AAWT Canberra to Thredbo
AAWT Canberra to Thredbo
Overview
The Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT) is Australia’s premier long-distance alpine bushwalk. At 680km in length, it traverses Australia’s finest high country between Tharwa (ACT) and Walhalla (VIC).
Passing through terrain that is inaccessible by vehicle, the track offers the potential to explore some of the most remote and rugged areas within Victoria, NSW, and the ACT. Unlike the standard tourist hikes of Australia, the remote nature of this route provides an authentic wilderness experience without the crowds.
This trip tackles the northern third of the AAWT, from Tharwa (ACT) to Dead Horse Gap (NSW). Traversing the high plains of the Snowy Mountains, explore historic alpine huts, spot native wildflowers and summit Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko.
On this trip you have the opportunity to develop your outdoor skills and knowledge. Our world-class guides are passionate about sharing their experience. Learn how to lighten your pack, nail your nutrition and navigate in the backcountry. Have the confidence to pursue unguided multi-day hiking trips or even take on a thru hike like the Pacific Crest Trail!
Key Features
- A quiet and isolated wilderness walking experience.
- Famous Australian snow gums and alpine wildflowers.
- A range of track types including firetrails, single track, and off track hiking.
- Many historic alpine huts (up to 12 depending on the side trips taken).
- Walk through Namadgi and Kosciuszko National Park, including exploring Australia’s Snowy Mountains and summiting Mount Kosciuszko (the highest point in Australia).
Highlights
- Summit Mount Bimberi, the highest point in the ACT (optional side trip).
- Explore Blue Waterholes and the surrounding caves.
- Summit Mt Jagungal (optional side trip).
- Visit the head of Valentine Falls, which has a total drop of 120m (optional side trip).
- Traverse the Rolling Grounds.
- Walk past Australia’s highest alpine lakes including Lake Cootapatamba, Club Lake, Blue Lake, and Lake Albina.
Wilderness Immersion
At the core of The Adventure Gene is the belief that outside is better than inside. Our trips are designed to get you deep into nature, away from big cities and crowded walks filled with day hikers. That’s why we only provide tent-based adventures. We want you to see the sunrise (and the sunset). To hear the birds talking after the rain passes. To feel the cool breeze come in after a day of walking. To be outside, in our natural environment.
Indeed, a 2022 meta-analysis of scientific studies found that 98% of people improved their mental health after engaging with natural outdoor environments. This aligns with our experience based on over 35,000km of hiking. However, it’s not as simple as just being in nature. Recent research shows that the biggest benefits come from connecting and engaging with the natural environment (1, 2, 3).
Based off these recent findings, each day on trail we will run a short, optional, mindfulness exercise to help you notice, engage, and connect with the surrounding natural environment. Current research at Macquarie University shows that as little as 20 minutes of nature engagement per week is enough to feel:
- 50% more relaxed
- 36% happier
- 20% less negative
- 7.7% more productive
- 31% more connected to the natural environment
Of course, on this trip we are lucky to have far more than 20 minutes to engage with the incredible nature available to us ☺️
Itinerary
Meet your guides in Canberra the afternoon before the tour starts. You will receive all your gear (tent, sleeping bag, pack etc.) and we will do a final clothing check.
Day 1: Namadgi Visitor Centre - Honeysuckle Campground, 15.6km
We meet at 7am in Canberra before taking the short drive to Namadgi Visitor Centre, the northern terminus of the Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT). Beginning our trek through Namadgi National Park, we climb up towards Mt Tennent saddle along rocky single-track. For those wanting to bag the peak, you can take a short detour to the summit, enjoying panoramic views over the ACT from the top.
Descending down to Bushfold Flats, you have a great opportunity to spot native birdlife, wildflowers and wallabies as we trek through sections of eucalypt forest. Shortly afterwards, you have the option to detour to Booroomba Rocks, Canberra’s largest granite cliffs. From the top, take in extensive views of the Brindabellas in an area frequently visited by rock climbers for its challenging slabs and cracks. We finish our day at Honeysuckle campground. Here, we meet our support vehicle for dinner, and collect our food for the next few days.
