Adventuring in the High Country
Some trips are about more than just the destination—they’re about the people, the laughs, and the moments that make you stop and think, Wow, this is pretty amazing. Our six-day adventure through the Snowy Mountains had all that and more. From watching the sunrise at the top of Australia to battling fierce winds, celebrating birthdays, and sharing unforgettable moments, this was a journey to remember.
We couldn’t have asked for better weather. From crisp, clear mornings to brilliant blue skies stretching as far as we could see, every day felt like pure magic.
Day 1: Canberra—Getting the Team Together
Our adventure kicked off in Canberra, where some of us arrived early to visit the Australian War Memorial for the Last Post Ceremony—a pretty special way to start the trip. We took a drive up Mount Ainslie for what should have been stunning views, but the rain had other plans. Instead, we embraced the downpour, laughed at our lack of a view, and took it as a sign that adventure was well and truly underway.
Dinner was all about getting to know each other, swapping stories, and diving into our goodie bags—team shirts included! After plenty of laughs (and maybe a wine or two), we called it a night, ready for the days ahead.
Day 2: Into the Snowy Mountains
After a buffet breakfast (because food = fuel), we loaded into our minibus and set off for Perisher Valley. Today’s hike was a 12km trek, almost entirely downhill, taking us from Perisher to Bullocks Flat. It was our first real taste of alpine hiking—winding through snow gums, following the Thredbo River, and soaking in stunning views of Kosciuszko National Park.
By the afternoon, we arrived at our chalet, our base for the next few nights. With a big day ahead, the focus was on preparation. Our briefing for tomorrow’s Mt Kosciuszko sunrise summit was in-depth—the weather could change fast, and with a long trek ahead, we needed to be ready. Layers, hydration, head torches—every detail mattered.
Excitement was building, but with an early start looming, we called it a night. Tomorrow, we’d take on the highest peak in Australia.
Day 3: Sunrise on Mount Kosciuszko
Alarms went off at 2:30 am (yes, really), and we layered up, grabbed our gear, and set off into the dark to the start of our trail. It was a very slow drive as we came across lots of wildlife at that time of morning—kangaroos, foxes, wombats, and rabbits. We started walking at 4:00 am. The sky completely clouded over at first, but about an hour in, the clouds cleared, revealing a sky full of stars. It was pure magic.
Hiking by head torch in the stillness of the night was surreal, and as we neared the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, the first hints of dawn began to appear. Then suddenly, there we were—standing on the very top of Australia, watching the sun rise over the mountains.
It was breathtaking. Totally worth the early wake-up.
After soaking it all in with a hot drink in hand, we continued our trek across the Main Range. The trail took us through glacier-carved valleys, past the stunning Blue Lake, and across the Snowy River, where a few brave souls took a dip in the ice-cold water before tackling the final 600m up Heartbreak Hill. If you know, you know—it’s a real test after 22km of hiking!
By the time we made it back to Charlotte Pass, we were exhausted, elated, and in desperate need of a nap. That night, the sauna, spa, and home-cooked meal never felt better.
Day 4: A Birthday to Remember
Today was extra special—Christina’s birthday! And what better way to celebrate than with one of WEA’s favourite alpine walks?
We took on the trail from Charlotte Pass to Guthega (mixing it up and walking it in reverse), a spectacular 9km route that had us cross two suspension bridges over the Snowy River and Spencers Creek. Every step was stunning—crystal-clear water, beautiful mountain peaks in the distance, and endless alpine beauty under the clearest blue sky.
Post-hike, we took the celebration up a notch with drinks and a charcuterie board at Wildbrumby Schnapps Distillery—party hats included! The van ride home even featured some questionable but enthusiastic singing.
We wrapped up the day with a big family-style dinner, sharing highlights from the trip so far and already scheming about where our next adventure might take us.
Day 5: Battling the Wind & Chasing the Moon
We started the day with a solid breakfast, layered up, and set off from Charlotte Pass—ready for another day on the trail. What we weren’t quite ready for was the 40km winds that hit us head-on!
But this crew? Unstoppable. We leaned in, laughed through it, and powered on.
The walk to Perisher was stunning, with rolling high-country plains, winding rivers, and ancient snow gums lining the way. The detour to Porcupine Rocks was absolutely worth it—the views over the Thredbo River Valley and Crackenback were unreal, even if staying upright in the wind was a challenge!
By the time we reached Perisher, we were windburned, tired, and completely stoked. A warm meal and some pre-dinner nibbles never tasted so good.
But the adventure wasn’t over.
First up—trivia! Turns out, we’d actually learned a thing or two along the way. Then, in a spur-of-the-moment decision, we headed outside to watch the full moon light up the mountains. It was absolutely magic.
Back inside, we wrapped up the night with some brain games that had us in stitches. Wind, laughs, and a little moon-chasing—what a day!
Day 6: Downhill to the Finish
Our final morning started early with the sad feeling of packing up, one last breakfast, and a final hike together.
We made our way to Thredbo and took the chairlift up, floating high above the valley with breathtaking views of the Ramshead Range, Crackenback Mountain, and the Thredbo Valley stretching below.
Then, it was time for our last descent—Dead Horse Gap Track. Just over 5km, all downhill, and an absolute beauty. We took our time soaking in the scenery, stopping for photos, and keeping an eye out for wildlife. No brumbies today, but plenty of birdlife and a few curious wallabies.
Crossing the Thredbo River marked the end of our final hike. With a mix of satisfaction and reluctance, we climbed into the waiting minibus and headed to Jindabyne, where a well-earned lunch (and coffee) was waiting.
By 4:00 pm, we were back in Canberra.
The End of an Amazing Trip
As we unpacked the van and trailer in Canberra, saying our goodbyes, that familiar post-adventure feeling settled in—tired but happy, a little sore but completely satisfied.
We had hiked, laughed, pushed ourselves, and shared moments we’d never forget. New friendships were made, and future adventures were already being planned.
And through it all, we were blessed with the most incredible weather—each day giving us sunshine, blue skies, and perfect conditions for adventure.
We hugged our new friends and promised: this won’t be the last time.
Here’s to more mountains, more sunrises, and more adventures with an incredible group of women.
Until next time, Snowy Mountains!
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