I don’t think I will ever get tired of exploring the snowy mountains area and this overnight trip to Mt Kosciuszko via Mt Stillwell and the old chairlift ruins.
This trip was done as part of an organised guided trip where all camping equipment and food was provided and the camp even set up for us.
Not having to carry your tent and sleeping gear certainly makes life a lot easier!!
The trip started at Charlottes Pass and followed the ridgeline track above the main Mt Kosciuszko track to Mt Stillwell. a reasonably easy walk with great views from the top spanning from Mt Kosciuszko to Blue Lake and back to Charlottes pass.
From there we left the track and headed for the old Mt Stillwell restaurant site for lunch. The restaurant was built in 1964 at the highest point of the Thredbo valley to Charlottes pass chairlift which was at the time the longest in the world.
The chairlift was closed and the restaurant abandoned after someone died from exposure on the chairlift.
The old structures are amazing to see and the advantage of it being a guided trip is learning about the history from the guide.
After lunch we headed to our camp near Merrits creek where drinks and nibbles were waiting. Camping up here above the treeline on the open high plain is just wow, it feels different exposed but comfortable where you can just sit back and forget about the world outside this natural wilderness.
The weather this 1st day was perfect, Mostly sunny and light winds.
Sunday morning the clouds looked more ominous the conversation was that we may get a bit wet later in the day. So after a nice breakfast we were off again back towards the main track to Kosciuszko and then up to seaman’s hut.
By the time we reached Seamans hut the cloud had really descended onto the range.
When spending time up in the high country you do need to be prepared for all types of weather as it can change very quickly. One minute it will be nice and sunny, but as soon as the cloud comes over the temperature drops significantly..
We spent a little time here checking out the hut and surrounds before walking the last stretch to the top of Mt Kosciuszko (highest point in Australia). While it is not a steep or big climb from the surrounding High areas, do not underestimate the altitude if you are not used to it. The lower air pressure will have an effect on you ability to do normal physical activities before being out of breath.
The normal view from the top was a bit more restricted today by the low cloud but even with the inclement weather it is still a great place to be.
Despite the weather, we all had a relaxing and enjoyable lunch before starting on the main track back downhill and towards Thredbo where we would be picked up.
One of the highlights on the track from Thredbo, is Lake Cootapatamba in the valley below Mt Kosciuszko and Cootapatamba Hut near the lake.
This hut was built in 1952 and served as an emergency shelter for hydrologists working on the snowy hydro system in the winter months. There is actually a ladder to the top of the chimney and a hatch so people can climb in through the chimney in the winter as the hut is often almost completely buried by snow.
The walk from the top of Mt Kosciuszko to the top of the chairlift at Thredbo is a relaxing mostly gentle downhill walk of 6.5km, about half of which is raised walkway to protect the natural ground cover.
A short 12min ride down the chairlift before being picked up and taken back to our cars.
Another great weekend trip to an amazing natural area. I highly recommend exploring this area if you ever get the chance.
A Love of Adventures 