Get Away with Dre – Peak Perfections: Mountains you can climb in a day
Australia is home to many mountains. Some take a few days to complete, but you’ll be rewarded with paramount views of the regional landscape and take pride in the land you call home. But if you’re a little time-pressed, here are a few Aussie mountains you can climb in a day, and still get the same satisfaction.
Mt Kosciuszko, Mt Kosciuszko National Park, NSW
While its best to tackle the highest peak in Australia (2,228m) in spring or summer, you can brave it in the snow on cross-country skis or snowshoes and only recommended for the experienced trekker.
Give yourself 6 – 8 hours to complete the Mt Kosciuszko Summit walk (18.6 kms), and maybe a little extra because once you hit the peak you’d want to stay a little longer. You’ll get the iconic Snowy River with view stretching over the famous Australian Alps and Bogong Peaks.
You can also to the Thredbo to Mt Kosciuszko loop walk (13 kms), which starts at the top after the express chairlift, this should take you 4 – 5 hours to finish.
If you find youself at the Kosciuszko Village looking for another challenge, the difficult Merritts Nature Track (4 kms) is a 2 – 3 hour uphill climb.
Pigeon House Mountain, Morton National Park, NSW
NSW National Park
In the South Cost, the Pigeon House Mountain Didthul walking track if one for the photographers, taking you through various terrain and vegetation within a short 5km walk. From forest, sandstone, to a set of stairways to the summit, expect to take longer than the recommended 3 – 4 hour time frame to account for all the stops you’ll be taking to shoot.
Once you reach the top you’ll get a gorgeous view of the rugged cliffs of the Budawang wilderness, sprawling greenery that seems to stretch on into the horizon and on a clear day, you’ll be able to see Jervis Bay in the distance.
The walk starts at the picnic area before leading you through some tough and steep sections. Remember, all beautiful things require hard work.
Mt William, Grampians National Park, VIC
The Grampians is home to 69 mountains with Mt William taking out the highest peak spot at 1,167m.
Compare to the first 2 on this list, the walk to Mt William is the easiest because you can drive almost all the way to the top, before leaving your car at a car park and walking the rest of the way to the peak.
This medium grade walk (3.6 km) will take you an hour and a half so you can start a bit before sunrise or sunset to get beautiful light display with your 360 degree view of jagged mountain ranges and open plains.
