GENERAL INFO
The Roof of Australia commences in Jindabyne, approximately halfway between Sydney and Melbourne.
The easiest way to get to Jindabyne is to drive. There is a daily coach service from Canberra to Cooma – you would then need to catch a taxi from Cooma to Jindabyne. You can also fly from Sydney to Cooma on Aeropelican and catch a private transfer to Jindabyne. We can supply more detailed information on request. However, it is more convenient and often cheaper to hire a car and leave it in Jindabyne during this walking holiday.
This walk is rated as moderate with ample opportunity to push yourself to make this more challenging with additional options offered. All tracks remain well-marked, but the alpine terrain is at times undulating. There are some rough tracks along long, gradual ascents to the summits, plus some steep uphill and downhill sections.
This walking holiday starts and finishes in Jindabyne with transfers between accommodation and sections of the walk. Each walking day you’ll cover an average of just over 14km, but with the options we offer along the way that can be increased. As part of the walk you’ll even take an optional ride on a chairlift for part of the way. We move your luggage ahead to your next accommodation at each stage, so all you need to carry is what you need for the day.
For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.
WEATHER
This walk can be done any time from the start of December to 20th April. This mountain environment is about 10–15 degrees cooler than Melbourne and Sydney, and there is a possibility of bad weather even during summer. January and February are usually warm and the alpine wildflowers are at their best. December and March are usually mild, and considered by many people to be the best times to visit.
See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.
INSURANCE
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance for all of our trips. However, we require that for all travel overseas that you purchase a travel insurance policy, as we charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it. It is also important in the event of an accident or loss of property. See FAQ’s for more information.
INFORMATION PACK
For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine details and much more.
CONTACT
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.
Stephanie W
Fabulous 5 days walking in the snowy mountains – very well organized by Auswalk. The highlight was definitely the beautiful day walk to Mt Carruthers via Blue Lake – we were lucky enough to have fabulous weather. A top 10 Australian day walk. Topped off by a very relaxing couple of days in Thredbo at the end…..
Peter P
Just back from an impulsively-booked 7 day Snowies/Mt Kosciuszko walk with Auswalk. How else could one book an impulsive walking holiday (at Christmas time, no less) in a longed-for destination and yet be thoroughly assured that the walk notes would be honed from years of expertise and local knowledge and contain everything to get us from A to Z, on every day of self-guided walking ahead of us. Plus luggage transfer safely accomplished, meals beautifully catered with due care to any intolerances, national park fees duly accommodated and chair-lift options already ticketed for those days when that last long steep and arduous ascent or descent is just a step too far after a long day spent reveling in the beauties and spectacles and bush picnics in the most idyllic settings our incredible country has to offer? Never a doubt that our accommodation will be anything less than impeccable, nor that those responsible for smoothing and catering for our holiday and sending us on our way each day will be capable, reliable, punctual, knowledgeable and sincerely concerned for our wellbeing. Thank you Auswalk. Such a relief to be able to leave the plethora of intricate arrangements necessary for that 7 days of blissful freedom in your capable hands in the assurance that nothing would be forgotten, nor would anything go amiss where human effort could prevent it. Even the weather decided to make everything perfect for us, as it inexplicably often does when we undertake such walks. Such good memories made. Leaving us pining for the next Auswalk experience as per usual. It’s going to be another long year!
Chris S and Jenny K
Auswalks makes the walking easy (well almost!). In taking care of all the boring stuff (booking accommodation, meals, arranging transport, luggage transfers and packed lunches) means you just get up each morning and walk. Route instructions for self-guided walks are excellent: comprehensive, reliable, and trustworthy.
Catherine F
I was very happy with the Roof of Australia walk organised by Auswalk and would certainly be happy to go on another walk of theirs. The directions were very good, as was the accommodation and transport. The Australians we met on the trip, including our hosts, could not have been more pleasant and helpful.