Popular side trips:
- Mt Tennent (4.8km return)
- Booroomba Rocks (2.5km return)
Meals provided: Lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 2: Honeysuckle Campground to Cotter Flat, 24km
The next day, we begin our walk with a descent into Orroral Valley, which is home to one of the highest density populations of kangaroos anywhere in Australia. From the expansive, open grassy valley, we transition into eucalypt forest. Following a blend of fire trails and single-track, we pass vibrant flowering plants, including banksias and silver wattle, as we ascend toward Cotter Gap. Here, the landscape shifts again, featuring scattered granite boulders and swampy grass plains. Our day concludes with a descent to Cotter Flat, where we set up camp for the night.
Note: In adherence to camping regulations, we ensure our campsite is at least 500 meters from Cotter Hut and 100 meters from Cotter River.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 3: Cotter Flat to Oldfields Hut, 11.2km
Leaving Cotter Flat, we pass by Cotter Hut, a structure built in the 1960s that continues to serve as a base for park rangers. Following fireroads, we steadily climb toward Murrays Gap, crossing both Bimberi Creek and Little Bimberi Creek along the way. As we near the pass, the landscape transitions into high country bogs and fens, which provide a crucial home to endangered species such as the Northern Corroboree Frog and Broad-toothed Rat.
Here, you have the chance to leave your pack behind and summit Mt Bimberi (1913m), the highest peak in the ACT. Following a faint footpad to the top, we straddle the ACT-NSW border, navigating around snow gums and granite boulders. From the summit, enjoy sweeping views of both states and the satisfaction of standing atop the nation’s capital. On clear days you can even spot Telstra Tower, over 50km away.
After descending from Mt Bimberi, we enter New South Wales and make our way down to the historic Oldfields Hut (built 1925), where we spend the night.
Popular side trips:
- Mt Bimberi (6km return)
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 4: Oldfields Hut to Blue Waterholes, 12.3km
Leaving Oldfields Hut, we make our way through the expansive open terrain of Currango Plain. We have the opportunity to visit Pockets Hut before heading on towards Blue Waterholes where we will meet our support vehicle. Have the option to spend the rest of the day exploring the Clarke Gorge Walking Track, winding through the limestone gorge, exploring caves and taking multiple swims in the crystal-clear, blue waters. The track ends at Cooleman Falls, one of our favourite places to swim in the region. After a brief scramble to reach the base, you are rewarded with an open pool of water at the foot of the falls, perfect for a rejuvenating swim.
Alternatively, put your feet up and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
Popular side trips:
- Pockets Hut (1.3km return)
- Cooleman Falls (4.2km return)
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 5: Blue Waterholes to Millers Hut, 23km
We begin our day walking along the Nichols Gorge Walking Track. We pass both Cooleman and Murray Cave, which both extend several hundred meters into the limestone cliffs. These caves are home to a variety of rock formations, with Murray Cave having a stunning water-filled siphon at the end.
Heading off-track, we make our way towards Bill Jones Hut before continuing along fireroads through the open plains. Along the way, you have the option to detour and visit Old Currango Homestead (built 1873), the oldest historic hut in Kosciuszko National Park. The open, undulating terrain makes for quick progress as we make our way towards Millers Hut, where we camp for the night.
Popular side trips:
- Murray Cave (600m return)
- Coleman Cave (400m return)
- Old Currango Homestead (2.6km return)
- Hainsworth Hut (600m return)
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 6: Millers Hut to Witzes Hut, 16.5km
Transitioning off trail, our day begins with a 7km off-track section through rolling, grassy tussock fields. This is a great opportunity to practice your navigational skills if desired. The off-track walking ends with us fording the Murrumbidgee River, the third longest river in Australia and a major tributary of the Murray River.
Continuing along open fire road, we cross Tantangara Creek before following Bullock Hill Trail as we make our way across Tantangara Plain. We finish our day at Witzes Hut, a historic hut built in 1952 using the remains of a nearby 1880’s homestead.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 7: Witzes Hut to Four Mile Hut, 20.4km
Leaving Witzes Hut, we continue along Nungar Creek Trail across rolling terrain. Crossing the Eucumbene River, we make our way towards Kiandra, a historic gold mining town and the birthplace of Australian skiing. Crossing our second and final sealed road of the tour, we will meet our support vehicle and resupply.
