Snowies Intro To Snow Camping

Intro to Snow Camping Aug/Sep 26

I joined the Snowies intro to Snow Camping trip as a solo adventurer, initially filled with self-doubt about my fitness and ability. At the trip briefing, Tom and Maddie’s professionalism, knowledge and approachability put me at ease. There was no judgement and all questions were welcomed. They fostered a team culture from day one and encouraged us to work together and help each other. The initial information session was thorough and comprehensive, and the clothing and accessories provided were top quality. I’ve never packed so light for a trip. Ever! Having two guides allowed the group to walk at their own pace, which makes a huge difference to individual enjoyment. The meals were surprisingly delicious and nutritious, and the eye/boggling snack room meant hunger was not an issue. I learnt so much about snow camping, hiking, camping and my own capabilities and feel confident to pursue solo hiking in the future. This experience was fun, inspiring and unforgettable! Thank you Tom and Maddie for your willingness to share your extensive knowledge, your positivity and contagious passion for the outdoors!

The Adventure Gene - Intro to Snow Camping - FANTASTIC!

We couldn't recommend the Snowies Intro to Snow Camping trip with The Adventure Gene more highly! It was beyond expectations in multiple ways, and we have come away with new skills, enthusiasm, confidence and ideas. The organisation from time of booking to the end of the walk was detailed, methodical, helpful and well communicated; it covered everything you need to prepare and plan. Questions were more than welcome and responded to with warmth as well as information. Expert knowledge levels of the area, the skills required for winter trips, ultralight gear, camping and packing tricks, delicious food and every other aspect were demonstrated over and over. It was easy to feel in safe hands at every moment, even in mountain weather. The gear quality was amazing! Each item was carefully selected and did its job extremely well. We learnt so much from the generous sharing of information and experience. The quality of guiding by Tom and Gus was outstanding with extremely high levels of knowledge, but also sensitivity to the needs of each individual participant and sensitivity to the environment and culture of the mountains. And we had fun! Laughter and excitement and new experiences. We've come away with skills and knowledge that will open up further horizons for us. Ivan and I would do another TAG trip at the drop of a hat - it was a learning experience, an adventure, and a holiday.

I recently did a four-day snow hiking trip in the Snowy Mountains with Adventure Gene, and I honestly couldn't recommend it highly enough.

We had some pretty wild weather, including torrential rain on the second day, which turned to snow overnight. Maddie and Tearloch were fantastic throughout the whole trip and adapted everything around the weather while keeping us safe and still making sure we had a great experience.

One of the things that attracted me to book the trip was being able to try out thousands of dollars' worth of specialised snow camping and hiking gear supplied by Adventure Gene. Being able to actually use everything in real conditions was fantastic — and it definitely helped me work out what gear I wanted for myself! I've since bought quite a few of the things I used, including the same Wippa backpack and Sea to Summit Spark sleeping bag.

The guides also showed us how to use the Garmin inReach, which gave me the confidence to buy my own and, more importantly, know how to use it properly when I'm out hiking.

The other people on the trip were lovely and it was great meeting and sharing the experience with such a nice group.

The biggest thing I took away from the trip was confidence. I now feel much more comfortable heading out on my own, including into snow and more remote areas. I learnt so much about the gear, planning, navigation and just dealing with whatever the weather throws at you.

I'd definitely recommend Adventure Gene to anyone wanting to get into snow hiking or build their confidence in the outdoors. It was an awesome four days and an experience I'll remember forever, thank you so much!

Perfect Name for the Trip Adventure Gene

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’.

Camping in the Snowy Mountains - with snow!

