Australian Alps Walking Track (SOBO – South Bound)
Section 2 (4 days): Days 6 – 9 to Food Drop 2
7/04/2025 – 10/04/2025 Gurrangorambla Creek – Kiandra
Distance: 73.7km Total Ascent: 1,640m Total Descent: 1,383m
Time: 29 hours [To Four Mile Hut] Moving Time: 16 hours
Participants: Damien Aggio (Report), Stephen Davies (Photos)
Day 6: Monday 7/04/2025 Gurrangorambla Creek – Pocket Saddle Road – Blue Waterholes Trail – Leura Gap Fire Trail – Goodradigbee Fire Trail – Leura Gap Trail – Aqueduct Meterhouse – Pocket Creek – Pocket Saddle – Pockets Hut Trail – Pockets Hut – Blue Waterholes Trail – Seventeen Flat Creek – Seventeen Flat – Mosquito Creek Fire Trail – Doosey Gully – Cooleman Plain – Bill Jones Hut Trail – Harris Hut Trail (intersection) – Bill Jones Hut
Kosciuszko National Park, NSW
Ngarigo Country
Max elevation: 1334 m
Total climbing: 194 m
Total descent: -193 m
Average speed: 4.48 km/h
Total time: 05:02:25
Damien
We woke up very late and had a lazy breakfast and pack up of camp. Six national parks trucks in total passed down the road next to us, so I went and spoke to them to ask what they were up to. They said that they were doing a hazard reduction burn today near Oldfields Hut. We were heading the opposite direction so we would be okay.
After we finished organising all our superfluous gear and rubbish into our food drop tubs and placed them back in the bush, we headed off at 10:30am.
Encounter along Blue Water Holes Trail No2
Walking was very easy on a flat fire trail all the way to Bill Jones Hut where we once again set up camp. The whole day the fire trail mainly followed a ridge, so there was only water at one creek crossing for the day. The Cooleman Plains are beautiful, especially with the backdrop of Mt Bimberi behind us.
Bill Jones Hut is a simple one roomer with a dirt floor and open fireplace. However, the toilet has collapsed and is out of order. A small trickle of water can be found only 20m south of the hut, so we slowly collected water and put it through the filter. Unfortunately a couple of metres away the stream had been trampled into a muddy bog by feral horses.
Pockets Hut Logbook 30/12/2009 – 7/4/2025
Bill Jones Hut Logbook 11/8/2020 – 8/4/2025
Day 7: Tuesday 8/04/2025 Bill Jones Hut – Harris Hut Trail – Mosquito Creek Trail – Gurrangorambla Range – Blue Waterholes Saddle – Sally Tree Creek – Blue Waterhole Saddle – Morris Creek – Mosquito Creek – Charlies Creek – Old Currango Homestead – Mosquito Creek – Harrys Gap – Dip Creek – Hainsworth Hut Junction – Hainsworth Hut
Kosciuszko National Park, NSW
Ngarigo Country
Max elevation: 1468 m
Total climbing: 358 m
Total descent: -241 m
Average speed: 4.69 km/h
Total time: 06:24:21
Damien
It was another frosty morning, but with dawn there was a spectacular fog enveloping the vast Cooleman Plain in front of the hut. By the time we broke camp at 9:30am the fog had burnt off and the temperature had risen to a civilised level. There were regular hourly water points throughout the day’s travel.
Stephen’s campsite at Bill Jones Hut
Along the way, we dropped our packs and did a ninety minute side trip to Old Currango Hut. It’s must be one of the best huts in the park, and is a must do.
Onward to Hainsworth Hut. Here there were already a couple of full NOBO AAWT hikers encamped. Brenda and Peter were in the final week of their 40 day AAWT.
The creek nearby is excellent with plentiful water. However, be aware that there is no toilet at this site.
