This full day (or overnight) walk visits a series of interesting huts whilst exploring some open alpine country and parts of the Snowy Mountains Scheme. Starting at the Guthega / Munyang Power station, you climb up the steep old road to find some great views down the valley. Optional side trips visit the Gate House, Horse Camp Hut and White's River Hut. The alternate exit via Disappointment Spur gives some variety on the return journey and the chance to visit another historic hut.
(open in app)
There are Closed areas in Kosciuszko National Park Today's Fire rating LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
Please note: This is a 'return' style walk and therefore these graphs only show the terrain for the first half of the walk (until the turn around point.)
Cross sectional view of the Schlink Hut Walk bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Schlink Hut Walk bushwalking track
Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length
22km
Time
9 hrs
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Signs
Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Experience Required
Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather
Forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing
Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk. Gradient
7km of this walk has short steep hills and another 3.2km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 1.3km is very steep and the remaining 190m is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
This whole walk, 11km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
10km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection and another 1.4km has minimal directional signs. The remaining (190m) is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
10km of this walk requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience and another 1.3km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (190m) requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 11km of this walk is affected by forecast, unforecast storms and severe weather events that may impact on navigation and safety, whilst the remaining 190m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 11km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 190m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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This walk leads through an extreme alpine environment and all walkers must be well prepared. During summer, be prepared for both very hot and cold weather, high winds, rain, snow, extreme UV levels and some sections of snow or ice on the ground. Before starting this walk, check advice with Snowy Region Visitor Information Centre (02) 6450 5600, the weather forecast and the snow conditions then change your plans as needed. These notes, grades and walking times have been written for use in the summer months only. Between May and the end of October, this walk is likely to be covered in snow/ice, visitors should be carrying and be prepared to use snowshoes or cross country skis. When there is a chance of significant snow on the ground, visitors will need particularly strong navigation and snowcraft skills - tracks and signage may not be visible. For most visitors, it is best to consider this walk closed during the colder months.
(0 km)
Munyang car park
to
Behind Power station Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 193 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 14 m
Descent = -5 m
From the Munyang (Guthega Power Station) car park[1], this walk heads along the short driveway[2] and across the large bridge[3] over the Snowy River, heading towards the power station[4]. At the fence (on the other side of the bridge), this walk turns left[5] to head around to the other side of the power station. Just past the concrete building[6], this walk passes the two large feeder pipes[7] and continues, soon finding an intersection with two management trails[8] marked with a 'Schlink Trail' sign[9].
Guthega Power Station (Munyang)
Alt = 1328 m
This was the first power station of the Snow Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme, completed in 1955[10]. It is also known as Munyang, as the station sits just west of the confluence of the Munyang and Snowy Rivers. The station boasts two 30MW turbine and generator[11] combinations, providing peak power to the eastern states. The turbines are powered from the water in two large pipes[12] that form part of the Guthega Pressure Tunnel, fed by Guthega Dam. The dam is about 260m higher than the power station. More info
(0.19 km)
Behind Power station
to
Pipe line intersection Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 1.27 km
Time = 35 mins
Climb = 156 m
Descent = -7 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Schlink Trail' sign[13] uphill along the sealed management trail[14]. This walk soon heads around a locked gate[15] where the trail becomes dirt[16]. The trail leads uphill quite steeply[17] and, after about 500m, leads under some power lines[18], around a sharp left bend[19] and then back under the same power lines again. The trail continues up, passing through two sharper bends[20] and under a different power line twice before flattening out at a right-hand bend[21] beside the large, white pipelines[22] (the Guthega Pressure Tunnel).
(1.46 km)
Pipe line intersection
to
int of Gate House trail and Munyang-geehi Rd Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 1.02 km
Time = 23 mins
Climb = 78 m
Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads gently uphill along the management trail, initially keeping the pipeline to your left[23]. The trail soon bends right, away from the pipeline, and heads through the trees. The walk passes under under a set of power lines[24] and continues along the clear management trail, past a signposted fainter trail[25]. About 500m after the power line, the trail bends left, ignoring another faint trail[26] (on your left) just beyond a clearing. Here the walk continues up through the snow gums[27] and soon after a left bend, comes to a clear three-way intersection, marked with a 'Surge Tank' and 'Gate House' signs[28] (pointing to the left).
