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Australian Multi-day Tour

Snowy Mountains Pack-Free Hiking - Spring

Experience the beauty of Australia’s Snowy Mountains on a fully supported five-day hiking adventure through Kosciuszko National Park. Unpack once and spend the days exploring alpine trails and breathtaking mountain scenery.

Destination New South Wales, Australia
Duration 5 Days
Price From $3190
Departs 11 Nov 2027
Group Size 10 Max
Overview

Explore the Snowy Mountains with AW

Join Adventurous Women for a spectacular five-day hiking adventure through the Snowy Mountains, exploring the breathtaking alpine landscapes of Kosciuszko National Park alongside a group of like-minded women.

With Australia’s highest peak at the heart of the journey, we’ll discover alpine meadows, snow gum forests, glacial lakes, and sweeping mountain vistas. Highlights include Mt Kosciuszko, Porcupine Rocks, Dead Horse Gap, Rainbow Lake, the Illawong Track and the Thredbo Valley River Loop.

This is a fully supported, pack-free hiking experience, meaning you’ll only need to carry a day pack on the trails.  Settle in for four nights in a comfortable ski lodge in Perisher Valley, surrounded by spectacular alpine scenery, while enjoying fresh, healthy meals prepared in-house by professional chefs.

Supported by two experienced Adventurous Women guides, this journey combines rewarding hikes, warm camaraderie, and the chance to fully immerse yourself in one of Australia’s most beautiful alpine regions.

Fitness/Walk Grade

This trip includes Grade 3-4 hikes over consecutive days, including a summit of Australia’s highest peak.  

Advanced training is required for this trip, starting at least 3 months before the hike. Focus on being able to comfortably walk for a full day, and then repeat that effort on back-to-back days with a weighted pack. This is often where the challenge lies, as the cumulative effect of several days of walking can feel more demanding if your body isn’t used to it. 

Day-by-day

Daily itinerary

Day 1 Thu 11 Nov Canberra- Perisher Valley- Porcupine Rocks Hike (6km)

We leave Canberra Airport at 10:00am and make our way to our accommodation in the Perisher Valley Ski Region. Lunch will be waiting for us on the deck, where we can enjoy the mountain views that will be ours for the next four nights.

After lunch, we head out from the doorstep for our first hike to Porcupine Rocks. Following a well-maintained track through open grasslands and snow gum forest, we reach a ridge of granite rocks overlooking the valley, Crackenback and the Thredbo Valley. It's a great introduction to the landscapes ahead.

After the walk, we'll check in and have some time to freshen up before pre-dinner nibbles and a welcome drink.

Distances: appx 6 km

Meals: Lunch, Snack, dinner

Accommodation: Valhalla Perisher Lodge

Day 2 Fri 12 Nov Dead Horse Gap & Thredbo Valley River Loop (10 km)

After breakfast, we hop in the bus and drive to the Thredbo Valley for a full day of hiking. We take the Thredbo Valley Chairlift for around 15 minutes up to the trailhead.

We start at Dead Horse Gap, which crosses the Great Dividing Range at 1,580 metres and offers sweeping views across the Snowy Mountains. From here, we make our way through snow gum forest and sub-alpine wildflowers before joining the Thredbo Valley River Track.

The track follows the river through the valley, passing large granite boulders, snow gums and a series of footbridges. Keep an eye out for trout and, if we're lucky, we might even spot a platypus.

We return to our accommodation in the afternoon with time to relax and enjoy the deck or one of the lounge areas.

Distances: appx 10 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack, Dinner

Accommodation: Valhalla Perisher Lodge

Day 3 Sat 13 Nov Mt Kosciuszko Summit (22km)

Today is the big one! We take the bus to Charlotte's Pass and set off on our journey to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia's highest mountain at 2,228 metres.

We cross the Snowy River before climbing through the glacier-carved landscape of the Australian Alps. Above the tree line, the landscape opens up to alpine grasses, wildflowers and glacial lakes, with expansive mountain views all around us.

As we gain elevation, we traverse the saddle before making the final push to the summit. At the top, we're rewarded with 360-degree views across the Snowy Mountains.

From the summit, we continue to Rawson Pass before following the open fire trail past Seaman's Hut and back across the Snowy River to meet our bus.

Then it's back to the lodge for a well-earned rest, a chance to soak up the feeling of having conquered Australia's highest peak and celebrate our day in the mountains together.

Distances: appx 22 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack, Dinner

Accommodation: Valhalla Perisher Lodge

Day 4 Sun 14 Nov Illawong Track (7 km)+ Wild Brumby Distillery

After yesterday's big adventure, this morning we head out for a more relaxed leg stretch along the Illawong Trail. The 5–7km return walk leaves from Guthega Village and follows the Snowy River through alpine heath and snow gum forest.

Along the way, we pass Illawong Hut, one of the oldest buildings still standing in the park, before reaching the old swinging bridge. For those feeling brave, there's the option to cross the river and explore a little further before we return along the trail, enjoying the wildflowers and birdlife along the way.

This afternoon, we visit the nearby award-winning Wild Brumby Distillery for a tasting session (not included, approx. $10 per person).

Back at the lodge, we come together for our final dinner, watching the sun set across the valley and enjoying one last evening in the mountains.

Distances: appx 7 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Valhalla Perisher Lodge

Day 5 Mon 15 Nov Rainbow Lake Walk (3km)- Waterfall Circuit (6km)- Drive to Canberra

After breakfast, we say goodbye to the lodge and head out for our final walk, the Rainbow Lake Trail. This gentle 3km walk takes us through snow gums and alpine meadows to the lake, with a chance to spot some local wildlife along the way.

We then continue down the valley for an optional second hike at Waterfall Circuit (6km), time and conditions permitting. After lunch at a scenic spot along the Thredbo River, we begin our journey back to Canberra.

