Shoutout to Tom and Maddie, they are so professional, experienced, and made the whole trip feel safe and enjoyable. We had so much fun and would absolutely recommend the experience!+1Posted on Google![]()
Jodie H20 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
From the first email to the final hugs at the end, this was a professional and well-organised trip. The communication before the trip was superb — quick, clear and informative, which made the preparation really easy, especially for a beginner. Our guides, Maddie and Tearloch were a standout. Attentive, communicated extremely well, had a great sense of humour and were genuinely fun to be around. Most importantly, they brought extensive hiking experience, they were professionally prepared, flexible and astute at judging each individual’s abilities and needs. A great balance of encouragement, adaption and challenge. The gear provided was excellent and took a lot of the stress out of ‘OMG what do I pack’. The pre-trip information and briefing prior was top notch. Great for anyone having their first crack at a snowy Alpine adventure. Knowledge is a confidence boost, and Maddie and T were willing providers. Coming from a rescue background I understand Alpine conditions change fast. Par for the course we experienced 1 day of difficult weather. I felt both safe and confident in their decision making processes. And the gear stood up well. The snow shoe hike was the highlight. It was challenging at times but so worth the spectacular scenery up on the range. To top that off, the food was fantastic, great variety and tasty. Overall, an exceptional experience. The combination of professional organisation, experienced guides, great communication, challenging adventure, spectacular scenery and fantastic food made this a trip I would recommend to anyone whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner looking for an unforgettable snow adventure. Thanks Adventures Gene, ‘I’ll be back’.+0
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 multi-day hike with camping, we rate this trip as challenging. You can see the distance and elevation details in the table below:
Trip statistics (without side trips)
| Average | Minimum | Maximum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance (km) | 14.7 | 5.0 | 22.6 |
| Elevation gain (m) | 840 | 373 | 1197 |
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
All food carries are 3 days or less, with the exception of one 4.5 day food carry. 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 4kg of food.
Water
At times, you may need to carry 2-3L 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.
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 5 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 AAWT 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.
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 change your trip start date or transfer to a different trip, you must notify us in writing as soon as possible. If possible, after receiving your notice, the change will occur subject to the following:
- A transfer can be made to a new date that is within 12 months from when you notified us of the change.
- One amendment can be made to your original booking, up to 90 days prior to the date of departure, at no cost.
- A $200 per person fee will be charged for any further amendments made by a guest 90 days prior to the departure date.
- For booking changes made between 60 and 90 days prior to departure, there is a $350 per person charge to change the departure date.
- We do not accept changes to bookings within 60 days of departure.
If you wish to cancel your booking, you must notify us in writing as soon as possible. Once we receive your notice, cancellation will take effect subject to the following:
- 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.
Cancellation by the guest will also take effect if:
- You fail to arrive at the pre-arranged meeting place at the time stipulated by us.
- Your payment of the balance of the booking is not received by us by the required time as stipulated in 4) Payment.
No refund will be paid if you:
- Voluntarily leave your trip after it has commenced, including (without limitation) for reasons of bereavement, injury or illness.
- Are directed by us to leave or not commence your walk in accordance with these terms and conditions.
We reserve the right to not provide a refund if you arrive on the day of departure for any walk with inappropriate gear (including footwear), as described in our preparation notes.
If you wish to change the person booked on the trip, the booking transfer must be complete 30 days before the trip start date. All waivers, medical forms and tasks on WeTravel must be complete before this date.
After your trip has commenced, no refunds will be given for any unused services. If there is a gear check, your trip commences at the start of the gear check. We do not provide refunds based on your experience during the trip.
Please note the $99 deposit is non-refundable.
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.
Some images on this page were photographed by Stephen Davies.