(2.49 km)
Int of Gate House trail and Munyang-geehi Rd
to
Gate House Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 443 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 9 m
Descent = -24 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Surge Tank' and 'Gate House' signs[29] south along the grassy management trail, over a small rise[30]. The trail leads though a clearing[31] and after about 170m, this walk takes the left branch at an intersection[32]. The trail soon starts to lead downhill[33], circling around behind the gate house building[34] and soon coming to the front of the building[35] where the large white pipes dominate the landscape[36]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)
Gate House
Alt = 1557 m
The gate house is a large concrete building, built into the side of the hill about 220m above Guthega Power Station. This building joins the underground Guthega pressure tunnel with the long white pipe that feed the power station. The gate house regulates the flow of water from the dam to the power station. There is some limited shelter and a great view along the pipe down to Munyang[37].
(2.49 km)
Int of Gate House trail and Munyang-geehi Rd
to
Int of Horse Camp Hut Trail and Munyang-geehi Rd Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 1.34 km
Time = 27 mins
Climb = 40 m
Descent = -63 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads west, downhill along the management trail, initially keeping the 'Gate House' and 'Surge Tank' trail to your left[38]. The trail bends right and crosses a small (culverted) creek[39] then winds over a small rise[40]. From the top of this rise, the trail leads downhill out of the snow gums[41] (passing a faint signposted trail, on your right[42]) to cross a fair sized creek[43] using a concrete ford[44]. Here the trail begins to climb again for about 500m (passing another faint signposted trail, on your right[45]), and just after passing through a grove of snow gums[46], the walk comes to the top of the rise and a three-way intersection marked with a 'Horse Camp Hut' sign[47] (pointing left).
(3.83 km)
Int of Horse Camp Hut Trail and Munyang-geehi Rd
to
Horse Camp Hut Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 510 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 25 m
Descent = -1 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads west following the 'Horse Camp Hut - 400 meters' sign[48] downhill along the management trail, directly away from the main trail and power lines[49]. The trail soon starts to head uphill through the trees and about 170m after a short but steeper climb[50], this trail leads to a small clearing and Horse Camp Hut[51], on your left. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn sharp left to continue along this walk.)
Horse Camp Hut
Alt = 1562 m
Horse Camp Hut is found beside a trail linking the old Munyang-Geehi Rd with an aqueduct trail on the western side of the valley. Still in good condition, this hut was built for surveyors in the 1950s as part of the Snowy Mountains Scheme effort[52]. The hut has a distinctive red door[53] and two rooms. The smaller room contains bunk beds and a stove[54] and the larger room has a fire place, table and sitting area[55]. The hut has a timber floor[56] and the outer walls and roof are made of corrugated iron[57]. There is a creek nearby for water[58] and a pit toilet[59] is available. The grassy flat area around the hut makes for great camping[60].
(3.83 km)
Int of Horse Camp Hut Trail and Munyang-geehi Rd
to
Int of Aquaduct Trail and Munyang-geehi Rd Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 3.16 km
Time = 1 hr 7 mins
Climb = 157 m
Descent = -76 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north, downhill along the main management trail, keeping the valley and power lines to your right[61]. The trail almost immediately passes a '97G-3' sign[62] (pointing toward the power lines) and continues, crossing under the power lines twice[63] before crossing Munyang River on a concrete bridge[64] almost 1km after the 'Horse Camp Hut' sign. From here, the trail leads up the other side of the valley, crossing under the power lines again[65] before gently climbing up along the side of the valley. The trail crosses three small (culverted) creeks[66] and passes through a long run of dead snow gums[67]. Just past the third creek, the trail leaves the dead snow gums and climbs past the signposted 'GGA-MSS 21 24' trail[68] (on your left) and, about 400m later, comes to a signposted three-way intersection[69]. This intersection is signposted as 'Disappointment Spur Trail'[70] (aka Aquaduct Trail) and 'Schlinks Trail'[71] (aka Munyang-geehi Rd).
