7 Day Snowy Mountains Walking Tour
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
Whether it’s an Everest trek or a cycling tour through Europe, these tours are all about the great outdoors. Explore destinations away from the masses. You’ll require a good level of fitness, but they are not technically challenging. At the end of an active day, you can expect to rest in comfort and explore the culinary delicacies of each region. You’ll join an existing tour, not just with Inspiring Vacations guests
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
✓ Two nights 4-star accommodation in Canberra
✓ 4 nights 3-star chalet or lodge-style accommodation in or near central Thredbo (single supplement available)
✓All transport and guiding
✓ 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners
✓ Plenty of fresh fruit, trail mix, tea/coffee/hot chocolate and snacks
✓ Amazing walks including the Porcupine, Charlotte’s Pass & Mt Kosciuszko
✓ Small group of 10 or less
✓ All National Park entry fees
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Canberra!
Make your way to your accommodation. You can arrive at any time as there are no organized activities. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 2pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Early in the morning you’ll meet your tour guide and travel companions. After a couple of hours travelling, we have our morning tea stop at a local cafe in Cooma. After a brief visit to the Information Centre we then continue onto Thredbo. We check into our Lodge style accommodation, have lunch and then get organised for the first walk of the tour. Today’s walk follows alongside the cascading, icy waters of the Thredbo River from Dead Horse Gap back into Thredbo village.
On this signposted river track walk, you will see gums growing around granite boulders and watch the river race beneath your feet as you cross the footbridges. Stroll through the snow gum woodlands and enjoy the views down to the river. Keep your eyes on the river for trout and platypus – look for circular ripple patterns.
Upon return to the Lodge you settle in for pre-dinner nibbles, followed by a delicious two-course dinner prepared by your guides.
Walking Duration: Approx 7kms, 2 hours
Track Grading: 2
After breakfast and lunch making we depart the lodge and head out for a delightful walk to the Porcupine.
Starting at the Perisher Valley Reservoir, this 5 km (2 hour) walk heads up through Rock Creek valley to the panoramic views from Porcupine Rocks. On this walk, you will wander through button grass plains and among groves of snow gums whilst passing some granite tors. From the top of this walk, there are magnificent views down both Perisher Valley and Thredbo River Valley as well as to Mt Duncan.
Rainbow Lake is our next destination. There are some gentle climbs and small creeks to cross before catching first glimpses of sun sparkling upon Rainbow Lake, but it’s all part of the adventure. Here we can take our pick of lakeside picnic spots, and bask in the sunshine while enjoying our lunch.
During the next 6 km walk, you’ll pass through a variety of settings, including tall eucalypt forest, outcrops of hefty granite boulders, and flowering and fruiting heath land. Then, of course, there’s the waterfall itself, which is wonderfully peaceful. Head to the platform on the south side for great scenic views. Be sure to check out the tall, fibrous-barked alpine ash trees nearby, which were logged in the area late last century and can grow to 90m tall.
Then it’s off to Kosciusko Education Centre at Sawpit Creek to view a range of hands-on displays and innovative programs to engage visitors wanting to learn more about the natural, cultural and historic heritage of Kosciuszko National Park.
Back to the Lodge for the evening and a two-course dinner prepared by your guides.
Walking Duration: Approx 12kms, 5 hours
Track Grading: 4
After breakfast and lunch making we head out for our walk to Charlotte’s Pass. Today’s walk sees us walking along a well formed track up to Carruthers Peak enjoying superb views of Lake Albina and Blue Lakes.
After rock-hopping across the Snowy River below Charlotte Pass, we have a challenging climb up to the top of the Main Range through alpine herb fields past Hedley Tarn Lookout to Blue Lake Lookout.
Blue Lake is arguably the jewel in the crown of the Kosciuszko National Park. It then climbs Carruthers Peak which provides spectacular views over the western slopes of the Main Range.
