Ten walkers. Four days. One alpine adventure.
Our Base camp was perfectly positioned on the sparkling shores of Lake Jindabyne, where mornings were crisp, evenings long, and at least one brave soul (Sue!) insisted on a post-walk dip each day.
The weather could not have been ordered better — low 30s in town, but a much kinder low 20s once we climbed into the mountains. Blue skies stretched endlessly above us, while Jindabyne itself buzzed with energy thanks to a three-day mountain bike festival and a marathon. Athletes everywhere… though clearly none as stylishly booted as our crew.
The Snowies Alpine Walk was tackled in four distinct sections — each with its own flavour, challenges and stories.
Day 1 – Guthega to Charlotte Pass
Narrow trails and dramatic backdrops - The shortest section — but a beauty.
We wound along narrow tracks framed by sweeping alpine scenery before crossing Spencers Creek Suspension Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in Australia. It wobbled just enough to make things interesting.
Patsy, our esteemed (if increasingly whisper-voiced) leader, battled bravely before pneumonia insisted on centre stage. John was still the clear “voice of reason” at this point — though history shows that wouldn’t last long.
The scenery? Simply spectacular. Granite tors, rolling plains, and that feeling of properly being “up high.”
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Day 2 – Thredbo (Eagles Nest) to Kosciuszko Summit
Australia’s rooftop - The iconic stage.
Beginning at Eagles Nest, much of the trail followed beautifully constructed raised metal pathways — protecting fragile alpine bogs and making for fast walking.
The summit of Mount Kosciuszko, the highest point on mainland Australia, delivered expansive views and plenty of company — school groups, tourists, and our own triumphant posse.
Dale (Nicholson’s finest “wishing” enthusiast) and Alan (self-proclaimed gentleman and undisputed walking machine) weren’t done. They pushed on along the Main Range Trail to Charlotte Pass — clocking up a tidy 22 km. Dale likely imagining himself a modern-day Buddy Franklin; Alan powering ahead with mechanical efficiency worthy of his motor collection.
Meanwhile, Michelle was negotiating her ongoing chairlift trauma from earlier in the trip, and John’s voice began fading — suspicious timing, some say.
Day 3 – Charlotte Pass to Perisher Valley
Granite grandeur and divided loyalties
This was classic high country walking. Vast plains, dramatic granite formations (including the striking Porcupine Rocks), and wide views across the Thredbo Valley and back toward Lake Jindabyne.
Four hardy souls took on the full leg. The remainder chose a slightly more relaxed waterfalls walk — combined with strategic retail therapy. A wise energy-conservation strategy, some argued.
Robyn (one third of the “Threesome Talkers”) was managing a pulled groin but fronted up regardless. Heather (“Milo” — not Quick) and Michelle ensured conversational output remained well above national averages. Les, maintained his unruffled civic composure — even after having enjoyed a Day 3 manicure session with the girls.
Day 4 – Perisher Valley to Bullocks Flat
The grand descent - A spectacular finale.
The trail descended into the Thredbo Valley through twisted snow gums and towering Alpine Ash. Landscapes shifted from rugged granite boulders and alpine bogs to lush forest. Kilometres of elevated steel platforms carried us through sensitive terrain, with panoramic views stretching toward the Ramshead Range and across the Monaro Plains.
Finally, we reached Bullocks Hut nestled beside the Thredbo River — boots dusty, legs weary, spirits high.
The Cast (As Observed in the Wild)
- Patsy – Led with courage and a surprisingly seductive whisper before pneumonia claimed victory.
- John – Voice of reason… until he lost the actual voice.
- Les – Mayor (perpetuity-ish) of Kongwak; calm, civic, and freshly manicured.
- Heather (“Milo”) – First Lady, conversationalist, never in a hurry.
- Dale – Farmer, “wisher,” aspiring Buddy Franklin of the high plains.
- Robyn – Talker, battler, downhill specialist.
