Key Features
Take in summit views from Australia’s tallest peaks.
Navigate off track across alpine terrain.
Watch stunning mountain sunrises and sunsets.
Enjoy a wilderness walking experience.
Walk amongst famous Australian alpine wildflowers & snow gums.
Highlights & Itinerary
- Summit the 4 tallest mountains in Australia; Mt Kosciuszko (2228m), Mt Townsend (2209m), Mt Twynam (2196m) and Rams Head (2190m).
- Walk past Australia's highest alpine lakes including Lake Cootapatamba, Club Lake, Blue Lake, and Lake Albina.
- Enjoy quiet alpine camping on the Main Range, home to Australia’s highest peaks.
- Traverse off track across The Rolling Grounds and The Rams Head Range..
- Visit two historic alpine huts; Horse Camp Hut and Whites River Hut.
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: Guthega Power Station to Whites River Hut, 8.65km (+501m, -118m)
Our journey will begin in Canberra with a drive through the alpine towns of Cooma and Jindabyne to reach Guthega Power Station. We’ll start our hike by following Schlink Pass Road before continuing along Horse Camp Aqueduct Trail. You’ll walk through sub-alpine canopies of twisted snow gums and spot native wildflowers as we ascend into the high country. Along the way, we’ll visit Horse Camp Hut, originally a stockman’s shelter and modified in the 1950s as a base for horseback surveyors working on the early Snowy Scheme.
Continuing the gradual climb, we’ll reach Whites River Hut. This large iron shelter, built in 1934-35 for sheep grazing, became one of the most famous historic huts in the park after it was used as a winter base for early backcountry ski trips. We’ll set up camp and spend the night here at the base of the Rolling Grounds.
Meals provided: Lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 2: Whites River Hut to Pounds Creek Flat, 13.5km (+694m, -450m)
Day 2 will begin with a gradual climb onto the Rolling Grounds, one of our favourite off-track sections in the park. This area is characterised by wide, expansive terrain, and scattered with ancient granite boulders and seasonal wildflowers like billy buttons and silver snow daisies. We’ll navigate through alpine tussock grasses and weave around moss-covered boulders while taking in extensive views of the Snowy Mountains.
On clear days, you’ll be able to see Mt Kosciuszko and the sections of the Main Range that we’ll traverse in the coming days. We’ll finish the day at Pounds Creek Flat, a sheltered, secluded camping spot at the base of Mt Twynam, Australia’s third tallest mountain. This spot is surrounded by crystal-clear water holes and offers excellent sunrises over the mountains.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 3: Pounds Creek Flat to Wilkinsons Creek, 10.6km (+405m, -442m)
We’ll begin the day by watching the sunrise over Perisher Valley before starting a short climb to the summit of Mt Twynam (2196m). As the third-tallest mountain in Australia, it offers you 360 degree views of the surrounding ranges.
Continuing along the Main Range you’ll have the option to visit Blue Lake Lookout, for a view of the most famous alpine lake in the region. This spectacular 28-metre-deep body of water is one of only four true glacial cirque lakes on mainland Australia, carved out by ice tens of thousands of years ago.
As we follow the well-formed Main Range Track toward Muellers Pass, we’ll pass two more glacial lakes: Club Lake and Lake Albina. Here, you’ll have the option for one final detour to summit Mt Townsend (2209m), Australia’s second-highest peak, which offers fantastic views without the usual crowds. We’ll finish the day by descending to Wilkinsons Creek, a sheltered campsite known for spectacular sunsets across the Victorian mountains.
Popular side trips:
- Blue Lake lookout, 2.5km return (+96m, -96m)
- Mt Townsend, 5.1km return (+243m, -243m)
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 4: Wilkinsons Creek to Dead Horse Gap, 14.5km (+600m, -932m)
Our final day begins before dawn to catch a spectacular sunrise from atop Australia’s highest mountain range. After leaving camp, a short 3km walk will take us to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko (2228m). Arriving early, we’ll avoid the crowds and take in views stretching over 100km in every direction.
Descending from the summit, we’ll pass Lake Cootapatamba,, the mainland’s highest lake, before leaving the trail to traverse the Rams Head Range. This route offers a final immersive wilderness experience, with the chance to summit three more peaks along the way.
We’ll weave through alpine fens and boulders that serve as critical shelters for migrating Bogong moths, before descending through twisted snow gums to Dead Horse Gap.
Hopping on the bus, we’ll stop in Jindabyne to grab some hot food, before finishing the drive back to Canberra.
Popular side trips:
- Mt Kosciuszko, 2.0km return (+64m, -64m)
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.
- 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.
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.
You need the fitness required to carry a ~10kg pack for short periods of time. This includes walking off-trail.
How difficult is this trip and how fast do we walk?
For a multiday hike with camping, we rate this trip as moderate. You can see the distance and elevation details in the table below:
Trip statistics (without side trips)
| Average | Minimum | Maximum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance (km) | 11 | 8.7 | 14.5 |
| Elevation gain (m) | 430 | 230 | 700 |
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
We have a 4 day food carry. Each person will initially have to carry up to ~3.5kg of food.
Water
Whilst water is generally readily available in this region, it is highly dependent on recent rainfall. It is uncommon to carry more than 2L of water.
Do you cater for dietary requirements?
We are experienced in catering for a wide range of dietary requirements, provided you let us know in advance. If we are unable to cater for your dietary needs, we will contact you and find an alternative solution.
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 4 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?
If you have luggage, 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 Snowies offer 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 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.
You can read our full terms and conditions here.
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.
