Off Topic - Hiking in Kosiosko National Park

[W00DY]

Hi All,

I know a few of you are into hiking so I was wondering if anyone had some good info on tracks through the Kosiosko region.

I am planning a weekend down there with a mate and wanted to do some nice hikes (to the top off the peaks etc...)

MHD - I know you are a big hiker have you been through this area?

I have looked on the web but can't seem to find any detailed info (track notes) on any of the walks through the area.

Any info is appreciated.

W00DY

[Glen]

Woody, there are some great maps available at outdoor shops of the region. I will check a bit later as I have some. Kosciuszko is well served by both Central Mapping authority maps (specifically 8525- 11 & 111) and maps by some local clubs. I would buy both as the tracks are better marked with notes on the club maps and CMA maps are better maps. Beautiful area to walk through though it has been a few years for me.

http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/par ... 18&Type=xo

Here is a link to the NPWS site on Kozzi. Also remember not to rely on huts as they are often burnt out (by vandals, enviromentalists) or damaged. I think MHD may turn out to be your best bet.

[sirhc55]

woody - have a look at this one

http://www.borderbushwalkingclub.com.au/letter.htm

[birddog114]

Woody, there are some great maps available at outdoor shops of the region. I will check a bit later as I have some. Kosciuszko is well served by both Central Mapping authority maps (specifically 8525- 11 & 111) and maps by some local clubs. I would buy both as the tracks are better marked with notes on the club maps and CMA maps are better maps. Beautiful area to walk through though it has been a few years for me.

http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/par ... 18&Type=xo

Here is a link to the NPWS site on Kozzi. Also remember not to rely on huts as they are often burnt out (by vandals, enviromentalists) or damaged. I think MHD may turn out to be your best bet.

Get a GPS with maps as Glen mentioned will help you a lot in trekking over that area

[MHD]

Overnight?

Done lots of walking in the area and it is great... Out of Charlottes pass you can do then main range ring track which visits most of the major peaks in the area... it is a full days walk at 22km (so leave early if you want to take it easy and take plenty of photos)

A Nice short walk is from Perisher valley to porcupine rocks from where you can look down over the thredbo valley and back across to Kosciouszko..

And there is a range of harder walks when you get out to the western faces....

[W00DY]

Thanks all,

We will get some maps for the area before we go. I was more after which walks people recommend over others. There seem to be quite a lot going from Charlotte pass, might be a good place to setup camp.

At this stahe we won't do an overnight hike as we only have a largish tent (don't want to lug it around with the camera gear also). Once we buy a smaller tent would love to do overnight hikes and camp at the summit (if possible?).

MHD - Is the Main range ring track very difficult (aside from the distance). Fo rinstance would you be able to walk it with a tripod and camera gear? This will primarily be a photo session so maybe not the best walk to takle straight away??? Your thoughts on the walk...

Which brings me to another issue, tripod... I will need a carbon fiber before I go, but I'll read the other threads on this.

[Glen]

MHD, he is young and fit, just give him the hard ones

If you have access to a GPS as Birddy mentioned, take it, will make life so much easier. Also a epirb is worthwhile, we don't want to read about you on the evening news. I think Mountain Equipment at Chatswood is the only store which rents epirb in the Syd metro, but ready to be proven wrong. About $30 for a weekend

[Glen]

Woody, if you say carbon fibre and tripod in this forum, you know who you will end up talking to and which brand. Maybe the 1227?

[MHD]

You should be able to do it.... it is up and downish but nothing to hard... should be fine with camera gear

If you have a GPS I have some points I could send you...

Some points:
*Take clothing for any season... weather can change quickly and dramatically up there
*Tell some one you are going...
*Take plenty of food and water... Its hungry work

[W00DY]

MHD, he is young and fit, just give him the hard ones

My mate is... He goes to the gym every day (like you ) Me, well that's another story

If you have access to a GPS as Birddy mentioned, take it, will make life so much easier. Also a epirb is worthwhile, we don't want to read about you on the evening news. I think Mountain Equipment at Chatswood is the only store which rents epirb in the Syd metro, but ready to be proven wrong. About $30 for a weekend

Don't have access to a GPRS system (wouldn't know how to use it anyway)... & I don't even know what a epirib is???

W00DY

[birddog114]

Woody, if you say carbon fibre and tripod in this forum, you know who you will end up talking to and which brand. Maybe the 1227?

