Distance - 50km
Duration - 3 days / 2 nights
Skill Level - Intermediate
Highlights
- Visit the Kosiuszko mountain huts and watch the sun set from their doorsteps
- Walk among the rolling alpine hills and rivers
- Get to have Kosciuszko National Park to yourself
Overview
The Geehi Dam – Grey Mare Hut – Valentine Hut loop is a 3 day / 2 night 50km walk in the Kosciuszko National Park. It is an intermediate walk along well-marked trail starting at an elevation of 1,100m and rising to a height of 1,800m.
The walk is a perfect adventure that takes you along alpine ridges with gorgeous views of the surrounding meadows and valleys. End each day by resting up at the Kosciuszko mountain huts and watching the sun set over the distant mountain tops.
There is plenty of fresh water, with a number of creek crossings and a perfect swimming spot beside Valentine Hut – if you are inclined. Along the walk make sure to observe the abundance of wildlife, including many colourful insects, kangaroos and echidnas.
Make sure to check out my personal adventure report when I completed the walk in March 2021.
Day 1 - Geehi Dam to Grey Mare Hut
20km / 6hrs
The hike begins at Geehi Dam and follows the Geehi to Bourkes Gorge Road for 7km. This section of the hike winds along creeks in the area and follows the power lines as you gain elevation. There are several shallow creek crossings at the beginning of the hike, it is recommended to remove your shoes to avoid walking the rest of the day with wet feet.
After the initial elevation gain, you will join the Grey Mare Trail, which will take you along mountain ridges towards Grey Mare Hut. This section of the hike offers stunning views of distant mountains, making it the perfect spot to take a break and enjoy your lunch.
The hike continues along the Grey Mare Trail before descending into a valley and meeting the Valentine Hut Trail. As you reach the intersection of the two trails, look out for the side track that leads to Grey Mare Hut. The hut is initially hidden behind trees and greenery, but as you make your way up the short hill, its patina tin walls and chimney will come into view.
Grey Mare Hut sits nestled in the hills of the Grey Mare Range and offers breathtaking views of Smiths Lookout and Mount Jagungal in the distance. The hut features five bunks and ample space to store your gear and rest. On the opposite end of the bunks, you’ll find a table and chairs set up next to a stone-lined fireplace. For firewood, there is a small storage shed on the side of the hut that contains firewood collected by previous hikers. If you use it, be sure to replenish the stores for the next hikers. You can find more information about the huts and the ethics surrounding their use on the Kosciusko Hut Association website.
To refill your water supplies, follow the small trail behind the hut for a short distance up the hill. Here you’ll find a collection of old mining equipment beside a small stream where you can collect water. If the stream is dry, a short walk back down the hill will take you to the larger Back Flat Creek.
Be sure to capture the sunset and sunrise over the alpine landscape. There are several benches on the hillside near an outdoor fire pit that would make for a perfect spot to take in the rich colors of sunset.
Day 2 - Grey Mare Hut to Valentine Hut
8km / 3hrs
Day two’s hike is shorter than the previous day’s, but it is recommended to set off early to have enough time to enjoy Valentine Hut and the surrounding scenery. Begin by walking back down the hill towards the Grey Mare – Valentine intersection and following the Valentine Trail. The hike starts with several creek crossings, so be prepared to take your shoes off and on or walk with wet feet.
As you cross Back Flat Creek and small side streams, the trail will quickly take you to the ridge along the Strumbo Range. The trail then leads to the largest river crossing of the day, the Geehi River. After crossing the river, the trail goes uphill before reaching a grassy plateau where the walk continues until Valentine Hut. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow.
After a short walk on the plateau, you will see Valentine Hut nestled in a small valley with Valentine Creek at the bottom. The creek is 10m wide but relatively shallow. The hut is painted a bright red with small white heart decals, fitting with its name.
Valentine Hut has a flat and well-maintained surrounding. Inside, there is a small fireplace and chimney, a bench and chairs, and six sleeping spots. The walls also have tools such as a spade and saw. A drop toilet is located a short walk away from the hut and Valentine Creek is a great spot to refill your water supplies.
If you have some time before sunset and want to do more hiking, Valentine Falls further down the creek is a short but challenging hike following the watercourse. The walk starts on the side of the hut facing downstream Valentine Creek. It goes down the hill through the bushes and winds along the creek. The trail is partly overgrown and becomes steeper and slippery closer to the falls.
After the hike, take some time to watch the sunset while staying warm inside the hut.
Day 3 - Valentine Hut to Geehi Dam
22km / 6hrs
Day 3 is your final and longest day of hiking. Pack up your gear and start early, as you’ll want to arrive at Geehi Dam at a reasonable time if you plan to drive home today. Follow the Valentine Trail for 5km until you reach the intersection with Schlink Pass Road. Turn right and begin descending towards Geehi River. The rest of the hike will be on a four-wheel drive road that follows the high-voltage power line back to Geehi Dam.
The hike primarily follows the Geehi River downhill, with only a few short sections of elevation gain. Take note of how the surrounding vegetation changes from white gums and grassland to a more forested and green landscape as you continue to descend in elevation. As you near Geehi Dam, you’ll also see a flying fox used to access river monitoring equipment. The steepest climb of the day will be right after this before a final descent to Geehi Dam, marking the end of your three-day adventure.
Essential Adventure Gear
- Hiking Pack – Large enough to comfortably hold enough supplies for a 3-day, 2-night trip, including food.
- Tent – It is advisable to bring a tent and sleep in it rather than relying on huts, if possible.
- Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Pad – Essential for staying warm and comfortable overnight.
- Sunscreen and Hat – Tree coverage is limited in many areas, so it’s important to protect yourself from the sun.
- Water Storage and Treatment – Bring at least 2-3 liters of water storage and appropriate equipment, such as a filter or tablets, to ensure safe drinking water.
- Rain Jacket and Additional Thermal Layers – Even in the summer, weather can change quickly, so it’s important to be prepared for rain and temperature fluctuations.
- Toilet Paper – Though drop toilets are available, they may not always have toilet paper, so it’s best to bring your own.
Getting There
Extending The Trip
The hike is part of the Australian Alps Walking Track, a 655km long trail that spans across the Australian Alps. This particular trip can be easily extended at Grey Mare Hut by adding a side trip further along the Australian Alps Walking Track towards Mount Jagungal. To do this, on Day 2 instead of hiking the Valentine Trail, continue along the Grey Mare Trail. Derschko’s Hut, located 10km away, is the next shelter on this extension.
Another similar but longer hike to Valentine Hut can be taken from Guthega Power Station along Schlink Pass Road. Along this trail, there are several other huts that can be used for shelter.
The Kosciusko National Park is home to a wide variety of huts and long-distance hiking trails. With a bit of research, you can easily plan a multi-day hiking trip to suit your desired duration.
