Australian Alps Walking Track 2017 - by Michelle

Fresh faced on the first day!

Kosciuszko, Main Range

Now this was a biggy. I remember first finding out about this hike when I was 23. My dad took me on a 3 day hike up Mt Feathertop, finishing at Mt Hotham. I was absolutely blown away. As we walked higher and the trees started to thin out to beautiful alpine meadows I remember thinking ‘this is it, these are the places I want to know more about.’
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The spur we took on our last day, from Dibbins hut to Hotham is part of the AAWT. I remember seeing the iconic yellow signs with the little walking legs in front of a picturesque mountain. Dad told me all about the 6 weeks hike, and how his friend Mick Harper had done it a number of times, and how Dad had walked a week of it with him.

The idea of being in the bush for 6 weeks seemed incomprehensible; I was both excited by the idea and scared. I distinctly remember thinking that I couldn’t do it, it was too long and I didn’t have the stamina or skills. I guess the idea was planted then and it stuck around. Jump to the end of 2016 and I’m going on a 1 week training hike in order to test how much food I eat, and generally just see how I go!

Mt Baw Baw and unexpected snow

For some background, the AAWT is a 650km hike of mountainous and often remote walking from Walhalla (VIC) to Tharwa (ACT) across the great diving range. I spent a year planning and preparing for it with my friend Chris. To my complete surprise and pleasure I managed to complete it on the 18th of December 2017 in 43 days! It was an epic challenge to say the least and touch and go in parts managing injuries. I had a surprise hiking partner change 2/3rds into the hike which found Mickey on his first overnighter, which just happened to be 212km!

Mt Howitt

Yes yes the hike changed me and all that, I just don't think that you can do something this out of your comfort zone and not have it affect you? I definitely came back wanting more. I have since decided that some of the more rewarding experiences come with being a little apprehensive and uncomfortable (physically and mentally). Couldn't recommend it enough. x
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