If you're looking for a genuinely transformative outdoor experience led by people who truly love what they do, don’t hesitate. The Adventure Gene is a group of young, passionate outdoor enthusiasts dedicated to sharing the extraordinary Australian landscape with those of us who've never properly explored it. From the outset, the experience was seamless. Information about the Introduction to Snow Camping 4 Day trip was thorough and easy to navigate, communication was prompt and personal, and the equipment provided was excellent - comprehensive, practical, and thoughtfully curated. We used every single item, including things we never would have thought to pack ourselves. Besides the passion of the TAG team, not having to provide your own equipment sets this trip apart. It exposes you to ultra-lite hiking without the upfront cost. Of course, the Australian Alps don't take requests, and snow wasn't on the forecast for our first couple of days. But this is where the guiding team truly shone. T and Lisa - the latter now forever known in our group as the Snow Goddess, for seemingly bending the weather to her will - didn't miss a beat. They took us through breathtaking parts of the Alps and equipped us with genuine, transferable skills for navigating wet and bitterly cold conditions safely. Lessons we'll carry on every future hike. We were also fortunate to share the experience with a wonderful, warm group of fellow adventurers who made the trip genuinely wonderful. That combination - outstanding guides, stunning country, great company - is rare. This is one we'll be talking about for years. Couldn't recommend it more highly. Do yourself a favour and book at trip with TAG. You’ll make lifelong memories while supporting a wonderful group of young, skilful Aussies having a go and doing it exceptionally well.

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!

I went on the Snowies Intro to Snow Camping walk. It was a very enjoyable experience, and I would highly recommend The Adventure Gene to others. Our guides, Gus and Tearloch, were organised, very friendly, and experienced; they kept us feeling safe, even in the peak of winter during white-out conditions, and were good chefs!

Talking about good chefs, the food was great, from breakfast to dinner. We had fantastic breakfasts, including pancakes and honey porridge, lunches, including delicious fried rice, dinners, including great curries, and delicious desserts, including tiramisu and apple crumble.

The gear provided was also of high quality and in abundance. We were given amazing 4-Season tents, waterproof packs, warm sleep systems, reliable rain gear, great glove systems, and pretty much everything else.

It was an incredible experience, visiting the huts, walking through the valleys, and learning new skills to aid in my future adventures!

Overnight Hiking in the Snow

Just completed the Intro to Snow Camping 4 day hike and would highly recommend it for anyone who loves overnight hiking with the added twist of doing it in the snowies in the middle of winter. It was such an amazing experience that I shared with 7 other fabulous adventurous humans and two amazing guides. The Adventure Gene really know what they’re doing: clothing, gear, food (! 3 hot meals and dessert each day!!), snacks, the track/route, pre-briefing, transport - you couldn’t do it this well on your own. I felt safe and supported and the hike was just the right challenge level - or maybe pushed me a little sometimes - but that’s what I was there for. If you’ve done a few overnight hikes and want to try something different - you’ve got to do this one.

My recent Snow shoeing adventure to the Jugungal wilderness was exactly what my adventure gene was craving! I loved being far far away in a shimmering icy wilderness.

My guides were engaging and kind. I was the weakest physical link in team that walked up and down mountains and valleys and Maddie and Tom were still able to ensure I had an adventure to remember. They rearranged schedules to fit my capacity while still ensuring the young ones could leap up and down steep mountains.

The trip was safe and the gear was great - down sleeping socks magically kept my feet warm in the literlly freezing nights in the snow !

I will be talking about the experience for months!

Shout out to Gus - adventure guide extraordinaire. Caring, welcoming, helpful, compassionate, intelligent, highly knowledgeable about all things outdoors and lots of fun. Tom the owner is aspirational. Tom has a way of quietly bringing out the best in everyone who is lucky enough to cross paths with him. He is also extraordinarily caring, supportive and fun to be around.

I've used several outdoor adventure companies, this one has been the best. Meticulously organised with the most knowledgeable guides who will support you in reaching your goals.

I will be choosing The Adventure Gene for all my outdoor adventures from now on.

I did the 4 days snowies camping trip, and absolutely loved it! Maddie and Tom were great! They were very knowledgeable, and always loved to chat about hiking, the snow and just about anything! They were flexible with the plans, as the weather did change for the worst on our second day there, and they improvised and we did have an amazing hike up the mountain despite the weather. We were then blessed with beautiful weather the next day, and we were able to cover a really full-on day of hiking as our group were all up to it! The food were surprisingly good, and we had way more than enough to eat on the trip (especially snacks). They also took a lot of photos of all of us, and shared these with us (so quickly by the way, thank you!). All of the tent and equipment provided did the job prefectly, I was not cold at all while I slept in the tent, and we got to a chilly -4 on our last night on the trip.