Woody,
Hire an HF radio which you can call the Royal Flying Doctor or the NRMA/ Westpac Rescue chopper in case
I loan you the marking flare and the strobe light so you can mark your position and LZ for them.

[W00DY]

Woody, if you say carbon fibre and tripod in this forum, you know who you will end up talking to and which brand. Maybe the 1227?

Yeah I know...

I have not kept upto date on all the tripod threads (time to take a look I guess). I was thinhing of PM'ing you about those cheaper one's from Hong Kong (I think)...

I will only have about $300 - $400 to spend on one (not even sure you can get a CF one for that price???).

[birddog114]

MHD, he is young and fit, just give him the hard ones

My mate is... He goes to the gym every day (like you ) Me, well that's another story

If you have access to a GPS as Birddy mentioned, take it, will make life so much easier. Also a epirb is worthwhile, we don't want to read about you on the evening news. I think Mountain Equipment at Chatswood is the only store which rents epirb in the Syd metro, but ready to be proven wrong. About $30 for a weekend

Don't have access to a GPRS system (wouldn't know how to use it anyway)... & I don't even know what a epirib is???

W00DY

Woody,
It's a GPS not GPRS, a handheld device which can help you to back on track if you're lost, at least a compass, I have few military compasses

[W00DY]

You should be able to do it.... it is up and downish but nothing to hard... should be fine with camera gear

Excellent.

If you have a GPS I have some points I could send you...

We won't have one

Is the walk posted? Is it easy to follow? Do we really need a gprs? I guess we could hire one.

Some points:
*Take clothing for any season... weather can change quickly and dramatically up there
*Tell some one you are going...
*Take plenty of food and water... Its hungry work

All good points and noted. I hope we do get a little snow Not to much though.

W00DY

[W00DY]

Woody,
It's a GPS not GPRS, a handheld device which can help you to back on track if you're lost, at least a compass, I have few military compasses

What is a GPRS then??? I thought this is what they were called?

[MHD]

The walk is very well maintained and signposted... it is quite a popular walk and to minimize impact much of it has been graded and in some places even paved! This limits erosion etc...

some stunning photographic opertunities await!

[birddog114]

Woody,
It's a GPS not GPRS, a handheld device which can help you to back on track if you're lost, at least a compass, I have few military compasses

What is a GPRS then??? I thought this is what they were called?

GPRS, or General Packet Radio Service, is an innovative mobile data technology accessed via a specialised modem. Information is delivered in “packets” which can allow access to greater volumes of information cheaper than time-based SMS or data calls.

GPS, Global Position Service control and used by 12 sattelites, giving you the right position.
They have two types, mapping and non-mapping

[W00DY]

The walk is very well maintained and signposted... it is quite a popular walk and to minimize impact much of it has been graded and in some places even paved! This limits erosion etc...

some stunning photographic opertunities await!

Good to hear.

Well I think this solves my walk topic, we will do the ring walk.

Now onto the tripod topic

W00DY

[birddog114]

Here's the GPS from Garmin
http://www.garmin.com/aboutGPS/

[W00DY]

Here's the GPS from Garmin
http://www.garmin.com/aboutGPS/

Thanks Birdy,

I'll take a look out of curiosity

[birddog114]

And here more for you on the GPS topics

http://www.garmin.com/aboutGPS/manual.html

[Werewolf]

I've walked the main range ring track 3 times and it really is superb! If you have the time and gear I'd recommend staying overnight in the mountains - the night sky and crisp air are wonderful.

On all my previous trips I've accessed the main range via Thredbo - nice cruisy ride up (and back!) in the chairlift, walk along the metal gangway to Kosciusko, then escape the tourists and head out towards Blue Lake and camp nearby for the night. You can return to Thredbo next day via Seaman's Hut - but be warned the climb up to Charlottes Pass is gruelling with packs!

The walk is not difficult, but you have to be prepared for all sorts of weather. My last 3 day trip down there (in March 2002) began in brilliant sunshine. On the 2nd night it rained so heavily that my tent leaked badly and it ain't much fun lying there in a sodden sleeping bag!

Day 3 brought blizzards and snow and we walked out in zero visibilty. A relief to reach Thredbo top station after several falls on ice.

Enjoy!

