By Julie, Take Shape Adventures Ambassador
Wow—what a weekend! I’ve just returned from my first multi-day hike as a TSA ambassador, and I have to say, the Kosciuszko & Snowy Mountains adventure did not disappoint!
With Adrian leading the way—expertly, as always—with great bush knowledge, interesting side stories, and plenty of good humour (plus the occasional nap!), we set off under stunning blue skies for our big summit day.
Summiting Kosciuszko
Our 23km hike to the summit took us along gently meandering trails, which, while challenging in places, were surprisingly manageable. The variety of surfaces—gravel, stone, black plastic matting filled with pebbles, and metal walkways—gave the track an almost landscaped feel, and the last of the wildflowers lined the way, making for an absolutely stunning backdrop.
Kosciuszko is a popular hike, and we weren’t alone on the trail, but with so much space to share, the steady stream of hikers only added to the experience. The summit itself was spectacular, with blue skies stretching forever, and of course, photos were a must!
One of the highlights for me was sharing this adventure with my brother, who was a last-minute addition to the trip. He’s an avid full-pack hiker, used to roughing it with no luxuries, so our catered meals, hot showers, and comfy beds were a bit of a shock to his system. But guess what? He coped just fine!
By dinner, we were tired, happy, and absolutely starving. The team at Valhalla served up an amazing meal, and before we knew it, we were all tucked into bed before 9pm!
Porcupine Rocks & a Polar Plunge!
The next day dawned with more beautiful blue skies, this time with soft white clouds drifting across the mountains.
We started with a hike to Porcupine Rocks, where Adrian led a mindfulness session as we stretched out on the warm sun-soaked boulders, taking in the spectacular views over Crackenback. The snow gums, winding trails, and deep conversations made for a perfect morning.
The afternoon took us to Guthega, where we hiked the Illawong Bridge trail and, in a bold move, plunged into the icy waters beneath the suspension bridge! The cold was an absolute shock, but the refreshment was unbeatable—I swear I emerged feeling like I’d just swum in the rejuvenating pool from “Cocoon”!
With 15km covered on the trails, this team of fourteen hikers was fast, fearless, and full of energy. Another delicious meal, more great conversations, and yet another early night—because adventure calls again tomorrow!
Final Day: Rain, Wildlife & Schnapps!
The morning greeted us with rain, but Adrian packed the van like a pro, and just as we set off for our final hike on the Pallaibo Trail—the rain stopped!
This hike delivered on wildlife sightings, with curious wallabies hanging out close to the track. Despite plenty of fresh wombat scat, the wombats themselves remained elusive! The trail, lined with beautiful bark and towering trees, had a slightly damp, misty atmosphere—a beautiful contrast to the bright, sunny days before.
Of course, no trip is complete without a stop at the Wild Brumby Distillery for some well-earned schnapps tasting! We also learned a fun little tidbit—Wild Brumby once declined a partnership with 4 Pillars Gin, which many would consider a controversial move, but their gin is actually pretty amazing!
A special highlight for me was sharing this experience with my brother. We grew up together, but did we really? Over the years, we’ve had very different interests, but now, we’re finding more in common. He’s an avid full-pack hiker, and while this trip may have been a bit cushy for him, he adapted well and loved the TSA experience—maybe he’s converted?
The group dynamic was incredible—from a young couple celebrating 15 years of marriage to our seasoned adventurers, everyone embraced the trails, challenges, and laughter. The weekend was filled with humour, resilience, respect, and a shared passion for the outdoors.
A huge thank you to TSA for providing this opportunity and to every adventurer who made this journey unforgettable!