We recently completed the Introduction to Snow Camping trip in the Snowies and would highly recommend it. The trip was an amazing experience in very trying conditions, made possible by the expertise and guidance of very knowledgeable Gus & Tom, and excellent preparation & gear. Even in the cold, windy & snowy weather, where visibility was low, we were able to still get out and about to experience the snow-covered terrain and bag a peak – Dicky Cooper Bogong at just over 2,000 metres. The trip is not for the faint hearted – we carried all our gear up to our camp at White’s River Hut. The pack would have weighed about 15kgs so I recommend training with this in mind. Great learning experience and the scenery was amazing - well worth the effort.

I recently completed the 14-day Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT) from Canberra to Thredbo with Maddie and Tom, and it was honestly one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had.

While I had done some basic hiking before, this trip was definitely outside my comfort zone when I first signed up. But what I quickly learned is that if you trust their system and follow their process, you will be absolutely fine.

One of the biggest things for me was letting go of the traditional hiking mindset I’d been taught in the past — heavy packs, lots of “just in case” gear, and old methods of packing. Maddie and Tom showed us a far more modern, efficient way of doing things. There is no way I could have completed this trek using my old gear and packing methods. So much of what I previously thought was essential simply wasn’t necessary.

The preparation session the day before the walk was incredibly thorough. They covered absolutely everything you could possibly think of — and then some. One of the things that really stood out was that they actually provide and prepare many of the small essentials for you right there on the preparation day. Things like small bottles of hand sanitiser, sunscreen and other essentials are portioned out into tiny labelled containers to keep pack weight down. Even the foot care supplies are thought through and provided. The level of detail and care that goes into preparing everyone properly is incredible.

Before the trip I had plenty of nervous questions, and Maddie and Tom never once made me feel silly for asking them. They answered the same questions over and over again in such a calm, matter-of-fact way and were always happy to guide us. Knowing I could call beforehand if I was unsure about anything was incredibly reassuring.

For me, trusting the layering system for warmth was one of the hardest things to let go of. I kept wanting to pack extra jumpers “just in case”. But they assured me that if I trusted their layering system and wore the gear correctly, I would be comfortable — and they were absolutely right.

The support vehicle and drop bag system was also brilliant. It gave me the confidence to trust the process because I knew that if I really needed something extra, it was there in my drop bag. In the end, I never needed any of my “just in case” items — which really proved how well their system works. The drop bag also allowed for some lovely little luxuries like fresh socks, clean clothes, or even a treat for yourself along the way.

Each morning we’d discuss the day’s weather and they would guide us on exactly what to wear so we didn’t overheat or get cold — whether that meant using the poncho, an insulation layer, or the rain jacket. By the end of the trip I had completely nailed the system myself.

The level of planning, preparation, and organisation behind this trip is incredible. You don’t realise the hours of work that go on behind the scenes because everything feels so seamless when you’re out walking. All that preparation allows you to simply focus on enjoying the experience.

And what an experience it was — walking with an amazing group of people, lots of laughs, breathtaking alpine scenery, and some of the most stunning night skies I’ve ever seen. We also learned so much about the environment and the landscape along the way.

This was the longest walk I’ve ever done in my life, and it felt completely manageable because of how light and comfortable my pack was. The experience has honestly given me a second wind for hiking. I can’t wait to invest in some of the gear and keep exploring now that I know how good it can feel when everything is set up the right way.

Some friends couldn’t believe I would pay to do a walk, but once you see the amount of effort, knowledge, preparation, and support that goes into making this experience so effortless and enjoyable, you honestly feel like you should be paying them more.

If you’re considering doing the AAWT or any guided trek with Maddie and Tom — just trust the system and go for it.

It was unforgettable.

I wasn't sure if I would be fit enough or if my aging body would cope with this trip---which is why I chose to go with Adventure Gene. As it turned out I had a ball! I could feel myself getting stronger as the days progressed.

Tearloch was an exceptional guide. He was hard working and super considerate of my/our requirements. He was always positive about my/our capabilities and gave our group time to gather, rest or spread out a little as we desired. I never got the impression he was worried about our progress. He had a wealth of knowledge about the Australian gear industry and I learnt a lot about the individuals who are making ultralight equipment.

The food was great, the snacks just right and the advice that we got about clothing and gear on the trip was a great learning experience. I tried trail runners for the first time ever and would certainly do that again. The pack weight was as light as I have ever walked with on a multi day hike which made the bigger days easier. And you can't beat ten hours of warm, comfortable sleep.