Hainsworth Hut Logbook 22/2/2024 – 9/4/2025
Day 8: Wednesday 9/04/2025 Hainsworth Hut – Mosquito Creek Trail – Boundary Creek – Mosquito Creek Trail – Port Phillip Trail (intersection) – Ghost Gully – Ghost Gully Camping Area – Port Phillip Trail – AAWT – Millers Hut Trail – Bally Creek – Port Phillip Trail – Dairymans Creek – Murrumbidgee River – Haines Hut Trail – Bullocks Hill Fire Trail – Tantangara Creek – Tantangara Creek Camping Ground – Hains Hut Trail – Blanket Plain – Nungar Creek Fire Trail – Alpine Creek Fire Trail – Witzes Hut
Kosciuszko National Park, NSW
Ngarigo Country
Max elevation: 1414 m
Total climbing: 511 m
Total descent: -461 m
Average speed: 4.37 km/h
Total time: 08:35:08
Damien
It was quite a frosty night as Hainsworth Hut sits right down the bottom of a frost hollow. It is unlike many of the other huts in that they are positioned higher up from the valley floor. Fantastic water was found in the creek that runs near the hut.
Today was a particularly long walk of 22km through open grassland. We had to take our shoes off to wade across the Murrumbidgee River.
Kayla and Damien approaching Dairymans Creek
Along the way we were joined for a while by Kayla, who was SOBO on a planned 35 days schedule.
We walked past a pack of four Brumbies near Witzes Hut. There is no flowing water near the hut so we had to filter the clear, but stationary water 60m away.
Witzes Hut Logbook 25/3/2020 – 10/4/2025
Day 9: Thursday 10/04/2025 Witzes Hut – Nungar Creek Fire Trail – Tantangara Creek – Kiandra Creek – Alpine Creek Fire Trail (intersection) – Monaro Range – Wild Horse Plain – Kiandra Creek Diggings – Chance Creek – Wild Horse Plain – Hayes Gully Creek – Eucumbene River – Nungar Creek Fire Trail – Kiandra Courthouse – Kiandra – Whipstick Gully – Kiandra – Pollocks Gully – Tabletop Mountain Trail North – Dunns Hill – Four Mile Creek Trail – Four Mile Creek – Four Mile Hut
Kosciuszko National Park, NSW
Ngarigo Country
Max elevation: 1593 m
Total climbing: 577 m
Total descent: -488 m
Average speed: 4.40 km/h
Total time: 08:49:20
Damien
A massive 22km day of walking awaited us. We got an early start before 8:00am. The mild and relatively dry night assisted us. The pace was quick along the fire trails with regular water along the way, omitting the need to carry the weight of any water on our backs.
As we got closer to Kiandra the trails were being used by construction vehicles for the Snowy 2.0 Project, and thus the roads were kept in top condition. Around the vicinity of Tantangara Creek we could get Telstra (not Optus) phone reception.
Damien walking near Tantangara Creek
At Kiandra we retrieved our second food drop and spent the next hour sorting through our gear while devouring treats. Once again we could get Telstra (not Optus) phone reception. And then it was back on the road with our bulky, heavy packs for the uphill walk to gain height up to the plateau leading to Four Mile Hut.
Sunset at Four Mile Hut
Three hours later we were at Four Mile Hut. Rebuilt last year, it is much more accommodating than the original. Reasonable water is found only 50m from the hut (straight done from the ruins of the destroyed hut), and a toilet only 20m away.
Four Mile Hut Logbook 20/4/2024 – 11/4/2025
Food Drop 2 Expedition Log Equipment List
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A detailed, searchable trip list with links to reports, photo galleries and other content
Information on Parks signage along the way
KIANDRA GOLD RUSH 1859-60
The rush broke out after payable gold was discovered here in Pollock’s Gully in November 1859. By March-April 1860 there were more than 10,000 men on the Klandra Gold Field – Several thousands endured the winter snows, ill-prepared and mostly under canvas. However, the very rich shallow alluvial gold was quickly worked out and by March 1861 the population was reduced to 259. The Gold Escort took away 67,687 oz [1,980kg] in 1860 and 16,567 oz [470kg] in 1861. The official total production was 172,000 oz [[4,876kg]. The gold was mostly alluvial. Large nuggets up to 28 pounds [12.7kg] in weight were found, mostly close to the present village.
