Snowy Mountains Hiking Adventure - Day Pack Walking
(Ex Canberra) New South Wales - Wed 20th November 2024

Leaving at 10:00am from Canberra Airport in the bus, we make our way down the Monaro Highway to our first stop, Cooma. This is a quick bathroom stop and a chance for you to grab a coffee. We then continue to our accommodation, Valhalla, nestled in the Perisher Valley Ski Region. Our lunch will be waiting for us which we will enjoy on the deck, soaking in the views that will be all ours for the next 4 nights.

After lunch we head straight out for our first walk - Porcupine Rocks. From our accommodation doorstep we will explore the valley along a well maintained path, passing through open grasslands and snow gum forest to a large group of granite rocks along a ridge, Porcupine Rocks. Overlooking the entire valley below to Crackenback & the Thredbo Valley, the views are breathtaking, a sample of things to come.

Check-in is after this walk, so you can freshen up for a pre-dinner nibbles and welcome drink.

Meals: Lunch, Snack, Dinner

Accommodation: Valhalla Lodge

Today's walk takes us over to the Thredbo Valley. After a short trip on the bus we hop on the Thredbo Valley Chairlift for a 15 minute ride which takes us up to the trailhead for the day.

Dead Horse Gap crosses the great Dividing Range at 1,580 metres and is the watershed between the Thredbo Snowy System & the Murray River. This is often referred to as the most picturesque walks in the Snowy Mountains. With hundreds upon hundreds of white Snow gum trees, fabulous wildflowers and jaw dropping views from the top, it's a must do for hikers.

We join the Thredbo Valley River Track, this is a scenic walk along the river that takes in the Kosciuszko sub-alpine flora. Large granite boulders have snow gums growing around them - a testament to mother nature's ability to adapt. There are foot bridges that we will cross as the water races beneath us and keep your eyes open to see if you can spot any trout or even the ellusive platypus.

We get back to our accommodation for an afternoon of free time. Relax in one of the lounge areas or out on the deck. Maybe even challenge someone to a game of table tennis?

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack, Dinner

Accommodation: Valhalla Lodge

We begin our day by jumping on the bus to Charlotte's Pass where we prepare for today's epic adventure. Today we climb to the rooftop of Australia 2,228 metres,while the views are spectacular, the journey there is just as amazing.

First we will cross the fabled Snowy River, then hike up over the glacier-carved landscape of this UNESCO protected biosphere reserve. The Australian alpine scenery well-above the tree line is where the wildflowers and grasses survive the extreme mountain weather. Glacial lakes guide us along the well maintained trail. Once up in the mountains we traverse along the saddle, then it's one last push to the summit. We are rewarded with 360 deg views.

From the top of Australia's highest mountain, we make our way to Rawson Pass, then down the open fire trail past the Seaman's Hut, over the Snowy River again, back to our bus.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack, Dinner

Accommodation: Valhalla Lodge

This morning we head out for a leg stretch after yesterday’s epic adventure. The Illawong trail is a beautiful 5-7km return walk which leaves from Guthega Village in the Kosciuszko National Park. We will follow the Snowy River Valley along alpine heath, majestic snow gums passing Illawong Hut, one of the oldest buildings still standing in the park. We eventually arrive at the old swinging bridge where there is an opportunity for those brave enough to cross the river and explore the alpine landscape beyond.

We return along this trail enjoying the wildflowers and abundant birdlife.

This afternoon we visit the nearby award-winning Wild Brumby Distillery for a tasting session (not included).

Back at our accommodation we share our last dinner together as the sunsets across the valley.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack, Dinner

Accommodation: Valhalla Lodge

As we wave goodbye to our hosts at Valhalla, we enjoy the beautiful Rainbow Lake Walk before beginning our journey back to Canberra.

The picturesque trail takes us through snow gum trees and across snow grasses with alpine wildflowers like paper daisies & silver snow daisies.

There are some gentle climbs and even a creek or two to cross, however, this family friendly trail will draw you in as you catch the first glimpses of the sun sparkling on the lake. If we are lucky, we might spot some trout, Gang Gang cockatoos or even a shy common wombat.

We will retrace our steps back to the bus and drive further down the valley to our optional second walk (time permitting), Waterfall Circuit (Grade 3 / 6km loop / 2 hrs). This trail is a great option for most weather conditions as it is quite sheltered. We will pass through tall eucalypt forest along our journey to the waterfall itself. There is a viewing platform to take in its beauty before heading up along the tree line under alpine ash trees, which were logged in the area late last century. Local wildlife includes wallabies, kangaroos & even the echidna.

After lunch at a scenic picnic spot on the Thredbo River, we jump back on our bus and commence the final leg of our final journey back to Canberra, stopping in Cooma again for a rest break and coffee.

Relax the rest of the way, reminiscing about the time you have spent in Australia’s highest region. We aim to have you back at Canberra Airport around 5:00pm (weather and traffic dependant). We ask you to not book flights home prior to 7:00pm.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack