The day had finally come. I had dreamed of this day many times, not because of the challenge, but because of being able to stand atop of Australia for a brief moment in time. I always find it fascinating standing on top of a geographical location and wondering what the world is doing below you. Time sort of stands still for a while.
The morning started by a drive from Tom Groggin Camping Ground up and down the Alpine Way to Threbo Resort. It was about 25 klms of beautiful winding terrain and pretty forest. On arriving at Thredbo the plan was to take the chair lift up to 1930m to give Joey Jess & Orangatang Amy a chance at reaching the summit. The alternative was a 5km walk up Thredbo mountain which would have wiped out the kids. The chairlift ride up the mountain was awesome with the scenery spectacular ; well worth the $60 family return cost. What we noticed at the top was the wind was strong and bitterly cold. Good reason to pack those wind jackets. The 13 klm return walks starts about 500m from the chairlift and is for the most part on metal platforms. The first stop was the Kosciuszko Lookout 2klms up the track. A quick rest and onwards stopping a second time at Lake C, the highest freshwater lake in Australia. Lake C was about 4km along the track. At just under 5km the Rawlins Pass is reached. This is the location of Australia’s highest toilet (at 2,100m) and the junction of the Kosciuszko Track and the track running from Charlottes Pass. The return trip from Charlottes Pass is 18 km. Onward and upwards, from Rawlins Pass is the final 1.6 km walk to the summit. This stretch of the track rises 128m and is the steepest section of the walk. About 500m up the track is the junction with the Main Range track which takes you on an alternate route to Charlottes Pass via Blue Lake.
Everyone was in fine spirits, the walk had been relatively easy and we all had plenty of steam to get to the top. I must say how wonderfully Joey Jess & Orangatang Amy went. They walked in total today about 15km (by the time they got back to the bottom). Not bad for a 5 and 7 year old!
Finally there, WOW, on top of Australia. The highest man in Australia for a few minutes, a dream and goal accomplished, part of the highest peak challenge completed and pure exhilaration for a few minutes taking in the awesome scenery and reflecting on the world beneath.
The view from the top looks over the Snowy Mountains and the Victorian Alpine Region. From the top you could see Mt Pinnibar (highest 4WD track in Australia) and Mt Bogong (Victoria’s highest peak and another challenge to be completed) and many other peaks.
The day was bright blue skies and visibility was excellent. All in all, spectacular. Below are a few photos at the top and along the walk. Before you have a look, some people have stated that displaying photos of such places spoils of the adventure or WOW factor for them. Two things here I have considered. Firstly for all the people who don’t have the ability to experience such pleasures they now have the ability to share what others can. Secondly, photos and videos never show the amazing beauty of our land in the same way as being there, mainly because the experience is just as important as the view. Lastly and maybe not a popular answer, don’t look below or get off your backside and start experiencing these pleasures on our doorstep. Of course the last bit was meant as a nice push in the right direction.
As far as the walk is concerned, it is an easy stroll and a little persistence will get you there. If you are after more of a challenge try the longer walk from the bottom of the Thredbo Resort or easier track from Charlottes Pass. From Charlottes Pass you could take the Main Range Track.
Another way to the summit and perhaps not as well publicised is the walk trail from Dead Horse Gap starting 5 km past Thredbo on the way to Khancoban. This track is a 21 km return trip.
Awesome day, goals and challenges completed, time to reflect and look forward to more peak bagging.
Bushman Bud…Enjoying Australia