It continues along the exposed ridge of the Main Range above Club Lake and Lake Albina until it meets the Summit Walk between Rawson Pass and Mt Kosciuszko.
It is a challenging day of walking and we return to our accommodation in the afternoon for some well-deserved nibbles followed by a lovely two course dinner prepared by your guides.
Walking Duration: Approx 13kms, 5.5 hours
Track Grading: 4
After the usual breakfast and lunch making our day starts with a bit of a difference. We’ll make our way to the highest point in the country, Mt. Kosciuszko. We take a chairlift ride to the top the Thredbo ski fields, walk to the top of Mt. Kosciusko and return via Dead Horse Gap.
Enjoy the chair lift from Thredbo Village to Main Range. Pass snowdrifts that survive year-round and soak up the awesome splendour of our surrounds on top of Mt. Kosciuszko.
Our return journey follows along a beautifully shaded trail that affords us superb views over the southern end of Australia’s High Country.
Walking Duration: Approx 18kms, 8 hours
Track Grading: 3
After breakfast, we pack up our belongings and the guides will pack the trailer. This morning we take a walk alongside the river down to the Thredbo Diggings. It is a short leisurely walk. Wallabies and kangaroos are also a common sight along the track and during spring, wildflowers such as the yellow bossia and purple hovea are in bloom. Be sure to keep a look out too for platypus in the pools around dawn and dusk.
Lunch is at the Wildbrumby Kitchen café in Crackenback(at guests own expense)
We are usually back in Canberra around 4.30pm
Walking Duration: Approx 8kms, 2 hours
Track Grading: 2
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Standard check out is by 10.00am. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or, alternatively, please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time.
Contact us if you wish to extend your stay in Canberra as we can assist you arrange additional accommodation.
Snowy Mountains - Walk alongside the cascading, icy waters of the Thredbo River
Snowy Mountains - Enjoy panoramic views from Porcupine Rocks
Snowy Mountains - Marvel at the sight of Blue Lake, arguably the jewel in the crown of the Kosciuszko National Park.
Snowy Mountains - Conquer the highest point in the country, Mt. Kosciuszko
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
Flexible Date Change Option
Book now, change later with our Flexible Date Change option. You may select this $99pp option at time of purchase, giving travellers the flexibility to change your date without penalty (subject to availability, less third party costs incurred, plus any applicable surcharges for the new date selected).
Date change must be requested prior to 65 days before your original selected departure date*. Once inside 65 days of departure, date changes are not permitted.
*some packages may have a varied period in which you can request a date change due to limitations with the third-party provider.
Please refer to our 'Book with Confidence' section for terms and conditions.
The Flexible Date Change option does not cover cost incurred for components not fulfilled by Inspiring Vacations or in the event extra services have been booked with Inspiring Vacations outside of the standard package, including but not limited to airfares, pre/post accommodation or insurance.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling off period.
Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7 day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply. Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Booking On Request
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness anad mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Our accommodation arrangements in the Snowy Mountains see us staying at either Kiama Alpine Lodge or Pender Lea Chalets. The lodge is our base for four nights. Here we will have breakfast, lunch and dinners. Rooms are well appointed but simple, with two single beds or one double. Please note there are no daily housekeeping services during our four-night stay.
Kiama Alpine Lodge is located in the heart of Thredbo Village. Kiama rooms do not have a private bathroom and there is one bathroom shared between two rooms.
Pender Lea Chalets is located in Crackenback and a Swiss style with log walls alpine chalet. This accommodation has a cozy lounge area and separate dining area. Bedrooms have their own private ensuite.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is available on this tour at a cost of $590
Triple Share
Not Available
Meals
Breakfast is a continental spread of cereals, stewed fruit, toast, spreads and yoghurt.
Lunch can vary from day to day, but includes meat, salad, bread and wraps, some days we will have roasted chicken and salad, and others quiche to mix things up a bit.