We aim to arrive at Canberra Airport around 5:00pm, depending on weather and traffic. From here, we bid farewell to our group after five days exploring the Snowy Mountains together.

Distances: appx 3-9 km

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Important Notes

Every effort will be made to follow the itinerary as planned, but please remember this is adventure travel and conditions can change unexpectedly. Weather, road conditions, vehicle issues, or the health of fellow travelers may require adjustments. We’ll do our best to keep things on track, but a flexible and easy-going attitude is essential for the best experience.

Occasionally, certain experiences or activities may need to be modified or skipped due to circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, refunds will not be provided for any missed components of the itinerary.

Included

What's Included

  • Two experienced AW Tour Leaders
  • 4 nights at Valhalla Lodge, in a twin share room; Single room available for a surcharge
  • Private group transfers by air-conditioned bus; for 8 or more guests there will also be a trailer attached for luggage
  • Guided hikes as listed in the itinerary
  • All permits & park fees, including Thredbo Chairlift ticket
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary
Where you'll go

Route at a glance

*Map routes are approximate only

"A fantastic trip with a wonderful group of adventurous women! Spectacular scenery on the many and varied walks with our fabulous guides"

Sandra Snowy Mountains
2-3
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Additional Details

Cancellation & Refunds

Cancellation by Adventurous Women:
In the event that we cancel a tour or are unable to guarantee the departure due to not meeting minimum numbers, we will provide a full refund.

Cancellation by you:

  • 90+ days before departure - Loss of deposit (partial voucher available*)

  • 75-89 days before departure - Loss of deposit

  • 74 days or less before departure - Loss of all payments

  • No refund is available once a tour has commenced

     

*Multi-day tour cancellations made 90+ days before departure are eligible for a $250 voucher

We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance with trip cancellation cover for peace of mind.

View our full booking terms & conditions

The Adventurous Women Way

The magic of our trips comes from travellers bringing a supportive mindset, a go-with-the-flow attitude, and a genuine spirit of adventure.

We explore beautiful, often remote places where life moves at a different pace. Flexibility, a little humour and positivity go a long way in creating an atmosphere where everyone feels free to be themselves and make the adventure far more rewarding.

Find more about the Adventurous Women Way and travelling with AW

Exclusions

The following items are not included in the tour price:

  • Items of a personal nature
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Any purchases of a personal nature
  • Flights or transfers to & from Canberra Airport
  • Wild Brumby Distillery tasting experience
  • Travel Insurance (recommended)
Solo Travellers

If you’re travelling solo not to worry, you’re in good company! Many of our travellers join solo and our trips are designed to feel welcoming and supportive from the moment you arrive. It’s a great way to meet like-minded women, and friendships often form quickly along the way.

For the accommodation, we will pair you with another group member in a room with twin beds. Or, if you’d prefer your own room on the trip, this is available for an additional supplement.  You can select this option at the time of booking.

Arrival & Departure Details

The tour begins and ends at Canberra Airport.  On 11 November, we’ll be leaving from the airport at 10.00 AM.  And on 15 November, we expect to return to the airport around 5.00pm so if you plan to fly out on this day, please book a flight for 7pm or later.

Who will be leading the trip?

Two experienced Tour Leaders will be leading this trip. They will be driving the bus, leading you on the hikes as well as helping you get the most out of your experience, while embracing the Adventurous Women way.

Do you accommodate dietary requirements?

We do our best to accommodate dietary requirements and food allergies wherever possible. Please ensure any dietary requirements are advised in advance so we can confirm what can be accommodated and let you know of any limitations before you travel.

Accommodation

We’ll be staying four nights at Valhalla Perisher Lodge, located in the heart of Perisher Village in Kosciuszko National Park. The lodge has a sweeping deck and lounge areas with spectacular views across the valley to the mountains. All rooms are twin share with ensuite bathrooms, with single rooms available for a surcharge.

Our meals will be prepared each day in-house by professional chefs, with a focus on fresh, healthy food. Tea, coffee and juice are included with breakfast. Soft drinks, alcohol and other drinks can be purchased from the lodge at reasonable prices. As Valhalla is fully licensed, BYO alcohol is not permitted.

What should I bring?

A detailed packing list will be provided closer to the tour date. The most important item is a comfortable, well-broken-in pair of hiking shoes or boots. You’ll also need a day pack to carry water, layers and lunch/snacks while walking.

How will we be travelling?

We will be travelling by private bus.  For larger groups, a luggage trailer will also be provided.

What does pack-free hiking mean?

It’s a multi-day hiking experience where you carry only a light day pack on the trail rather than a full pack with camping gear, cooking supplies and overnight supplies. Your day pack should have space to carry 2 litres of water, a packed lunch and a layer or two of clothes or sun protection, depending on the weather!

Find out more on our blog 

Is travel insurance required?

A trip is an investment and as with any investment, you should take steps to protect it and plan for contingencies. 
Travel insurance on domestic tours with Adventurous Women is not mandatory. It is, however, highly recommended, particularly because most policies allow you to add cover for trip cancellation, disruption and curtailment.

In the event of illness or injury, your private health insurance or Medicare will generally cover your medical treatment if you need to visit the hospital.

What your private health insurance may not cover is ambulance costs, which can be significant. Some states offer affordable ambulance membership schemes. Unless you are a Queensland resident (who receives free ambulance cover Australia-wide), you might wish to look at options available to you.

If you are looking for a recommendation, we suggest Go Insurance. Through an affiliation with this insurer, AW receives a financial benefit. As a way of passing value back to our guests, if you purchase a policy for an AW trip through Go Insurance using this link, you may be eligible for our rebate offer. You can learn more about this offer by clicking here.

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