Epic Hikes of the World ( PDFDrive )

heralds the Kosciuszko Main Range, which is across the border in New South
Wales. Clouds fill the valleys. I am absolutely alone, at altitude, and immensely
happy. I take the mandatory selfie at Bogong’s summit cairn, then drop down the
atmospheric, and at times decidedly airy Staircase, until the trees swallow me up
and my thoughts stray to how I’m going to recover my car. SW
HIGH HORSES
In Australia, ‘brumby’ refers to any wild bush horse, and though herds are scattered
across wilderness areas, they are commonly linked with the High Country, thanks to
Australia’s favourite bard, AB ‘Banjo’ Patterson, who immortalised them in his
poem The Man From Snowy River. Their presence in alpine areas is contentious
and while scientists call for culls, many others call for their protection.
ORIENTATION
Start // Diamantina Hut, Mt Hotham
End // Mountain Creek, Tawonga South
Distance // 48 miles (77km)
Getting there // It’s a 4-hour-drive from Melbourne followed by the need for a car
at both ends. Try taxis via www.mtbeauty.com or www.ptv.vic.gov.au.
When to go // September to May.
What to take // A good tent, sleeping bag, fuel stove, warm clothes, thermals
and wet weather gear. Food for five days. Huts (except Cleve Cole) are for
emergency use only.
Things to know // Shorter three-day circuits are possible: Mountain Creek,
Eskdale Spur, Cleve Cole, Roper Hut, Timms Fire Trail, Bogong Ck Saddle, Quartz
Ridge, Staircase, Mountain Ck; or Razorback, Feathertop, Diamantina, Weston
Hut, Cobungra Gap, Dibbin Hut, Swindlers Spur, Razorback.