Chris heads over to the ACT to take advantage of some early snow atop of Canberra’s highest mountain peak, Mt Bimberi. Swapping the gravel bike for snowshoes, Chris digs deep with some big climbs, icy temperatures and a snowy off-track scramble to the summit.
The Jagungal Wilderness in the northern end of Kosciuszko National Park is one of the most picturesque and remote areas in the Snowy Mountains. Chris & Pat set out for an overnight bikepacking trip through this amazing corner of the national park, stopping at Mackay's Hut, Mount Jagungal, O'Keefes Hut, Derschkos Hut, Round Mountain and countless creeks and rivers, including the headwaters of the Tumut River. Join Chris & Pat as they wind their way through the rugged and remote Jagungal Wilderness.
Bivy camping opens up endless opportunities to wedge yourself in any person-sized rock, ledge, or crevice. With a lightweight and minimal mindset, Chris hikes to the summit of Big Talbingo Mountain to unroll on the rocks and sleep under the stars.
The Russell family embarks on a spectacular adventure to the Yarrangobilly Caves in Kosciuszko National Park, just over an hour's drive from Tumut. This must-visit destination in the Snowy Valleys is a favourite among families, hikers, fly fishers, campers and explorers alike. Chris, Gemma, Phoebe, and Amelia soak up the experience with a refreshing dip in the spring-fed thermal pool, a peaceful riverside walk, a visit to the breathtaking Glory Arch and an unforgettable guided tour of the Jersey Cave.
Rising 364 metres above the plains to the south-west of Wagga Wagga, lies The Rock Nature Reserve - Kengal Aboriginal Place. This iconic rock formation is millions of years old and traditionally known as Kengal, meaning sloping hill. Kengal is a Dreaming place, lookout and ceremonial site for the Wiradjuri people. The Rock stands proud, dominating the surrounding plains, overlooking the small village of the same name with Wagga Wagga (so good they named it twice) lying 25km away in the distance.
With most of my time spent on a river and in the outdoors whether it's fly fishing, rowing drift boats, or even paddling a packraft, I’d never undertaken a bikerafting trip. The Murrumbidgee River around Gundagai was the perfect proving ground for this newfound way to explore a river. Not too far to ride or paddle and not super technical paddling for a first-time bikerafter.