[Glen]

Woody, an EPIRB is an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. Sends out a distress signal if you are lost. About 200 grams in weight, as stated before about $30 to rent or about $200 to purchase. Wasn't a beleiver, but for the money well worthwhile if it is your first trip. Remember those snowboarders a few years back. They would be alive if they had an EPIRB.

ps If you don't make it back, can I have your camera gear?

[W00DY]

I've walked the main range ring track 3 times and it really is superb! If you have the time and gear I'd recommend staying overnight in the mountains - the night sky and crisp air are wonderful.

On all my previous trips I've accessed the main range via Thredbo - nice cruisy ride up (and back!) in the chairlift, walk along the metal gangway to Kosciusko, then escape the tourists and head out towards Blue Lake and camp nearby for the night. You can return to Thredbo next day via Seaman's Hut - but be warned the climb up to Charlottes Pass is gruelling with packs!

The walk is not difficult, but you have to be prepared for all sorts of weather. My last 3 day trip down there (in March 2002) began in brilliant sunshine. On the 2nd night it rained so heavily that my tent leaked badly and it ain't much fun lying there in a sodden sleeping bag!

Day 3 brought blizzards and snow and we walked out in zero visibilty. A relief to reach Thredbo top station after several falls on ice.

Enjoy!

Thanks for the info.

We would like to do an overnighter but at the moment are ot really prepared, fear wise, to tackle it.

So you would recommend starting the walk and finishing in Thredbo if we were to walk it in a day? Or shoudl we start at Charlottes Pass?

I just went to Mountin Design to see if they had any info on the walk but they had nothing (not even any books on the area).

W00DY

[W00DY]

ps If you don't make it back, can I have your camera gear?

Sure Glen, no worries. Thanks for the positive turn on this thread!!!

[birddog114]

Woody,
Don't worry too much, go upthere and find your way! guess what 200 years ago, the first people who discovered Australia they even haven't got anything in their brain about this continent.
Up in that area, many information you can look at or ask, from Ranger to local tourist information center, heaps of info!!!!!

[Glen]

Mountain designs in the city? Try Paddy Pallin just next door.


Thanks for the gear, will ring your wife after the event and show her the thread

[Werewolf]

So you would recommend starting the walk and finishing in Thredbo if we were to walk it in a day? Or shoudl we start at Charlottes Pass?
W00DY

For a day walk C.Pass is probably the better bet. Walk it counter-clockwise and you should get to Kosiusko within approx 3/4 hours. From there it's about a 2 hour plus slog along a 4wd track back to C.Pass. The best section is between Blue Lake and Kosiusko where the track is less defined and the scenery a little wilder.

Essential to get a very early start to really enjoy the day. You really need to o/night in either Thredbo/C.Pass or even Jindabyne before and/or after the hike. It's a tedious trip to and from Sydney.

There are several good maps available which describe the route.

[MHD]

Yes... if it a whole day it is a waste going from Thredbo...

You WANT to get to blue lake! it is very pretty... and the stuff above lake Albina is stunning... So utterly un-typical-Australian...

Start early, take plenty of food, you will have a blast!

Oh and you will get great pics crossing the snowy just below the start of the track... I MUST get back up there some time (bloody thesis!)

[W00DY]

Thanks guys.

We will be camping down there on the friday night but somewhere we can access with a car.

Then we will walk all day Saturday, camp saturday night and then drive home Sunday.

[MHD]

Where?

Highly recomend:
Ngaurano (or something like that...)
Or Island bend (not the official one... Drive down the dirt road towards the dam and there are lots of little places with plenty of fireplaces and firewood...)

Ahhh.. sounding lovely! (jelous)

[W00DY]

Where?

Highly recomend:
Ngaurano (or something like that...)
Or Island bend (not the official one... Drive down the dirt road towards the dam and there are lots of little places with plenty of fireplaces and firewood...)

Ahhh.. sounding lovely! (jelous)

Haven't evben looked into this yet so your suggestions will go a long way...

I guess we will choose one of the ones above. I always go with recomendations from people.

Thanks

W00DY

[Glen]

Woody, MHD suggestions on Lake Albina and Blue Lake are spot on, both glorious

[W00DY]

Woody, MHD suggestions on Lake Albina and Blue Lake are spot on, both glorious

I always like multiple recommendations

[Guy Smiley]

Hi Woody,

I'm a newbie to D70Users, I have done a fair bit of walking, cross country and camping in the snowies.

