Mid-Autumn is a great time to do Kosciousko National Park because of the possibility of crisp weather and potential snowfall! This trip takes us along the firetrail with views of plains and brumbies to a small ascent to a hill on Zing(c) ridge, down a spur and then to Haines Hut and perhaps river crossings at the Murrumbidge river. Haines Hut was built in 1947 by Herbert Haines of Cooma, who had a grazing lease in the area.
We will park at the camp ground just off the snowy mountains highway and walk along the Bullocks Hill Fire Trail about 1.5 km and then take a south-east spur down towards Tantagara plain and cross the intersection of Gooandra and Tantangara Creeks. We will then pick up the firetrail and part of at the Australian Alps Walking Track to Haines Hut is (6.7km on track plus 100m elevation). This will take us down part of the Australian Alps Walking Track route. If the group is keen, we can take a 4.5km detour off-track (300m elevation) over zing(c) ridge onto an easterly saddle and then a northern spur back to Haines Hut.
We then camp at Haines Hut, which is situated at the river mouth to Tantangara Dam.
The next day we go up river along the south bank to the flying fox trail and onto Bullock Hill Fire Trail (4.5km off track) with 170m elevation gain.
This is a trip suitable for beginners who attend the pre-trip meeting and who have the right gear for walking in alpine conditions. No gear. No go.
Please identify what hiking experience you have had before, including alpine, overnight and off-track hiking.
As above.