Leaving Kiandra, we follow Tabletop Mountain Trail as we walk past remnants of the 1860s gold rush, including weathered aqueducts and rusted machinery that hint at the area’s rich history. Climbing up past Selwyn Snow Resort we enter the heart of Australia’s high country, taking in sweeping views of rolling mountains scattered with snow gums. Detouring off the AAWT we finish our day at Four Mile Hut, rebuilt in 2024 after being burnt down in the 2019/2020 bushfires.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 8: Four Mile Hut to Happys Hut, 14.8km
Leaving the recently rebuilt Four Mile Hut, we continue along grassy, open fire roads, taking in extensive views of the surrounding Snowy Mountains. You have the opportunity to detour off-track and summit Tabletop Mountain, a prominent volcanic plug that sits 150m above the surrounding landscape. Scattered with Australia’s iconic snow gums, this section provides distant views of our final destination – the Main Range.
Continuing past Tabletop Mountain, we follow fireroads for a few km before detouring off-track towards Happys Hut, where we will camp for the night. Similarly to Four Mile Hut, Happys Hut was also burnt down in the 2019/2020 bushfires, and was rebuilt in 2024.
Popular side trips:
- Tabletop Mountain (1.3km return)
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 9: Happys Hut to Mackeys Hut, 16.8km
Leaving Happys Hut, we make our way off track towards another recently rebuilt hut; Brooks Hut. From here, we follow Brooks Hut Trail until we rejoin the AAWT at Grey Mare Trail. Following Grey Mare Trail through open grassland, we enter Jagungal Wilderness. Characterised by it’s alpine, grassy terrain, Jagungal Wilderness provides far-reaching views of the Snowy Mountains. In spring, the landscape is littered with alpine wildflowers, providing a pop of colour amongst the green tussock.
The rest of the day sees us travelling along open tracks as we head towards Mackays Hut, where we camp for the night.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 10: Mackays Hut to Derschkos Hut, 16.7km
Leaving Mackays Hut, we continue along Grey Mare Trail. Passing Doubtful Creek and Bogong Creek, we make our way towards O’Keefes Hut, famous for it’s historic newspaper-lined walls.
After O’Keefes Hut, you have the opportunity to drop your pack and summit Mt Jagungal, the northernmost 2000m peak in Australia and the source of the Tumut and Geehi rivers. A prominent peak in the region, Mt Jagungal provides sweeping views across Jagungal Wilderness and towards the Main Range.
Descending from the mountain we follow open fireroad towards Derschkos Hut, where we spend the night.
Popular side trips:
- Mt Jagungal (5.2km return)
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 11: Derschkos Hut to Schlink Hut, 23.7km
We begin our day with some easy walking along Grey Mare Trail through undulating, alpine grassland. We can take a short detour to visit Grey Mare Hut, built in 1934 for mining. Next to the hut you can see the remnants of the abandoned mine machinery.
Leaving the hut, we return to the AAWT and continue along Valentine Trail. The well formed track makes for quick progress as we make our way towards Valentine Hut. Painted bright red, Valentine Hut stands out in the landscape and is one of the most iconic huts in the region. For those who are interested, you can take a short side trip to visit the head of Valentine Falls, the tallest waterfall in Kosciuszko National Park with a total drop of 120m.
That afternoon, we continue along well-formed fireroad as we make our way to Schlink Hut where we set up camp for the night.
Popular side trips:
- Grey Mare Hut (900m return)
- Valentine Falls (2km return)
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 12: Schlink Hut to Whites River Hut, 3.4km
Today we make our way from Schlink Hut along fireroad towards Whites River Hut. Nestled at the base of the Rolling Grounds, Whites River Hut provides the perfect place to have a rest day before our final two days of the trip, traversing the Main Range.
For those who would like to continue exploring the area, you have the option to join your guides on a trek down to Guthega Power Station. Here, we will meet our support vehicle and resupply food before making our way back up to Whites River Hut. On this loop you will get to visit both Disappointment Spur Hut and Horse Camp Hut.
Popular side trips:
- Horse Camp Hut and Disappointment Spur Hut (16.4km return)
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 13: Whites River Hut to Wilkinsons Creek, 23.7km
Climbing up onto the Main Range, we traverse the Rolling Grounds and explore the pristine alpine environment of Australia’s tallest mountains. The track follows a faint footpad through open, grassy terrain, surrounded by meadows of alpine wildflowers with granite boulders scattered throughout.