(6.98 km)
Int of Aquaduct Trail and Munyang-geehi Rd
to
White's River Hut intersection Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 1.06 km
Time = 26 mins
Climb = 99 m
Descent = -13 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Schlinks Trail' sign[72] downhill along the management trail and soon crosses a (culverted) creek[73]. The trail passes an overgrown signposted trail[74] (on your left) and starts to climb the side of the hill, soon passing under a set of power lines[75] as the valley views open up[76]. The trail continues uphill for about 400m, passing a couple of rock falls[77] and also a clear management trail[78] (on your left). From here, the trail continues for another 400m, then flattens out and come to an unsignposted three-way intersection[79], just before a right-hand bend (and a 'GGA-MSS 33' sign[80]). Here you can see White's River Hut and a weather station[81].
(8.05 km)
White's River Hut intersection
to
White's River Hut Optional sidetrip: Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 259 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -2 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads west, downhill along the grassy management trail towards the creek, and turns right almost immediately[82]. The clear trail soon leads through a rocky creek crossing[83] then over a small rise[84] tending left[85] to cross another creek[86]. These creeks may become impassable after rain or snow melt. The trail then leads up to a clearing and finds White's River Hut[87]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)
White's River Hut
Alt = 1710 m
At this site, there are a few buildings - the main hut is believed to have been built in by Bill Napthali and Fred Clarke in 1935[88] to house them as they grazed cattle. It is also possible that the hut was built by Edward Haslingdon and his sons in 1933[89]. The Kosciusko Alpine Club has a long history with the hut and has made many changes over the years - they are now the primary caretakers[90]. This hut has two main rooms[91][92] plus an entry woodpile annex[93]. The second hut is behind the main hut - the SMA hut[94] (aka the Kelvinator). This second hut is not as well maintained[95] as the main one. There is also a pit toilet[96] beside the hut. A large, flat, grassy area[97] makes a great place to camp and the nearby creek is a source of water[98]. NOTE: On 27th July 2010 an accidental fire has done significant damage to this hut, it is now fenced off and accessing the hut is unsafe. A plan is likley to be put into place to restore the hut.[99]
(8.05 km)
White Rivers Hut intersection
to
Schlink Pass Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 1.4 km
Time = 31 mins
Climb = 101 m
Descent = -4 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads gently uphill along the main management trail, soon passing the 'GGA-MSS 33' sign[100] where the trail then bends right[101]. The trail continues uphill for a while to lead parallel under the power lines[102] for a short time before bending around the ridge and passing under the same power lines[103]. For the next 600m, the trail continues up the side of the valley before flattening out at a saddle, signposted as 'Schlink Pass'[104].
(9.44 km)
Schlink Pass
to
Schlink Hut Track: Hard - servicetrail
Length = 1.76 km
Time = 34 mins
Climb = 38 m
Descent = -67 m
Continue straight: From Schlink Pass[105], this walk heads north gently downhill along the management trail whilst keeping the valley and power lines to your left[106]. The trail leads down along the side of the valley, crossing a couple of (culverted) creeks[107] among the scattering of snow gums. The trail passes a few signs but about 300m after the 'GAA-MSS 53 56' sign[108], the trail enters a grove of trees[109] and leads a bit more steeply down to cross another (culverted) creek[110], with a view to Schlink Hut on your left[111]. Here the walk heads up the short rise[112] to find an intersection with a management trail (on your left) just above Schlink Hut[113]. Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads downhill along the short management trail towards Schlink Hut[114]. The trail leads between the toilet (on your right) and the hut[115]. The far end of the toilet[116] and hut[117] is unlocked and available for public use.