Dinner is a casual two-course meal of main and dessert prepared by your guides. The menu is constantly changing but can include a classic roast lamb, chicken korma,
salmon fillet or Thai chicken. Dessert can include maple baked apples, pears in red wine, fruit salad or eton mess to name just a few.
Snacks and antipasto - There are plenty of snacks and antipasto during the trips including fresh fruit for the trail, biscuits and/or fruit cake for tea breaks. Each night we offer dips, cheese and crackers for a pre-dinner antipasto and a self-serve trail mix selection at the beginning of each day.
The food we serve is healthy, hearty and home style. We don’t offer five-star chef prepared dining, but the food is fresh, and our guides make sure it is tasty and plentiful. We are able to accommodate guest’s specific dietary requirements and can always prepare a meal to meet individual needs.
Non-alcoholic beverages are provided while on tour. You are, however welcome to bring wine/beer along with you.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation and hotel details will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
Maximum of 10 people.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Most healthy adult can participate in this tour. If you can walk upwards of 15 kilometres or more in a day, carrying a lightweight day pack, you will find our tours totally achievable.
While we typically walk on well forged walking tracks, the quality and degree of difficulty can vary greatly. You may find some tracks rocky and lumpy underfoot, soft and sandy, or muddy and slippery.
Sometimes there is the need to negotiate obstacles such as fallen trees, sections of scree or steep steps.
Ensure you come along with, not only the right footwear, rain gear and clothing, but also the right frame of mind!
What to bring
Please bring your gear in a soft bag rather than hard suitcase to help guides pack the trailer.
Day pack. Here is a list of what you normally wear and need carry in your day pack during walking days. A 20 litre capacity bag is generally sufficient to carry these items:
Main bag. Your main bag stays at your accommodation. You only carry your light day pack while walking.
Each walking day within the itinerary has been graded from 1 to 5. This grading system is intended as a guided only and to help you assess your suitability for that walking day.
Track grading 1: No bush walking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections. Suitable for wheelchair users who have someone to assist them. Walks no greater than 5km.
Track grading 2: No bush walking experience required. The track is a hardened or compacted surface and may have a gentle hill section or sections and occasional steps. Walks no greater than 10km.
Track grading 3: Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Some bush walking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections a rough surface and many steps. Walks up to 20km.
Track grading 4: Bush walking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.
Track grading 5: Very experienced bush walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20km.
From cultural celebrations to special events, discover the 25 cities around the world that are set to shine in 2025 Exploration, discovery, and the thrill of stepping outside our comfort zones—travel is more than just a two-week shuffle from one place to the next. It shapes our perspectives, ignites our curiosity, a...
The undeniable romance of train travel calls to many travellers, and a trip on board the iconic Ghan captures this charm perfectly. Stylish, well-appointed carriages and first-class service make for the perfect blend of adventure and luxury, creating an unforgettable journey that is on many bucket lists. So, before you...
Sure, West Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to soft white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and endearing marine life and wildlife. But we promise Rottnest Island—or Rotto, as the locals call it—is a bit special A protected nature reserve, idyllic doesn’t even begin to cover the postcard-perfect beauty of R...
Forget the idea of dusty red earth as far as the eye can see, the Central Australian landscape offers an extraordinary chance to see unique plants and animals Five seasons in one year With very little rainfall each year (just 291 mm on average), it would be easy to assume that semi-arid Central Australia has only one s...
The arrival of Europeans and tourists in Central Australia disrupted tens of thousands of years of Anangu history, but 150 years later, there’s a new appreciation for traditional wisdom For anyone planning to visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for the first time, there’s one thing you need to know about the experienc...
Australia’s Top End, from the capital Darwin, across to Kakadu National Park and down to the Katherine area, is a land of unspoiled natural beauty waiting to be explored Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) is simply enormous. While it may look modest on a map, the NT is almost six times the size of the United Kingdom...
New Zealand
United States
Canada
India