As we enter the Main Range you have the opportunity to leave your pack behind and take a detour along a narrow ridgeline to reach the summit of Mt Sentinel, a standout peak in the area and one of our most recommended side trips. Shortly afterwards, you can opt for another side excursion to Blue Lake, the most renowned alpine lake on the Main Range and a winter hotspot for ice climbing in Australia.
Continuing on the Main Range Track, we pass two additional alpine lakes, Club Lake and Albina Lake, as we follow a well-defined trail toward Muellers Pass. At this point, you have the chance to make one last side trip for the day and climb Mt Townsend (2209m), Australia’s second-highest peak. This summit provides stunning views of the Main Range and Mt Kosciuszko, all without the usual crowds.
The day concludes with a descent to Wilkinson’s Creek, a protected campsite known for its breathtaking sunsets over the mountains on clear evenings.
Popular side trips:
- Mt Twynam (500m return)
- Mt Sentinel (3.3km return)
- Blue Lake (3.4km return)
- Mt Townsend (5km return)
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
Day 14: Wilkinsons Creek to Dead Horse Gap, 14.6km
Our final day begins with taking in the sunrise at the top of Mt Kosciuszko. Arriving early, we avoid the usual crowds and take in the sweeping views of the Snowy Mountains, savouring the feeling of being at the rooftop of Australia.
After descending from the summit, we pass Lake Cootapatamba before leaving the marked trail to explore the Rams Head Range. This off-track route is one of our favourite places to walk in Kosciuszko National Park, offering a final immersive experience in the high country and the chance to climb three additional prominent peaks.
From Rams Head South, we descend along a narrow trail lined with Snow Gums. Our journey concludes at Dead Horse Gap, where you have the chance to reward yourself with a hot meal in Jindabyne before driving back to Canberra that evening.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch & snacks
Please note that 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.
Map
Inclusions
- Modern hiking gear including tents, sleeping bags, packs, mats and trekking poles (plus a bunch of our other favourite little goodies). We estimate you can hike comfortably with a total pack weight under 10kg for nearly the entire trip.
- Quality, nutritious meals, snacks and hot drinks for the entire trip. This includes a cooked breakfast and dinner. Excludes breakfast on the first day, and dinner on the final day.
- Two world-class guides.
- Transport from and to Canberra at the beginning and end of the trek.
- Access to a support vehicle every 3-4 days to resupply food and access your personal drop bag.
- Detailed pre-tour preparation package tailored to the AAWT.
- A professionally edited video of the trip.
Bespoke Paintings
The Adventure Gene is excited to offer the opportunity to commemorate your journey with us by receiving a personalised commission painting by local Canberra artist, Ineka Voigt. Personalised commissions are based on a chosen photograph, or series of photographs and everyone receives 20% off their first painting. Click here for more details.
The Adventure Gene, Ineka Voigt 2024. Oil on canvas board, 30cm x 40cm. The Sentinel, Kosciuszko National Park.
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Group Discount Available LimitedSundayNov 2, 2025SaturdayNov 15, 2025AUD $4,995.006Available
Other Information
Preparation Package
This tour includes an extensive preparation package filled with gear suggestions and techniques designed to help you thrive in the Australian Alps. Additionally, you will receive a detailed trip itinerary 8 weeks before the trip starts.
Contact
We encourage you to reach out and ask questions at any time. You can contact us via email (contact@theadventuregene.com), social media or through the website.
Insurance Coverage
All participants are required to have adequate travel insurance that covers medical evacuation by air, land, or sea. This is typically in the form of ambulance cover. Please note that any evacuation deemed necessary by the guides will be the financial responsibility of the guest.
It is also recommended that you have 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 tour?
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. However, it is essential that you have the required level of fitness and a willingness to learn.
You need the fitness required to carry a ~10kg pack for extended periods of time and for multiple days in a row. This includes walking off-trail and up and down steep terrain.
We recommend that all participants engage in regular weekly aerobic activity 3+ times per week. This could include activities such as hiking, cycling, swimming, running, or a team sport with lots of activity (e.g. soccer, AFL, rugby, basketball). Walking on flat concrete paths is not adequate preparation for this trip.