Adventure Gene is experienced and professional. Walking with this company is a great choice if you want to safely venture into unknown hiking country. You WILL be looked after and come home fitter, stronger and having had a memorable experience. You will want to go again!

I just returned from a 2-day Kosciuszko Summit Hike. I am so glad I went with the Adventure Gene! I am more of day hiker and have little experience with overnight camping. I have always preferred to go back to a warm hut or hotel haha. More than just a hiking trip, I really learned a lot about camping, camping gears and hiking tips from guides with real, lived-in and extensive hiking experience. It really makes a huge difference to the trip and the overall experience.

The experience was a good value of money from start to finish. The process to book was easy and convenient. The guidebook the team sent was so well-thought out in terms of gear preparation and is a fun read. Before we leave, a Watsapp group is created for any questions to be asked.

The hike was around 20km for 2 days. Weather was crazy – fog, wind, rain, hail, snow and everything in between. However, I never felt unsafe. The guides, Maddie and T, are clearly experienced, professional, always prioritize safety, and know where to go. Even with an unexpected stretch of snow hiking (wearing microspikes) and the crazy weather, the journey to the summit was truly memorable!

The campsite was so beautiful and truly felt like we escaped to another world. Love the food provided, especially the satay tofu and freeze dried ice cream! The tents were easy to set up, really held well against the crazy rain and wind, and the quilt/sleeping mat provided kept me so warm. They really use top quality gear and it is so convenient to come on the trip with all the gear provided.

Our guides, Maddie and T, are just two awesome people!! Maddie is so sweet, caring, cheerful and radiates positive energy! T, the team’s newest recruit, is such a chill, cool guy. Both of them are so supportive to everyone in the group, never had I felt pressured to rush beyond my limit. It is a holiday after all, not a race. I just want to thank Maddie and T for really being the highlight of the trip (yes, even better than the quality sunset we saw!) and I really look forward to another trip with the Adventure Gene!

Update: I signed up for a 2nd trip on 11-12 April 2026. It has indeed been another memorable weekend hiking and camping overnight! The area (Blue Waterholes/Clark Gorge/Nichols Gorge/Murray Cave) was so beautiful to explore, such a serene landscape. I would have not gone there without the confidence and leadership of our guides, T and Dan, who were super friendly and top notch. They kept the group together, kept us comfortable and prepped the yummiest food in the backcountry. Hot risoni, freeze-dried ice cream and hot milo was such a good ending to Day 1!

I have definitely noticed that the TAG team are upping their game with now providing outer layers/gear. That was really useful and I appreciated how ultralight were the outer layers provided (definitely lighter than the gear I have). It is also interesting to hear about the niche brands they work with and support.

As someone coming to these trips solo, I appreciate the companionship with the small group, and value for money for a beautiful weekend trip with return transfer, ultralight gear and clothes, delicious food and the support of experienced guides/hikes. I definitely feel TAG trips have increased my confidence to hike and explore the Aussie outdoors, and I hope to sign up for another trip soon!

Exciting, restorative and transformative are some words that jump to mind when I reflect on the Paint and Hike trip I did with The Adventure Gene this week.

Despite not having hiked or camped for over a decade, Maddie made us feel empowered and confident as we navigated a full nature immersion experience. With delicious meals, clear communication and impeccable organisation, our time together was calm and enjoyable. Artist Ineka fostered a group environment that not only led to inspired art-making, but also deep reflection and connection. The strangers I met on day one became wonderful friends over the course of the trip.

There is something special about getting out of your comfort zone and doing something hard together, and in my opinion, achieving those things was wonderfully worthwhile.

I went on this hike to discover the great outdoors, but along the way I discovered more of myself.

These guys seriously know how to lead epic adventures! Saw some breathtaking views on the 6 day Mount Jagungal Snow Camping Expedition. From mindful moments nestled between snow gums, to navigating in white out conditions, enjoying warm pumpkin soup in a historic alpine hut, crossing snow bridges and icy rivers, perfecting a blizzard-proof tent pitch, snowshoeing up to the summit and eating nachos at the base of one of Australia's most remote snow-covered mountains. All of it made easier by their provision of world class ultralight gear.