The local landscape features, geology, scenic highlights, flora, fauna, Indigenous history, white history and other nearby walks in the area (Perplexity AI Model)
Landscape Features
This section of the AAWT traverses the high country of the Snowy Mountains, predominantly within Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales. The landscape is characterised by expansive alpine and subalpine plains, rolling ridges, and occasional steep escarpments. Elevations typically range from 1,400 m to 1,800 m above sea level. The route crosses several major creeks and rivers, including Gurrangorambla Creek, Cooleman Creek, Tantangara Creek, and the headwaters of the Murrumbidgee and Eucumbene Rivers. The terrain is open and windswept, with vast snowgrass (Poa spp.) plains, swampy meadows, and pockets of snow gum woodland. The area is subject to extreme weather, including heavy frosts, winter snowfall, and strong winds.
Geology
The region is underlain by a complex mix of geological formations. The Gurrangorambla Range is composed of hard, fine-grained granite (Gurrangorambla granophyre), while the Cooleman Plain to the south is underlain by Silurian limestone. This limestone forms a classic karst landscape, featuring subterranean streams, caves, sinkholes, and gorges. The limestone also contains fossils such as brachiopods. Elsewhere, ancient granites and metasedimentary rocks dominate, contributing to the rugged mountain scenery and fertile alpine soils.
Scenic Highlights
The AAWT in this section offers panoramic views of the Snowy Mountains and the Great Dividing Range. Notable scenic highlights include:
• Gurrangorambla Range: Granite peaks and open ridges with sweeping vistas.
• Cooleman Plain: A broad, treeless plain underlain by limestone, featuring karst landforms such as caves and sinkholes.
• Tantangara Creek Plain: Open grasslands and wetlands, home to abundant wildlife.
• Historic Huts: Several historic huts, including Bill Jones Hut and Pockets Hut, provide shelter and a glimpse into the region’s pastoral history.
• Snow Gum Woodlands: Scattered stands of snow gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora) provide contrast to the open plains.
Local Flora
The vegetation is dominated by alpine and subalpine species adapted to cold, windy conditions. Snowgrass plains (Poa spp.) are widespread, interspersed with patches of heath and wildflowers such as everlasting daisies (Xerochrysum spp.) and alpine daisies (Celmisia spp.). Snow gum woodlands (Eucalyptus pauciflora) are common on sheltered slopes, while sphagnum bogs and alpine herbfields occur in wetter areas. The flora is highly sensitive to trampling and disturbance due to the harsh climate and short growing season.
Local Fauna
The region supports a variety of wildlife adapted to alpine and subalpine environments. Notable species include:
• Mammals: Brumby (wild horse), eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor), and wombat (Vombatus ursinus).
• Birds: Superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae), gang-gang cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum), wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax), and occasional dingo (Canis lupus dingo).
• Reptiles and Amphibians: Alpine water skink (Eulamprus kosciuskoi) and the endangered corroboree frog (Pseudophryne pengilleyi) in sphagnum bogs.
Indigenous History
The traditional custodians of this region are the Ngarigo people, whose country encompasses much of the Snowy Mountains and the Australian Alps. The Ngarigo have a deep spiritual and cultural connection to the land, which provided seasonal resources for food, medicine, and tools. The high country was used for summer gatherings, ceremonies, and trade with neighbouring groups. Evidence of Indigenous occupation, such as artefact scatters and stone tools, has been found throughout the region. The Ngarigo people continue to maintain their cultural heritage and connection to country.
White History
European exploration and settlement of the area began in the early 19th century. The Kiandra gold rush in 1859–1860 brought a sudden influx of miners, leading to the establishment of the town of Kiandra and a network of mining tracks and huts. After the gold rush subsided, the region became important for pastoralism, with large sheep and cattle runs established on the high plains. Historic huts, such as Bill Jones Hut and Pockets Hut, were built by stockmen and graziers for shelter during mustering and droving. In the 20th century, the area became valued for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, leading to the establishment of Kosciuszko National Park and the protection of its unique alpine environment.
Clickable icons on this world map will open the related trip report
A detailed, searchable trip list with links to reports, photo galleries and other content
Loving these entries and all the wonderful selection of photos! It was so nice to meet you and Damien at the crossing of the ‘Bidgee and a fun surprise to see my car in this photo album! 🙂 Looking forward to seeing and reading more of your epic hike. I have some photos I can send you if you’d like to make contact via email or my High Country Online website or instagram. Best Regards, Christian!