Schlink Hut
Alt = 1774 m
This is a large Snowy Mountain Scheme hut built in 1961. The hut sits between the maintenance road and a set of high tension power lines which run along the valley[118]. The hut was built to house the staff who were building and maintaining the infrastructure in the area. Today, part of the hut is left unlocked for public use. There is a pump-out toilet[119], flat grassy area[120] and creek nearby for water[121]. The hut has several rooms[122], beds[123], a fire place and a table[124]. The hut is named after Sir Herbert Henry Schlink (1883-1962), a medical doctor and xc skier. Dr Schlink made the first winter crossing from Kiandra to Kosciusko[125]. The hut is often called the Schlink Hilton, due to its size. More info
Fire Danger This walk passes Monaro Alpine fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place. (Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 7 years ago) This walk passes Southern Slopes fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place. (Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 7 years ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Region: South Coast & Highlands Park feesCampingFacilities Current Park Closure information for Kosciuszko National Park Closure information last downloaded Sunday 27th of September 2015 07:00 AM Closed areas: Thredbo Diggings campground closed to caravans Thredbo Diggings campground is currently closed to all caravans and camping trailers due to continuing wet conditions. There will be limited sites available for tents. Caravans and camping trailer sites are available at Ngarigo, Island Bend and Tom Groggin campgrounds. For more information please phone (02) 6450 5620.
Closed areas: Island Bend campground partially closed due to maintenance Partial closure of Island Bend campground due to maintenance. Camp sites are now available at the lower camp at Island Bend in Kosciuszko National Park. Other sites have been fenced and will remain closed for 6 to 12 months following capping works to ameliorate the asbestos risk and to allow for revegetation. Please observe all signs and closures. For more information, please contact Andrew Miller at the NPWS Jindabyne Office or on 0427 437391 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page. Download a map of the closed area.
Closed areas: Winter road closures The following roads will be closed until the October long weekend, unless weather allows them to be opened in late September:
Behrs Flat trail
Blue Waterholes trail
Broken Cart trail
Bullocks Hill trail
Cabramurra - Khancoban Road (KNP5)
Cumberland trail
Four Mile Hill trail
Geehi Dam Road (Olsen's Road)
Goobragandra Powerline Road
Kings Cross Road
Link Road
Long Plain Road
Major Clews Road
Manjar Road
Perisher to Charlotte Pass
Pocket Saddle Road
Port Phillip trail
Tantangra Dam Road
Three Mile Dam access trails
Davies Plain track
and all associated subsidiary roads and access trails. The Murray River crossing into Victoria at Tom Groggin campground is closed until 29 October 2015 due to winter road closures by Parks Victoria. There will be no access into Davies Plain, Mt Pinnibar and Tom Groggin fire trails in the Victorian Alpine National Park. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the NPWS Tumut Visitor Centre on (02) 6497 7025 or the NPWS Snowy Region Visitor Centre on (02) 6450 5600, or visit the NSW National Parks safety page.
Closed areas: Thredbo Valley track reopening Sunday 27 September 2015 Sections 1 and 2 (Thredbo to Ngarigo) of the Thredbo Valley track will be reopening on Sunday 27 September 2015. The track from The Diggings to Skitube- Bullocks Flat, Bullocks Hut and Lake Crackenback Resort will remain open. The Bullocks and Muzzlewood tracks will also remain open. For more information, please contact the Snowy Region Visitor Centre, Jindabyne on (02) 6450 5600 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
We(My wife and I) did this on October long weekend this year (2012). Lots of snow on the way. Didn't do the whole 22km, turned off at disappointment spur trail. Had some tea on the way at disappointment hut.
It was blue sky and lots of snow. Breath taking views. This is one of the best walks I ever done.
Try to get some information from Jindabyne, and they thought we are mad doing while it is snowing and high winds. They didn't even offer us a map. Luckily weather cleared and it was beautiful. But we were prepared for the worst. Some places snow and ice up to 1m. We walked on our hiking shoes, not snow boots. We wear careful not to get wet. Didn't see a single human for the whole walk till we reach the power station. Camped at Island bend.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
not too much longer now :)