How difficult is this trip and how fast do we walk?
For a multiday hike with camping, we rate this tour as moderate. You can see the distance and elevation details in the table below:
| Average | Minimum | Maximum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance (km) | 16 | 3.4 | 24 |
| Elevation gain (m) | 500 | 30 | 950 |
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 tour 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.
How much weight will I need to carry?
We estimate that you will be able to keep your pack weight below 10kg for nearly the entire trek. Gear provided will equate to 3.5-4kg. This leaves clothing, personal items, food and water making up the rest of the weight.
Food:
All food carries are 3 days or less, with the exception of one 5 day food carry in the second half of the trip. For the shorter resupplies, this equates to roughly 2.5kg of food per person. For the longer food carry, each person will initially have to carry up to 4.5kg 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, and the longest water carry for this trek could be up to 22km.
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.
What type of meals do you provide?
All meals, snacks and hot drinks are provided, 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. All food is designed as part of our nutrition program to ensure high energy levels for the duration of the trip.
The following are some examples of our favourite trail meals and snacks.
Breakfast:
- Trail oats with mixed nuts, dried fruit, chia seeds and maple syrup.
- A breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, bacon, refried beans, spinach, cheese and tomato sauce wrapped in a soft tortilla.
- Buckwheat pancakes with Nutella, dried fruit and nuts.
Lunch:
- A backcountry charcuterie board! Consisting of a selection of cheeses, crackers, cured meats and hummus.
- Pitta pockets filled with olives, sundried tomatoes, cheddar, spinach and cured meat.
- Creamy pumpkin soup with sourdough bread.
Dinner:
- Trail-made gnocchi in a tomato and herb sauce.
- Cumin, lentil and apricot dahl.
- Nachos; refried beans, corn, avocado and cheese served on crispy corn chips.
What should I do with my luggage?
You are welcome to leave a carry on size bag of luggage with the support vehicle for the duration of the trip. If you have more luggage than this, we recommend that you arrange to leave it at the accomodation you are staying at the night before the trip.
Do I need accomodation before and after the trip?
You will need accomodation for the night before the trip starts as we have our gear check the afternoon of Day 0.
Additionally, we highly recommend booking accomodation 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 in Haig Park, Braddon. There are many options for accomodation near here.
What should I pack for the tour?
After your place on the tour is confirmed, you will be sent a detailed packing list of required clothing and personal items. We also provide tailored recommendations based on our 35,000+km of experience!
If you are unsure what to pack, make sure to reach out and ask questions at any time.
Do I need to share a tent?
We have both one person and two person tents available. Whilst we recommend sharing a tent to reduce pack weight, it is not a requirement. If you choose to use a one person tent, this will equate to carrying roughly an extra 325g. If you choose to carry a two person tent for yourself, this will equate to carrying roughly an extra 540g.
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 on the AAWT. Whilst not always guaranteed, we have found that we have had service at some point almost every day along the tour (most consistently at high points and mountain passes). 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 AAWT offers 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, river crossings and trekking through uneven terrain.
Are there age restrictions for this tour?
All participants must be over the age of 18. Participants over the age of 65 require medical clearance from their doctor to partake in this tour.
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 get my gear checked the day before the tour starts?
The entire group will meet in Canberra the afternoon before the tour starts. We will issue your gear and perform a mandatory final gear check. All participants must attend. This is a safety measure to ensure everyone is carrying the appropriate gear for the remote, alpine environments we will encounter.
Are you licensed to run guided tours?
Yes, we are fully licensed and insured NSW EcoPass Operators.
What is your cancellation policy?
You may change your trip start date, or transfer to another trip, if you notify us more than 90 days before departure.
If you wish to cancel your trip and cannot transfer to another trip, we will charge the following per person:
- 60-90 days before departure: 25% of trip price
- 30-59 days before departure: 50% of trip price
- 15-29 days before departure: 75% of trip price
- 14 days or less before departure: 100% of trip price
No refunds will be given for unused services after the trip starts. Full payment is required 90 days before trip departure. If payment is not received by the due date, we reserve the right to cancel your booking.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help you out!