The Adventure Gene's commitment to helping folk access remote wilderness, up-skilling everyone's hiking toolkits and building confidence to go on and tackle the next adventure is second to none. A privilege to have been under the wing of expert guides Maddie and Tom. It's been one week since the trip ended now and can still feel the positive impacts of being immersed in such pristine nature, with lovely humans who held genuine care for each individual's trip goals.

My Budawangs Traverse experience with The Adventure Gene (TAG) met all my expectations and more!

Exploring this part of Australia’s incredible landscape and discovering its hidden treasures was truly eye-opening and unforgettable.

I love hiking and exploring, but I’d never experienced an overnight trek before. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I knew I could rough it, but I like to be warm and I definitely don’t like being hungry! These were two of my biggest concerns, and TAG absolutely nailed it. I’m hooked!

I’ve come away with so much more than just an amazing experience. I’ve gained the knowledge, skills and confidence to tackle future walks, treks and adventures. I now have practical tips, delicious meal recipes, snack ideas, and firsthand experience with lightweight gear and recommended products—all while learning how to manage pack weight.

Throughout the trek, I was warm, well-fed and felt confident and in control, all while being completely in awe of Australia’s breathtaking landscapes.

I couldn’t recommend this adventure more highly! If you love hiking, want to take your adventures to the next level, or are curious about overnight trekking, TAG is the way to go.

Thank you, TAG, for an incredible experience and for equipping me with the confidence and knowledge to keep exploring!

Snowies Alpine Walk with The Adventure Gene was just brilliant. Meticulous attention to detail from the moment we booked (dietary preferences, medical needs…), advice on suitable gear, detailed instructions on preparation for the trip including foot care, having the right shoes and training. 21 years since my last hike so it all mattered and made our trip an enjoyable, educational and epic adventure. A very special father- son experience.

Gus our guide, chef, educator, photographer and weatherman was totally invested in ensuring each of us got what we wanted from the experience. The freeze dried meals were delicious, including the desserts. He even managed a hot lunch despite the driving rain and wind on our way up to Kosciuszko!

All the gear supplied by TAG was amazing.

Can’t speak highly enough of Gus and the entire team at TAG. Thank you for an exceptional adventure. Aziz

The Adventure Gene's Snowies Main Range Traverse is Pure Magic!

Just returned from a 4-day Snowies Main Range Traverse with the team at The Adventure Gene, and I'm still buzzing with the sheer exhilaration of it all! If you're looking for an unforgettable hiking experience that feeds your soul and ignites your adventurous spirit, look no further. This trip was nothing short of extraordinary.

From the moment we met our guides(TAG owners Maddie & Tom), their passion for the Australia Alps and their commitment to our enjoyment was reassuring. Their extensive knowledge of the area, its flora, fauna, and history, enriched every step we took. They were patient, encouraging, and incredibly skilled, ensuring everyone felt safe and supported, regardless of their fitness level or hiking experience. The small group dynamic was absolutely perfect! We quickly bonded with fellow hikers, sharing laughter, stories, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the mountains. It was a diverse mix of ages and backgrounds, all united by a love for the outdoors, creating a truly special camaraderie.

And let's talk about the location! The Snowy Mountains are simply breathtaking. The panoramic views, the pristine alpine landscapes, and the crisp, clean air were a constant reminder of the raw, untamed beauty of nature. Every day brought new wonders, from the unique rock formations, the incredible views over each mountains to the star-studded night skies and the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets!

Tom & Maddie’s attention to detail was impeccable. The gear provided was top-notch, ensuring we were comfortable and well-equipped for the elements. And the food? Absolutely delicious! We were treated to hearty, nourishing meals that fueled our adventures and warmed our spirits. Every meal was a delightful surprise, and best of all cooked with love.

This traverse wasn't just a hike; it was an immersive experience. It was a chance to disconnect from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with nature, with ourselves, and with a fantastic group of people. The Adventure Gene has truly mastered the art of creating transformative outdoor adventures.

If you're looking for a challenging yet rewarding hike, led by exceptional guides, in one of Australia's most stunning landscapes, book your Snowies Main Range Traverse with The Adventure Gene now! You won't regret it. This experience has left me with memories that will last a lifetime, and I can't wait to join them on another adventure soon! Five stars simply aren't enough!

