roof of australia
australia's high country

• INN-to-INN walking holiday

• Self guided departures 

• 7 day itinerary  (includes 5 days of walking)

NOTE: This holiday has recently been extended by one day.

highlights

• A genuine 360 degree view from Australia's highest mountain

• Unique feldmark plants that occur nowhere else on earth, earning the region prestigious UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status

• Blue Lake, Headley Tarn and Cootapatamba ancient glacial lakes

• Cody lodges in alpine villages nestled snuggly in pretty valleys

Auswalk's Roof of Australia is an INN-to-INN accommodated walking holiday.  You traverse the Snowy Mountains, walking from one delightful ski village to the next.  We move your luggage for you while you are out walking.  This holiday is Self-Guided.

Enjoying the view over an ancient glacial lake

Located half way between Sydney and Melbourne, the Snowy Mountains preserves an area containing Australia’s highest mountains. Appropriately called the Roof of Australia, this walking holiday traverses Australia’s Alps, staying overnight in secluded ski villages.

These mountains were once covered by glaciers that carved 5 exquisite small lakes from the granite rock, as well as numerous steep sided valleys. Much of the national park is snow covered from May to November, but then the winter snows melt, flow as life giving fresh water into Australia's folklore rivers, the Snowy, Murrumbidgee and the Murray. The high peaks of Kosciuszko National Park then become a mecca for walkers keen to see the rugged scenery, masses of spectacular wildflowers and of course reach the summit of Mt Kosciuszko.

Walking along a narrow rocky ridge

These high peaks are true "Man from Snowy River" country. Legend has it that this brave young man rode his horse where no other riders dared go in pursuit of a valuable stallion who had escaped to run with the wild bush horses. Will you be lucky enough to spot a wild brumby? On this walk you will see an ancient landscape carved out by receding glaciers of the last Ice Age, enjoy lunch beside a pristine lake and walk through snowgum woodlands and colourful alpine meadows. In summer the wildflowers have to be seen to be believed - fields of snow daisies, alpine buttercups, billy buttons, golden everlastings and unique alpine gentians. The route culminates in an ascent of the highest mountain in Australia, Mt Kosciuszko - with a little help from a chairlift!

location
The Roof of Australia commences in Jindabyne, approximately half way between Sydney and Melbourne. The easiest way to get to Jindabyne is to drive. There is a daily coach service from Canberra to Cooma - you would then need to catch a taxi from Cooma to Jindabyne. We can supply more detailed information on request. However, it is more convenient (and often cheaper) to hire a car and leave it in Jindabyne during your holiday.

grading
25% easy, 55% moderate, 20% harder, with chairlift used on steepest section. Longest day has 6-7 hours walking (can be reduced).

accommodation
Alpine lodges in ski village settings - private rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

regional wine & food highlights
The region is noted for fresh Snowy Mountains trout and tender high country beef. Wash it down with a drop or two from the Snowy River Winery - the highest winery in the country, specialising in cool climate varieties.

what's included
6 nights accommodation, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, luggage transfers, vehicle transfers required for the itinerary, chairlift rides, information booklets, insulated lunch bag, map case, National Park fees, walking notes, maps.

not included
Alcohol, one dinner

the best time to go 
This mountain environment is about 10 degrees cooler than Sydney. January-February is usually warm and the alpine wildflowers are at their best. December & March are usually cool to mild.

Delicate alpine wildflowers

departure dates
Self-Guided INN-to-INN - any day from 01 December to Easter, with a minimum of 2 people booking together.

itinerary guide - 7 days
(includes 6 nights accommodation & 5 days walking)