The 'Roof of Australia' is an Inn-to-Inn accommodated walking holiday. You traverse the Snowy Mountains, walking from one delightful ski village to the next. We move your luggage for you while you are out walking. This holiday is Self-guided.
Located half way between Sydney and Melbourne, the Snowy Mountains preserves an area containing Australia’s highest mountains. Appropriately called the Roof of Australia, this walking holiday traverses Australia’s Alps, staying overnight in secluded ski villages.
These mountains were once covered by glaciers that carved 5 exquisite small lakes from the granite rock, as well as numerous steep sided valleys. Much of the national park is snow covered from May to November, but then the winter snows melt, flow as life giving fresh water into Australia's folklore rivers, the Snowy, Murrumbidgee and the Murray. The high peaks of Kosciuszko National Park then become a mecca for walkers keen to see the rugged scenery, masses of spectacular wildflowers and of course reach the summit of Mt Kosciuszko.
These high peaks are true "Man from Snowy River" country. Legend has it that this brave young man rode his horse where no other riders dared go in pursuit of a valuable stallion who had escaped to run with the wild bush horses. Will you be lucky enough to spot a wild brumby? On this walk you will see an ancient landscape carved out by receding glaciers of the last Ice Age, enjoy lunch beside a pristine lake and walk through snowgum woodlands and colourful alpine meadows. In summer the wildflowers have to be seen to be believed - fields of snow daisies, alpine buttercups, billy buttons, golden everlastings and unique alpine gentians. The route culminates in an ascent of the highest mountain in Australia, Mt Kosciuszko - with a little help from a chairlift!
Location The Roof of Australia commences in Jindabyne, approximately half way between Sydney and Melbourne. There are regular coaches as well as a regional airline service.
Grading 25% easy, 55% moderate, 20% more strenuous, with chairlift used on steepest section. Longest day has 6 hours walking (can be reduced).
Accommodation Alpine lodges in ski village settings - private rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Regional wine & food highlights The region is noted for fresh Snowy Mountains trout and tender high country beef. Wash it down with a drop or two from the Snowy River Winery - the highest winery in the country, specialising in cool climate varieties.
Included 5 nights accommodation, 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, luggage transfers, vehicle transfers required for the itinerary, chairlift rides, information booklets, insulated lunch bag, map case, National Park fees, walking notes, maps.
Not included Alcohol, one dinner
The best time to go This mountain environment is about 10 degrees cooler than Sydney. January-February is usually warm and the alpine wildflowers are at their best. December & March are usually cool to mild.
Departure Dates Self-Guided INN-to-INN - any day from 26 December to Easter, with a minimum of 2 people booking together.
Itinerary guide - 6 days (includes 5 nights accommodation & 4 days walking) Day 1: Starts in Jindabyne any time after 2pm. There is no walking scheduled for today but there are short walks you can do around the lake shore. Accommodation: Jindabyne Day 2: After a transfer high into the mountains, the walk begins with the easy Aqueduct Trail. Marvel at one of the greatest engineering feats in the world - the mighty Snowy Mountains Scheme 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. After lunch, climb to Porcupine Rocks for spectacular views of the Great Dividing Range. The ancient snowgum 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. Accommodation: Perisher Alpine Village. Day 3: Did you know that Australia has glacial lakes? You’ll see several on this walk above the tree-line. Cross our famous Snowy River, walk through fields carpeted in wildflowers, stroll along high grassy ridges and chill your drink in an icy lake. Watch out for spaghnum bogs - large mossy plants that hold six times their weight in water then slowly release it into the alpine streams. Accommodation: Charlotte Pass Alpine Village. Day 4: Walk to the summit of the highest mountain in Australia, Mt Kosciuszko, a highlight not to be missed. This mountain is a mecca for walkers and you’ll share the summit with people from all over the world. 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. Accommodation: Thredbo Alpine Village. Day 5: Take the easy way and ride the chairlift up! Today’s walk descends through fields of alpine wildflowers and snowgum 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. Accommodation: Thredbo Alpine Village. Day 6: After breakfast you’ll be transported back to Jindabyne where your trip finishes.