Have to agree with Warewolf...Charlotte Pass is the best place to start unless you are only going to Mt Kosciusko and back again.

As suggested, walk anti-clockwise head towards Blue Lake, from there take the Main Range Walk to Curruthers Peak and Mt Kusciusko which takes you past Club Lake and Lake Albina and gives you some spectacular views towards Geehi Gorge and the Victorian Alps. Great photo opportunities everywhere. Then return fron Mt Kusciusko to Charlotte Pass via the Summit Walk. This will get you off the main tourist route for the first 2/3rds of the walk. You should be easily able to do this in a full day though, it is about a 20km round trip.

Don't rush because there is so much to see, lots of flora & fauna unique to this area. Wear sturdy footware, you may have to walk through water and snow (6 inches of snow last week and its summer!) You'll cross the snowy river as you leave Charlotte Pass on the way to Blue Lake. Take heaps of water & food, warm and waterproof clothing.

Drop in to the National Parks visitors centre in Jindabyne before your go up there and tell them where you are planning to walk and for how long, then just check in with them on the way out. They have all the info & maps you'll need.

Sawpit Creek 1/2 way between Jindy and Perisher is a pretty good place to camp, easy road access with facilities... I think there is a minimal fee to use the site.
You can actually camp just about anywhere in the National Park as long as you are not in a water catchment area, near a road or in a ski resort!

This has got to be on of the best parts of Australia...my all time favourite.

Hope this might help you a bit...goodluck!

P.S. Sorry Warewolf if I re-itterated what you wrote but I am passionate about this place.

[W00DY]

Hi Woody,

I'm a newbie to D70Users, I have done a fair bit of walking, cross country and camping in the snowies.

Have to agree with Warewolf...Charlotte Pass is the best place to start unless you are only going to Mt Kosciusko and back again.

As suggested, walk anti-clockwise head towards Blue Lake, from there take the Main Range Walk to Curruthers Peak and Mt Kusciusko which takes you past Club Lake and Lake Albina and gives you some spectacular views towards Geehi Gorge and the Victorian Alps. Great photo opportunities everywhere. Then return fron Mt Kusciusko to Charlotte Pass via the Summit Walk. This will get you off the main tourist route for the first 2/3rds of the walk. You should be easily able to do this in a full day though, it is about a 20km round trip.

Don't rush because there is so much to see, lots of flora & fauna unique to this area. Wear sturdy footware, you may have to walk through water and snow (6 inches of snow last week and its summer!) You'll cross the snowy river as you leave Charlotte Pass on the way to Blue Lake. Take heaps of water & food, warm and waterproof clothing.

Drop in to the National Parks visitors centre in Jindabyne before your go up there and tell them where you are planning to walk and for how long, then just check in with them on the way out. They have all the info & maps you'll need.

Sawpit Creek 1/2 way between Jindy and Perisher is a pretty good place to camp, easy road access with facilities... I think there is a minimal fee to use the site.
You can actually camp just about anywhere in the National Park as long as you are not in a water catchment area, near a road or in a ski resort!

This has got to be on of the best parts of Australia...my all time favourite.

Hope this might help you a bit...goodluck!

P.S. Sorry Warewolf if I re-itterated what you wrote but I am passionate about this place.

Hi Guy,

Firstly welcome to the forum... I hope you are enjoying your D70 and get active within the forum, you really will meet a LOT of nice people and learn heaps.

Secondly thanks for the info sounds like you have been there a few times. I am really looking forward to it as I have only been there during the winter to board. Can't wait untill March

Maybe one day we will organise a D70 users hike and you will be the guide

W00DY

[Guy Smiley]

Thanks for the compliment Woody, I am a pretty crappy try hard photograper with a D70 who hopes to learn a lot more...looks like a good place to do that!

I'm sure you'll have a great time in the Snowies, it's not as daunting as it sounds, and you'll be surprised at just what it looks like with no snow! You'll say i skied/boarded down there?

[W00DY]

Thanks for the compliment Woody, I am a pretty crappy try hard photograper with a D70 who hopes to learn a lot more...looks like a good place to do that!

Not possible...

Even the technically worst photo is a great photo if it means something to you. I have images of my family that were so underexposed and a little out of focus (before PP) but doesn't matter as the image still means a lot to me

W00DY