Duke of Ed - Kosciuszko Hike
The final hike for the year will be a 4-day expedition in Kosciuszko National Park taking place from Thursday 30th October - Sunday 2nd November 2025.
A base camp will be set up at Island Bend Campground near Guthega for the duration of the trip. Each day the group will participate in day hikes, returning to base camp at Island Bend Campground to prepare dinner and to sleep.
Thursday 30th October - Students meet at St Raphael’s Catholic School (church car park) at 6am. The group will travel to Island Bend Campground (Guthega), stopping to complete the Waterfall Walking Track on Kosciuszko Road. On completion of the hike the group will continue to Island Bend Campground to set up base camp, cook dinner and camp for the night. Approximate walking distance (6km).
Friday 31st October - The group will travel into Guthega via the school bus and hike to Charlottes Pass before returning to base camp for the night. Approximate walking distance (9km).
Saturday 1st November - The group will travel via the school bus to Charlotte's Pass and complete the Main Range Walk (taking in sights such as Blue Lake, Mt Kosciuszko & Seamans Hut). On completion of the hike the group will return to base camp for the night. Approximate walking distance (23km).
Sunday 2nd November - The group will pack up base camp and commence the trip back to St Raphael’s Catholic School, stopping to complete the Pallabilo Walk on Kosciuszko Road. Students will return to St Raphael’s Catholic School (church car park) at 6pm. Approximate walking distance (6km).
Whilst hiking students will be expected to wear sturdy, enclosed shoes suitable for walking on unsealed tracks and uneven rocky surfaces, long lightweight pants, shirt with collar, sunscreen and hat.
Students will be expected to carry a day pack which includes wet weather gear, warm clothing, water, lunch, snacks, first aid supplies and an emergency blanket. All items not required on the day hikes, such as stoves, sleeping bags and tents will remain at base camp.
The students will be supervised by Mr Andrew Phelan and Mrs Cassandra Bennett throughout the expedition. Mr William Bennett will be assisting with driving the school bus.
The cost of the excursion will be $10 per student which will be payable via Compass. This will cover entry to Kosciuszko National Park and campsite fees at Island Bend Campground.
In the event of an emergency, supervising teachers will be carrying mobile phones and a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
The school can supply students with hiking packs, tents, camp stoves, emergency blankets, head torches and sleeping mats.
Students should consider packing the following additional items:
2-3 litres of water
Sleeping bag
Pillow
Toiletries (including toilet paper)
Soap/hand sanitiser
Microfibre towel
Insect repellent
Sunglasses
Hat
Plate/bowl/knife/spoon/fork
First aid items (including emergency blanket)
Sunscreen
Spare socks
Waterproof poncho
Warm clothes
Sleeping clothes
Cooking utensils
Personal medication
Food
If you have any questions regarding this hike please contact Mr Andrew Phelan at a.phelan@bth.catholic.edu.au