Snowy Mountains and Mount Kosciuszko Long Weekend

Pick up in Canberra is at 8:30 am at the Vibe Hotel or 8:45 am at Canberra Airport, then drive to the start of the walk. We begin by walking to Guthega via one of the many aqueduct trails, learning about the mighty Snowy Mountains Scheme as we go. Marvel at one of the greatest engineering feats in the world – the mighty Snowy Mountains Scheme. It was built in the 1950s and 60s to change the direction of the rivers and provide water for farmers on the dry inland plains. The path meanders beside the scheme’s aqueducts, rivers and dams that opened up this isolated country. The route continues to Guthega Alpine village, set on the banks of the Snowy River.

Walking: Easy to moderate / 11km / 4-4.5 hrs / varied terrain including grassy walking and 4WD tracks/altitude might take some getting used to, so we’ll take it slowly

Meals: Walkers lunch and two-course dinner with a glass of wine or two

Accommodation: Altitude Lodge Smiggin Holes with ensuite rooms

Guthega to Perisher plus an option to Porcupine Rocks. Today we traverse through Blue Cow alpine ski resort to Perisher Valley. This region has earned prestigious UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. As you ascend, you’ll learn how delicate plants can thrive in such challenging conditions and gain an insight into the geology of this rugged landscape.

Climb to Porcupine Rocks for spectacular views of Crackenback. The ancient snow gum trees here are twisted and gnarled through centuries of harsh winters. After rain or fog, these tree trunks change colour to brilliant shades of red, orange, yellow and green.

Walking: Moderate / 13 km / approx. 4.5-5.5 hrs / including choice of easier or harder option along the way / varied terrain including grassy tracks, narrow foot tracks, 4WD tracks and an optional off-track section, including some steep bits

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and two-course dinner with a glass of wine or two

Accommodation: Altitude Lodge Smiggin Holes with ensuite rooms

Did you know that Australia has glacial lakes? You’ll see several on this walk above the tree-line. Cross our famous Snowy River to Blue Lake, walk through fields carpeted in wildflowers, stroll along high grassy ridges and chill your drink in an icy lake. Watch out for Sphagnum Bogs – large mossy plants that hold six times their weight in water then slowly release it into the alpine streams. We class this walk as challenging but well worth it as this is the most epic way to the summit of the highest mountain in Australia – Mt Kosciuszko. This mountain is a mecca for walkers and you’ll share the summit with people from all over the world. Incidentally, the 360-degree views along the way are a highlight not to be missed. Finish the day with an exhilarating ride down the country’s longest chairlift. Hardy walkers can choose to walk Merritt’s Track steeply down through unique Mountain Ash forests and waterfall valleys.

Walking: Moderate to challenging/ 19 km / 7-8 hrs / all uphill or downhill with the gradient varying from gentle to quite steep / a shorter walk to Kosciuszko is available

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and two-course chef-prepared dinner in the lodge restaurant with a glass of wine or two

Accommodation: Boali Thredbo Village with ensuite rooms

Take the easy way and ride the chairlift up. Today’s walk descends through fields of alpine wildflowers and snow gum forests to the Thredbo Valley. Will you be one of the lucky ones to see wild brumbies roaming the plains? Walk quietly in this special, pristine place. Finish the day with an easy stroll along the banks of the swift Thredbo River as it meanders down to the village and completes this epic 4-day walk. We then travel back to Canberra arriving around 5 PM.

Walking: Easy / 10km / 3-4hrs / start with a very short gentle climb followed by a long gentle downhill section, the rest of the walking is undulating

Meals: Chef-prepared cooked breakfast in the lodge restaurant and a walkers lunch