Key Features
Summit Mt Bogong & Mt Feathertop.
Enjoy an immersive wilderness experience.
Visit historic alpine huts.
Spot native High Country flora.
Explore Kosciuszko & Alpine National Park.
Highlights & Itinerary
- Summit the highest mountains in Victoria, Mt Bogong (1986m) and Mt Feathertop (1922).
- Stand at the source of the Murray River at Cowombat Flat.
- Summit The Pilot (1830m) for panoramic views of the Pilot Wilderness.
- Visit Wallace Hut, the oldest historic hut in Victoria.
- Traverse the Bogong High Plains.
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: Dead Horse Gap to Cascade Hut, 9.7km (+324m, -373m)
Departing Canberra at 7am, we’ll begin our trip with a three hour drive to Dead Horse Gap, the watershed separating the Snowy and Murray river systems. From here, we’ll start our hike by following Cascade Trail into Pilot Wilderness. We’ll move through stands of Alpine Ash and Snow Gum as a steady climb leads us to Bobs Ridge.
You’ll be rewarded with clear views south into the Murray Valley and towards the peaks of The Pilot and The Cobberas. From here, we’ll descend to Cascade Hut, a historic timber-slab shelter built in 1935, where we’ll camp for the night.
Meals provided: Lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 2: Cascade Hut to Tin Mine Hut, 15.8km (+346m, -552m)
Leaving the grassy flats of Cascade Hut, we’ll follow fire trail south, further into Pilot Wilderness. The track will wind through tall forests of Alpine Ash and Mountain Gum, shifting to Snow Gum woodlands on the higher ridges.
Traversing the undulating terrain of the Great Dividing Range, we’ll walk among ancient eucalypts before arriving at Tin Mine Huts, a site dating back to the 1930s mining era. The surrounding grassy flats will make for wonderful camping.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 3: Tin Mine Hut to Cowombat Flat, 17.5km (+488m, -605m)
Walking through the southern reaches of Kosciuszko National Park, we’ll follow Cowombat Trail toward the Victorian border. The path will skirt the base of The Pilot (1830m), a distinct double-peaked mountain which will provide an excellent side trip for those interested.
After passing The Pilot, we’ll turn off onto Snow Gums Trail, which follows a broad, timbered ridge line. Vegetation will transition from forest to sub-alpine woodland as we approach Cowombat Flat, a broad frost hollow of tussock grasslands and meandering streams which is a favourite for kangaroos. This location marks the source of Australia’s longest river, the Murray. Here, at the border between New South Wales and Victoria, the Murray will be a stream narrow enough to hop across. We’ll camp on the flats, surrounded by the peaks of the Cobberas and Pilot ranges.
Optional side trips:
- The Pilot, 3.7km return (+324m, -324m)
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 4: Cowombat Flat to Limestone Creek, 24.1km (+797m, -1002m)
Crossing into Victoria’s Alpine National Park, the landscape will shift dramatically in both geology and flora. After resupplying, we’ll leave the open flats and enter a region defined by limestone karst features, a rarity in the Australian Alps.
Turning off Cowombat Flat Track, we’ll follow Stony Creek on single track, passing several hidden caves. Finally, we’ll turn off onto Limestone Creek Track, walking through forests of Candlebark and Peppermint. We’ll camp at Limestone Creek Camping Area, a sheltered spot where you’ll be able to explore nearby sinkholes and caves, remnants of a shallow sea from 400 million years ago.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 5: Limestone Creek to Buckwong Hut, 19.9km (+1003m, -869m)
You’ll want to prepare for a steady climb as we ascend from limestone valleys to the higher ridges of the Victorian Alps. We’ll follow Misery Trail, a steep track rewarding us with expansive views back toward the Snowy Mountains and Pilot Wilderness.
As elevation increases, the forest will transition into tall stands of Alpine Ash and sub-alpine woodlands. We’ll follow Misery Ridge before descending off-track to our campsite at Buckwong Hut, a remote setting that will offer quiet solitude within the high country forests.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 6: Buckwong Hut to Buenba Flat, 12.8km (+338m, -573m)
Continuing through the rolling hills of Alpine National Park, we’ll follow Buckwong Track and Mt Hope Road. The route will traverse diverse forests of Mountain Gum and Snow Gum, offering excellent opportunities to spot Currawongs and Gang-gang Cockatoos.
We’ll finish the day at our resupply point, Buenba Flat, camping in a grassy plain marked by historic poplar trees from a former cattleman’s hut. This area will be a haven for wildlife, with Eastern Grey Kangaroos frequently seen grazing at dusk.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 7: Buenba Flat to Johnnies Top, 12.3km (+835m, -136m)
Today will feature a climb out of Buenba Creek valley toward the summit of Johnnies Top. The track will wind through dry sclerophyll forest, shifting to hardier Snow Gum and alpine shrubs as we ascend.
Reaching the summit (1566m), we’ll camp with views across the Victorian High Country. To the north, you’ll look back at the ranges we’ve crossed, while to the south, the rugged profiles of the Mitta Mitta valley will await us.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 8: Johnnies Top to Taylors Crossing, 24km (+610m, -1680m)
We’ll descend from Johnnies Top to the Mitta Mitta River, passing through vibrant grasslands and wildflower paddocks. This section will offer a distinct change of pace from the high ridges, immersing us in the riparian environment of a major waterway.
