Aboriginal Name - Several different Aboriginal names for Kosciuzko exist that far out date the 1840 naming of it, they are Jagungal, Jar-gan-gil, Tar-gan-gil, Tackingal.
I have always wanted to do some snow hiking and cold weather camping. Finally convincing a friend of mine Jack to come along for a 3 day road trip to leisurely ascend Australia’s Highest summit, Mt Kosciuszko.
We camped the night in -6ºc at the Thredbo Diggings in the Kosciuszko National Park and set out first thing to ducklings nipping the tent zips and a water bottle that was now a solid ice cube. A couple a stiff coffees down and passing an emu blocking the road, we left the sweet carress of the cars central heating at the base of Thredbo ski village. An 11 minute chairlift out of Thredbo Village slingshotted us to the Eagles Nest where you can start your 14.3km trip through the main range of the snowy mountains to Kosci. The trail cuts through the mountain range, floating on a metal grate that appears and disappears through the snow protecting the tundra. Amazing granite boulders mark the landscape as we progressed through along the trail.
The hike ascends from tall grass and wild flowers, through beautiful creek crossings to where it just becomes a great white expanse. We passed a couple (pictured) who attempted the climb the same time last year, but got caught in a blizzard and had come back again for another taste. Fuelled by peanut m&m’s we kicked on, looking over the rugged western faces on the final leg to reach the summit. The view and feeling was something to behold after a victory beer and successful self timer we set back on the return leg to make it back by nightfall and another night of Trangia cooked delights.
I couldn’t recommend the hike more to anyone, especially in early winter. If departing out of Sydney or Canberra, hot tip is to check out the Bredbo (bizarro Thredbo) pancake restaurant on the Monaro Hwy.
by Anthony Robinson
@tbone_robinsahn
2014
LFRF acknowledges all the Traditional Owners of the land [or country] and pay our respects to the Elders, past and present of all of New South Wales and urges you to please do the same.
