The pinnacle of our three day hike in Mount Kosciuszko National Park was, of course, the namesake mountain itself. At 2,228 m, it is Australia’s highest point. It was our main goal of the trip, but honestly, was not the apex of our days there. Even though we had full packs and had to battle crazy gusts not unlike our initial failed attempt, the path to the summit was such a gradual, gentle stroll that it felt – almost disappointingly – like a walk in the park.

The highlights of our trip, rather, were when we pitched our tents at the end of each day’s walk, and lay back on sun-baked rocks to rest our swollen feet and sip hot tea (spiked with whiskey). While we boiled water for dinner, we gazed heavenwards, waiting for the first stars to pop out of the deepening purple skies, for the dusty Milky Way to unveil itself. For in few places of the world now do we get such clear, unpolluted views of the night sky.

The walk itself was nevertheless very delightful, with views of rolling hills stretching out into the far distance. Patches of snow still remain along the trail, alongside clumps of cheerful yellow billy buttons and fields of buttercup daisies.

Can’t wait to be back – or back out camping in the wilderness again. 😀