- Alan – Fastest walker, motor head, occasional dawn defender in Y-shorts.
- Michelle – Navigation adventurer, bladder-burst survivor, chairlift critic.
- Sue – Quiet achiever; opponent of 7:30am starts; daily lake enthusiast.
- Ian – Understated, steady, unruffled plodder.
In Summary
Four days. All four sections completed. Australia’s highest peak conquered.
Sunshine, laughter, a few minor ailments, some navigational creativity, and a very talkative trio.
The Snowies delivered expansive skies, granite drama and pristine alpine beauty.
And we delivered determination, humour, and just enough chaos to make it memorable.
A superb adventure — and one that will be retold (frequently and at length) for years to come.
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An Ode to the Jindabyne Crew
Four grand days in the Snowies high,
Where boardwalks stretch beneath wide sky,
From rocky rise to summit snow,
Where Kosciuszko’s breezes blow.
From Jindabyne our camp was set,
With boots and banter slightly wet,
We conquered all four sections bold —
A tale of grit (and some stories untold).
Patsy, leader of finest fame,
Though pneumonia played its game.
Day one she battled, brave and hoarse,
Then lost her voice — of course, of course!
Yet strangely, whispers on the phone
Turned husky… sultry… overblown.
Alas, she bowed to chesty plight —
A leader valiant in the fight.
John, our voice of reason clear,
Spoke sense for all of us to hear.
Until his own voice disappeared —
A mystery some of us have feared.
Was it the chairlift’s rattling sway
That stole his vocal cords away?
We’ll never know — but once it fled,
The “voice of reason” simply nodded instead.
Les, the Mayor (perpetual-ish)
Of Kongwak town — distinguished swish.
Unruffled, steady, never pale,
A civic rock in wind and hail.
Day three he found a different trail —
With nail care tales that will prevail.
The girls declared his hands divine —
His polish work? Simply fine.
Heather, First Lady, gracious, slow,
Nicknamed “Milo” (not “Quick”, you know).
Part of the chatty trio tight,
Whose stories flowed from morn till night.
Beside the Mayor she took her place,
With warmth and wit and gentle pace.
Dale, from Nicholson’s farming land,
A fishing rod close at his hand.
He calls it “wishing” — hopes held high,
For one that doesn’t get away shy.
A modern Buddy, bold and spry,
Though footy scouts have passed him by.
Robyn, talker number two,
A groin pulled tight (a muscle, true).
Day three it barked, but come day four
She strode downhill — and asked for more.
Courage stitched with stubborn thread,
She hobbled on where others tread.
Michelle, talker number three,
Chairlift nightmare — agony!
Day three delivered quite the test:
A missed turn-off (not her best),
A busted bladder (water kind),
A pole left somewhere far behind.
Yet still she laughed (eventually),
And climbed with Snowy tenacity.
Alan, gentleman — so he’ll say,
Except at dawn one fateful day.
A neighbour’s engine dared to start
Outside his window — not so smart.
He fronted up in Y-short might,
Defending peace at morning light.
Fastest walker, strong and keen,
With motor bikes (a polished sheen).
When poles went missing, bladders burst,
He doubled back — though slightly cursed.
Sue, the quiet strength of all,
Not fond of 7:30’s call.
But steady boots and measured pace
Saw her smiling at each day’s close embrace.
While others rested, weary, done,
She’d cool in Lake Jindabyne for fun.
Ian, calm and understated stride,
Unruffled as the alpine tide.
He plodded on through wind and sun,
No fuss, no fluster — simply done.
Together then, this motley crew,
Through alpine air and vistas blue,
Boardwalk stretch and granite seam,
Fulfilled the Snowies Alpine dream.
To summit top where thin winds race —
On Australia’s highest place.
Mount Kosciuszko stood in sight,
And we stood tall in midday light.
Four days, one camp, ten stories spun,
A little chaos, lots of fun.
For those not there, just know it’s true —
The Snowies won… but so did we too.