(UPDATE - 31/08/2025)

I've completed my second guided trip with Maddie & Tom which was the Mt Jagungal Snow Camping Expedition, an amazing 6-day snowshoe hike in the Jagungal Wilderness.

The trip was spectacular, in every way. I raved on above in my original review of the first trip.. just book a trip, you will love it!

This is my 2nd trip with TAG and it has indeed been another memorable weekend hiking and camping overnight! The area (Blue Waterholes/Clark Gorge/Nichols Gorge/Murray Cave) was so beautiful to explore, such a serene landscape. I would have not gone there without the confidence and leadership of our guides, T and Dan, who were super friendly and top notch. They kept the group together, kept us comfortable and prepped the yummiest food in the backcountry. Hot risoni, freeze-dried ice cream and hot milo was such a good ending to Day 1!

I have definitely noticed that the TAG team are upping their game with now providing outer layers/gear. That was really useful and I appreciated how ultralight were the outer layers provided (definitely lighter than the gear I have). It is also interesting to hear about the niche brands they work with and support.

As someone coming to these trips solo, it is value for money for a beautiful weekend trip, return transfers, ultralight gear and clothes, delicious food and the support of experienced guides/hikes. I definitely feel TAG trips have increased my confidence to hike and explore the Aussie outdoors, and I hope to sign up for another trip soon!

I was honestly a bit reticent to book a guided hiking tour - I usually like planning my own trips but didn’t have the time or energy for this one. Tom and Maddie seriously know what they’re doing. Not only were they incredibly well planned and prepared, they were also genuinely lovely, informative guides who made every day such a joy.

I came away not only having spent amazing time in nature and hiked through incredible, varied, and beautiful landscapes, but also having met other delightful keen hikers and feeling far more knowledgeable and confident to tackle more multi-day hikes myself. Tom and Maddie have been so generous with their time and education - from gear tips to insights about the local areas and potential future hike spots - it’s clear how much passion they put into what they do.

Could not recommend them more highly. Also grateful for the lovely and interesting other group members who were on the tour too, was great having options for those who wanted to go at different paces throughout - getting taught and try off track navigating was also a highlight. Get in quick before they grow even bigger and are booked out - they absolutely deserve it.

The guide was , positive, kind and supportive. Willing to go above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable whilst keeping us on schedule, hydrated , nourished and smiling. The artist was an inspiration and also very kind Sharing skill and bringing time to a standstill while we could embrace and capture the beauty of the scene we were painting

The company , TAG, were also organised supportive and quick to reply. The equipment and clothing is of high quality and suited the environment. I was always warm at night . That’s a miracle for me! I would easily go again on another’ paint and hike’

with TAG.

Recently completed the 2 day Mount Kosciuszko hike with Maddie and Tom, and what was meant to be a mere 'practice run' for a longer hike later in the year because I'd never hiked with a full pack or camped before, has turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life so far. Thanks to some late season snow, this hike also got to be my first 'walk through snow', 'cross a freezing cold river barefoot', 'camp in a tent in -6 degrees' experience. As a newbie to hiking, comfort zones were left waaay behind in the rear-view mirror within the first hour of this hike. And here's where Maddie and Tom step in. These two are EXPERTS who know what they're doing, and it shows from even before you meet them (Note: read the trip notes and FOLLOW the packing list). Packing list said to pack a down jacket, I packed a thick fleece that held up well in 0 degrees in the blue mountains; guess who needed a down jacket? The gear they provide for their hikes are high end and it shows, and they knew what we'd need on the hike to make it safe and enjoyable (micro spikes had me walking down the snow slopes quicker than I walk down stairs in sneakers), the winter sleeping bags and down pants were life savers. They are engaged guides, know all the cool spots, best detours (definitely are the Aussie Alps experts), are calm in a crisis (massive shout out to Maddie for getting me across the snowy river alive and dry), are willing to show/teach, but also let us have fun, and their soft spoken patience with the group and each other meant we had the most enjoyable experience in some difficult conditions for newbies. And the food was tasty, nourishing and we even had dessert!

Big thank you to Tom and Maddie and everyone else in The Adventure Gene team for a fabulous 48 hours. Cannot wait to do more hikes with them and cannot wait to see all the cool hiking experiences they curate!