Australian TOP Ten Peaks adventure

By Clare O’Brien

The ten highest peaks in Australia are located in the southern end of the Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales.

Mt Kosciusko Summit

The moment that Diamonds Coach Jo mentioned to me that she was planning for a Diamonds 10 peaks trip, I immediately said "Can I join in?". I was entranced by the beauty of the area and keen for the challenge of the summits, big packs and alpine camping.

Once again, COVID played an unwelcomed part in our preparation but the girls worked hard, quite literally pretty much in their own backyards. Slowly but surely we edged closer and closer to departure and Jo kept us on target. For me, with only a week before departure a COVID case popping up at my son's daycare and the weather forecast looking questionable, it's safe to say I had that "nerve-cited" feeling.

Starting out from Charlotte's Pass on Day 1 for what was supposed to be our good weather day... I rugged up. A short stroll to get started before boots off and crocs on for a very cold 50 metre Snowy River crossing. We then followed our guide Mike up towards our first peak. As we moved through the day, which is now a bit of a blur... or was it a whiteout (?), we encountered sunshine, rain, snowdrifts, gale-force wind, mist and the now legendary guide-carved out icy ledge. Our rest stops were short. I mean really short. At our memorable lunch stop, it was recommended we stop for no more than 4 minutes, just to be sure we didn't get too cold. So, we ate what we could find and kept moving.

Snowy River icy crossing.

Our route took us up past a totally interrupted view of Blue Lake and to complete two out of the ten summits: Mt Twynam and Carruthers Peak.

We may have lost pack covers and foam seats to the wind but we did not lose our way. We got to our stunning Wilkinson's creek campsite having learned how to move up, down and through deep snow but with still a somewhat rushed feeling of having to get our tents up and dinner cooked before more rain came through.

Wilkinson’s Campsite

It was nothing short of an epic day.

Due to the weather conditions and lack of visibility the leadership team made the call to adjust our adventure and day two had us packing up our tents and carrying our full packs across to Seaman's Hut and then returning to our cars at Charlotte's Pass for a mid adventure dry out at the gorgeous Troldhaugen Lodge in Jindabyne.

The snowdrifts.

The weather was better and it must be said that it was a little easier to really enjoy the snowdrifts, snow bridge crossings, snowball fights, snow skating ... did I mention there was snow? Oh but also there was the stunning beauty of the snowgums.

On day 3, refuelled by the amazing breakfast at our lodge and with dry equipment, 9 of our team set out for a 'hut hunt' starting at the Snowy Hydro Guthega Power Station. We followed Schlink Pass Rd and the aqua duct to Horse Camp hut. A quaint red door welcomed us in for hot chocolate and a relaxed lunch. We continued on to the stunning Whites River Hut campsite. Wow. I could have stayed here for several nights, it was so gorgeous. After a well earned relaxing afternoon, we took on the challenge of a bush scramble for what we hoped would be a sunset summit but the mountains had other plans. The mist rolled in but not to worry, the rock formations were still there and much fun was had scrambling before returning to camp.

Our last day was another big day, we were thankful to leave our tents and sleeping gear behind for just a day pack. We continued along to Schillnk Pass before turning off-trail. We took the off-trail that was off-trail and then some more off-trail. Walking through knee-high shrub which turned out to be just as demanding as deep snow, as well as a large commanding field of rock boulders, swamps, snow grass, snow hills and feral pig tracks (aka the Boar-dwalk). We got close to Tin Hut but decided to turn around so we could get back to Jindy at a suitable time as we were keen to meet up with our other team members who were summitting Kosciusko that same day (v jealous). Zip, zip, zippy tent packing saw us zip in and out of our campsite and on the trail back to our cars.  

Whites River Hut campsite.

A celebratory dinner filled with fun and laughter in Jindabyne followed by birthday cake at the Lodge - what a wonderful way to finish our wild week of adventure.

Some 'special mentions': To teamwork. To the amazing Neos overboots. To my air-activated hand warmers. To our supportive K7 guides, Mike & Keith who gave us insights into gear and so many valuable tips for alpine hiking and camping as well as so many intriguing and fascinating stories. And of course to Jo, who had us prepped, kept us informed, on track and energised as always.

I got what I was looking for and more - a unique look at the amazing beauty of the Snowy Mountains in many different lights, a wild and unforgettable adventure, lots of learnings, the reward of a big pack trek, amazing campsites, many many laughs and an inspiring team of diamonds to share it with.

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. So grateful to be part of this team. 

Mt Twynham summit!