We’ll cross the Mitta Mitta River via the suspension bridge at Taylors Crossing, a key landmark marking the halfway point of the AAWT. Here, we’ll set up camp for the night.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 9: Taylors Crossing to the Omeo Highway, 20.8km (+1564m, -855m)
Leaving the river behind, we’ll spend the day ascending through the changing forests of the Mitta Mitta valley. The track will wind through dense Peppermint and Gum forests, offering deep immersion in the tall timber before we make our way down to Gill Creek.
After navigating the dense vegetation, we’ll make a final push to the Omeo Highway, where we’ll meet our supply vehicle and be shuttled to a camp along Big River.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 10: Omeo Highway to Mt Wills Hut, 6.7km (+644m, -99m)
A shorter but rewarding day will take us into the Mt Wills Historic Area. The track will wind through tall, wet forests of Alpine Ash, eventually giving way to sub-alpine Snow Gums near the summit.
Mt Wills (1757m) is a spectacular granite peak that will offer some of the best views in the Victorian Alps, including the imposing mass of Mt Bogong looming in the distance. We’ll camp next to Mt Wills Hut, nestled among the gums just below the summit, a favourite spot known for its atmosphere and stunning sunrise views.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 11: Mt Wills to Cleve Cole Hut, 19.4km (+1088m, -1063m)
We’ll descend from Mt Wills to Big River Saddle before beginning the long, steady climb up Long Spur. This ridge is one of the classic approaches to Victoria’s highest peak, offering continuous views and mounting anticipation.
The vegetation will shift from tall Woollybutt forests to twisted Snow Gums as we gain altitude. Traversing the high ridge past Tadgell Point, we’ll arrive at the stone sanctuary of Cleve Cole Hut, a substantial shelter built in 1937 as a memorial to a pioneer skier. Here, we’ll set up our tents and camp for the night.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 12: Cleve Cole Hut to Ropers Hut, 22.8km (+1083m, -1149m)
Today will mark a highlight of the expedition as we summit Mt Bogong (), Victoria’s highest peak. The climb to the cairn will offer unparalleled views across the Australian Alps, stretching from Kosciuszko in the north to the Razorback in the south.
From the roof of Victoria, we’ll descend Quartz Ridge into Big River valley. After fording the river, we’ll ascend Timms Lookout before reaching Ropers Hut, a peaceful shelter nestled in a tall forest of Alpine Ash and Snow Gum. As we settle into camp, the quiet surroundings will provide a well-earned rest after our significant climb.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 13: Ropers Hut to Ryders Huts, 23km (+391m, -434m)
Crossing the verdant Bogong High Plains, we’ll traverse the expansive alpine plateau dotted with wildflowers and historic huts. The walking here will be relatively gentle, allowing us to absorb the scenery of rolling grasslands and moss beds.
We’ll pass the iconic Wallaces Hut, which was built in 1889 and is the oldest cattleman’s hut in the park. Later in the day, we’ll also pass the 1929 Cope Hut, originally built for skiers. After a resupply, the track will follow historic snow pole lines past Mt Cope and Rocky Valley Dam before leading us to Ryders Huts.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 14: Ryders Hut to Blairs Hut, 11.9km (+184m, -721m)
Leaving the high plateau, we’ll descend into the deep valley of the West Kiewa River. The track will drop steeply, transitioning from open plains through bands of Snow Gum and into towering forests of Alpine Ash.
We’ll end our day at Blairs Hut, a rustic timber shelter on the river flats where the clear waters of the West Kiewa will offer a perfect chance to wash off the trail dust. The valley’s solitude will contrast with the exposed plains above, providing a sheltered and atmospheric campsite for the night.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 15: Blairs Hut to Federation Hut, 7.8km (+828m, -251m)
Today we’ll tackle Diamantina Spur, one of the steepest and most challenging ascents on the entire AAWT. As we climb, the trees will thin out to reveal spectacular views of the Razorback and Mt Feathertop.
Our destination will be Federation Hut, perched on the treeline at the top of the spur. From camp, a short walk will lead to the summit of Victoria’s second-highest peak: Mt Feathertop (). Often considered the most beautiful for its classic conical shape, it’ll be here that we watch the sun set over the Victorian Alps.
Optional side trips:
- Mt Feathertop, 2.7km return (+179m, -179m)
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 16: Federation Hut to Hotham, 10km (+364m, -346m)
Our final day will be a spectacular traverse along the Razorback, the jagged ridge connecting Mt Feathertop to Mt Hotham. The walking will offer continuous panoramic views stretching to the horizon, winding through snow gum stands and alpine meadows dotted with billy buttons and alpine celery.
The track will lead us to Mt Loch car park and Diamantina Hut, marking the official end of our expedition. On the drive back to Canberra, we’ll stop in Bright to celebrate with some well-earned hot food.
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 15kg. |
| 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.
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) | 16.2 | 6.7 | 24.1 |
| Elevation gain (m) | 680 | 184 | 1564 |
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 two 4 day food carries. 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 3.5kg 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 cancel your booking, please note that the following cancellation fees apply:
- 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.
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.
