An overnight walk in the alpine Kosciuszko National Park, staying by Cascade Hut! A good easy alternative if not heading to Cocktails on the Castle or Witzes Wander trips.
We'll leave Canberra at 9am on the Saturday and drive to Dead Horse Gap, where we'll leave the cars. From there we will cross the Thredbo River, up to Bob's Ridge and continue on to Cascade Creek and finally Cascade Hut (total ~9km).
Our campsite will be by Cascade Hut. We'll have the option of leaving our packs at the hut to explore the area further e.g. the nearby cascades, and look for brumbies. We'll camp in tents near the hut, but use the hut preparing dinner and having a camp fire!
On Sunday, we'll walk back to the cars. The trip is suitable for people new to overnight walkers as the distance is relatively short and not too steep (although note that we will have to gain about 400m in elevation each day).
Note that it could get as cold as freezing overnight, so warm and wind/water proof gear will be needed.
The walk: https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/walk_pdfs/saved/Cascade%20Hut%20(nsw-kosciunp-ch).pdf
The hut: https://khuts.org/index.php/the-huts/kosciuszko-national-park/732-cascades-hut-knp
Gear:
-tent (solo/shared)
-pack
-sleeping bag (3-4 season)
-sleeping mat
-waterproof jacket
-stove, fuel, pot, cutlery, lighter
-warm clothing (thermals and layers of fleece/wool; down jacket; gloves & beanie)
-clothing during the day (no jeans & cotton)
-spare socks
-head torch
-toilet paper
-sun hat
-sunscreen
-personal first aid (e.g. bandaids, blisters kit, water purification tablets, painkiller..)
-walking shoes (runners/ boots)
-FOOD
( 1x breakfast, 2x lunch, 1x dinner, snacks)
-WATER
(minimum 2.5L capacity)
All gear in the first section can be hired out from the gear store. Any concerns or questions please contact me.
Potential Risks: In alpine areas weather can change rapidly; High UV could lead to sunburn, very cold and windy night could lead to hypothermia if you are not well-equipped. The trip can be canceled or become a day trip last minute if bad weather is forecast.
This trip is suitable for fit beginners. The number of participants will depends on the numbers of volunteer drivers. Let me know in the "Additional Information" box your hiking experience or any concern.
Dead horse gap to Cascades Hut via Cascades Hut Trail and Bobs Ridge, all on track, possible short packless trip from the hut to the Cascades on Sunday morning