Posts by tag
alpine
The First Summit of Kosciuszko, and the unlikely link with the outback
I think it’s a safe assumption that most Australians look up to the early explorers and all that they achieved. In what can easily be called a sedentary lifestyle that majority of the population now live where we binge watch Netflix and consider an afternoon walk an enormous feat, it’s crazy to think back to a time where people were traversing desert lands and climbing mountains. I suppose that’s why history is so intriguing; it reminds us of a time where it was the norm for humans to strive endlessly for greatness and conquer struggle. Two characteristics that the early European explorers that took on the challenge of exploring Australia all possessed. The First Summit of Kosciusko is one of those triumphs remembered fondly by history buffs and everyday Joe’s alike. What one person looked at and said “that’s too steep” another decided to ascend. That of course was Paul Strzelecki. If the name Strzelecki strikes you as familiar, you’re either remembering the Shane Warne, netball enthusiast from Kath and Kim or you’ve visited the stunning Strzelecki Desert in South Australia where the sunsets over our sunburnt nation are second to none. Unsurprisingly, the desert was not named after Sharon Strezelecki, but instead after Polish explorer Paul Edmund Strzelecki named by Charles Sturt. Paul’s expeditions were crucial in advancing European…
Australia’s Best Alpine Tracks
When we think of camping in Australia, we usually imagine turquoise beaches, sunny weather, and the vast Outback. However, one type of camping often gets overlooked—alpine wheeling. Despite our love for conquering all terrains, snow-covered mountains aren’t top of mind for most Aussie 4X4ers. But for those willing to explore the few cold-climate spots we have; alpine adventures can unlock a whole new dimension of 4X4ing. In this article, we’ll uncover some hidden alpine gems and guide you through the essentials of wheeling above the tree line. New South Wales Kosciuszko National Park Home to Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko at 2,228 metres, Kosciuszko National Park is a prime spot for camping and 4X4 adventures. Beyond its towering peak, Kosciuszko is the largest National Park in New South Wales, offering over 6,900 square kilometres to explore. It’s a place where you can drive through poetic landscapes while watching wild brumbies gallop through snow-covered scenery. This park is a playground for extreme sport enthusiasts, offering activities like snowshoeing, skiing, mountain biking, and numerous bush walks. For campers, there are over forty campsites to choose from, including: Ngarigo Campground: Set along the Thredbo River, surrounded by Alpine Ash forest, this site is perfect for fly fishing, platypus spotting, and relaxing by the fire. It offers 30 campsites, basic amenities, and barbeques, but…
Alpine Tracks To Avoid This Winter
Uncharted alpine adventure
When one thinks of touring through the Australian Alps with the hopes of getting a little white stuff below the tyres, generally the Victorian High Country immediately springs to mind. You could be forgiven for defaulting to that stunning backdrop. Usually, the inspiration for trips like these are drawn from what you’d see plastered on the socials, Youtube, or the occasional magazine spread. These mediums can be a little counterproductive to the adventurous mindset. Stumbling upon unknown hidden gems by pure chance is half of the fun, half of the adventure. It’s with retaining that uncharted mindset that we ourselves were able to find some pockets of uninhabited splendour, deep in the New South Wales alpine regions. Snow-capped mountains, rivers lined with snow drenched gums, and the occasional slippery climb to sink the muddies into. Perfect. Our trip kicked off at the cosy town of Khancoban, at the pub to be precise as the fridges and pantry’s were stocked in advance and it was bang on beer o’clock. What better way to kick off an adventure than with a couple of cold ones! Soon enough, with itchy feet to hit the tracks, we packed up the pool cues and set off chasing that glorious golden hour light. Deep within the gorges weaving along the Alpine Way we were led by…

