Climb Kosciuszko and Travel in Australia, 7 Days

Mount Kosciuszko stands in the Australian Alps in the state of New South Wales. Its height is 2228 m. It is the highest point of mainland Australia and the summit that represents the continent in the Seven Summits project in Richard Bass’s version of the list.

In Reinhold Messner’s list, Australia and Oceania are represented by Carstensz Pyramid, 4884 m, in the Indonesian part of New Guinea. Kosciuszko and Carstensz cannot be treated as equals in difficulty: the first is a walking summit, while the second demands confident work on technical rock terrain.

The standard route of the programme starts in the mountain village of Thredbo. The chairlift takes participants up to the start of the Kosciuszko Walk. According to the national park, the way to the summit and back is 13 km, takes about 4 to 5 hours and is classed as a medium-grade walking route.

The track runs over metal boardwalks and a formed path across alpine meadows, crosses the headwaters of the Snowy River, passes above Lake Cootapatamba and reaches the summit by way of Rawson Pass. Running on the metal boardwalks is not allowed, and footwear must have a stable sole.

Mountaineering experience is not required, but the route must not be attempted in town shoes or without protection from the weather. In the Australian Alps strong wind, cold rain, mist and snow are all possible even outside the calendar winter. Participants carry their own water, a spare warm layer, waterproof clothing and personal items.

In winter and during periods of settled snow cover, the Kosciuszko Walk requires a different format, different skills and different equipment. The seven-day programme is built around the standard walking route with the chairlift running and the track open. Current conditions are checked before the trip.

Jindabyne serves as the base for the mountain part of the journey. From here the group travels to Thredbo and out on walks in the national park. Watching kangaroos, wombats and rare birds is possible, but an encounter with wildlife is not guaranteed.

After the Australian Alps the programme continues in Canberra. The itinerary includes the National Gallery of Australia, Parliament House and the botanic gardens. The actual order of visits depends on opening hours, events and advance confirmations.

Kosciuszko suits beginners, families and travellers who want to start the Seven Summits project without technical mountaineering. For participants who intend to continue the project, this trip helps them judge how they respond to long days on foot, mountain weather and working in a group, but it does not replace experience on snow and at altitude.

If you are not training regularly at the moment, begin preparing for a mountain route in advance. The aim of that preparation is to cover 13 km with a day pack comfortably, hold a steady pace on the ascent and keep enough in reserve for the descent if the weather turns.

The trip requires medical insurance covering active trekking, medical assistance, search and rescue and emergency evacuation. The terms of the policy must be checked before the programme is paid for.

Day 1. Arrival in Canberra and transfer to Jindabyne. Participants fly to Canberra independently. A team representative meets the group at the airport, after which the transfer to Jindabyne begins – the main base for the mountain part of the programme. After checking in, participants rest after the flight, meet the guide and go through the plan for the coming days. The guide checks footwear, clothing, day packs and protection against bad weather. Dinner is paid for individually. Night in a hotel.

Day 2. Jindabyne and preparation for the mountain route. After breakfast the group takes a walk along Lake Jindabyne. The length and the exact route are chosen according to the weather and how the participants feel. A visit to the local museum and other sites takes place where opening hours are confirmed. The day is used to recover after the flight, check the group’s pace and complete the preparation for the Kosciuszko ascent. Lunch and dinner are paid for individually. Night in a hotel.

Day 3. Ascent of Mount Kosciuszko, 2228 m. After breakfast the group travels to Thredbo. If the chairlift is running, we ride up to the start of the Kosciuszko Walk and set off on foot. The route to the summit and back is about 13 km and normally takes 4 to 5 hours. The group moves at a steady pace with stops for water, food and a look at the weather. In clear visibility the summit gives a panorama of the Australian Alps. In strong wind, thunderstorms or snowfall, or if the track or the chairlift is closed, the guide changes tactics or ends the outing. After the descent we return to Jindabyne. Lunch and dinner are paid for individually. Night in a hotel.

Day 4. Kosciuszko National Park. After breakfast the group continues exploring the national park. The particular walk is chosen by the guide according to the state of the tracks, the weather and how the participants feel after the ascent. The aim of the day is to recover at an easy pace, see the alpine landscapes and learn more about the local ecosystem. Meeting kangaroos, wombats or rare birds is possible but not guaranteed. Lunch and dinner are paid for individually. Night in a hotel.

Day 5. Transfer to Canberra and cultural programme. After breakfast the group travels to Canberra. Visits to the National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House are planned during the day, together with a walk through the botanic gardens. The order and the extent of the programme depend on opening hours, parliamentary business and the availability of particular rooms. Paid temporary exhibitions are included only after separate confirmation. Lunch and dinner are paid for individually. Night in a hotel.

Day 6. Canberra or a winery visit. After breakfast participants choose either a free day in Canberra or an agreed trip to a winery in the region. Whether the winery programme is possible, and its transport, tasting and cost, are confirmed before the trip. If the excursion is not chosen, participants plan their own walks, shopping and cafes. Night in a hotel.

Day 7. End of the programme. After breakfast and check-out there is a group transfer to Canberra airport. The departure time is set by the schedule of the agreed flight and the time needed for the journey and check-in. Participants check in independently and the programme ends here.

• A Mountain Guide team leader for groups of four or more participants
• Meet and greet on arrival and departure at Canberra airport
• Hotel accommodation – 4 nights in Jindabyne and 2 nights in Canberra
• Twin-share accommodation
• Breakfasts at the hotels
• Group transfers according to the confirmed programme
• A duffel bag for personal belongings, provided by the team on site
• Permits, registrations and national park entries where these are required for the confirmed programme
• Arranging the visits to the National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House

Whether the Thredbo chairlift ticket and paid temporary exhibitions are included is confirmed in the commercial offer before booking.

• International and domestic flights
• The Australian visa or any other entry permission required
• Medical insurance covering active trekking, search and rescue and emergency evacuation
• The single occupancy supplement
• Early check-in and late check-out at the hotels
• Lunches and dinners
• The winery trip, tastings and alcoholic drinks, unless their inclusion is separately confirmed
• Paid temporary exhibitions and special events
• Tips
• Costs arising from an individual departure from the programme
• Additional costs caused by delayed or cancelled flights or by the closure of roads, tracks or the chairlift