ADVENTURE    Australian Alps   A superb challenge for experienced bushwalkers. Can be covered in 10 weeks or done in sections      Vic, ACT, NSW

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LENGTH: 683 km TIME: 70 Days

GRADE: Hard

START: Walhalla, Victoria

FINISH: Tharwa, near Canberra, ACT

Sample Itinerary Mt Kosciuszko & Lakes circuit A walk across Australia’s highest mountains with 360 degree views. Visit the summit of Mt Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak.   Start/End Thredbo village                          day 1.        To Mt Townsend 11km 3hrs              day 2.         Snowy River  14km 4hrs                      day 3.         Thredbo 13km 4hrs

Map & profile screen shots taken from DiscoverAus Streets and Tracks Topo. Copyright Next Destination 2007

WALK DESCRIPTION

GETTING THERE & BACK

ACCOMMODATION

BEST TIME TO WALK

DESCRIPTION: The Australian Alps Walking Track is a 650 kilometre track that winds through the high country of Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT. You will trek through some of Australia's finest mountain national parks including our highest mountains and crosses exposed remote alpine country.

THERE: There is a daily train service from Melbourne to Moe. Then taxi (50km) to Walhalla.   BACK: From the Visitor Centre at Tharwa, take a taxi the 30km to Canberra.

FACILITIES: There are huts, camping sites and occasional resorts. However most of the track is through wilderness area so walkers need to carry everything.    Take all your own food, tents and cooking equipment including fuel stoves. Do not light fires above or near the tree line.

BEST TIME: February to June and September to November.    HOW HARD IS IT REALLY? For experienced walkers. The Alps Track is distinctively marked by  confirmation markers at track and road intersections only. Walkers must not depend on track markers for navigation. The track was designed by bushwalkers for bushwalkers and does require adequate walking skills.  Rated Hard

FOOD & WATER

CLOTHING

BOOKS & MAPS

SAFETY

FOOD:  Independent walkers must take all their own food. Many walkers use Food drops along the track. There are no towns or re-supply points along the track.   WATER: Be prepared to carry water, enough for two days. If ever in doubt about the water quality see water purification

This walk traverses some very exposed regions where temperatures can vary enormously. Full strength weather gear is required.

TRACK FEES: None are needed for walking the track. A permit is needed to camp in the Cotter River Valley in the Namadgi National Park in the ACT.

+  CLOSEST HELP?  Much of the track is through wilderness areas so walkers should take an EPIRB. Bushwalkers must be experienced, self reliant and be prepared for remote area navigation. The weather in the Alps can change dramatically at any time. Prepare for the worst conditions and check the latest weather report before you depart.

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