14• Melbourne – Lithgow

A big thank you to Tess and Mitch for their hospitality upon our return to Melbourne, before perusing our journey.

We decided to reach the most southern point on the mainland, South Point in Wilson Promontory NP, only accessible on foot.
We got a bit surprised when we reached the start of the walk. To reach South Point, 1½ to 2 days are necessary, involving an overnight camping and not just a 6h walk as mentioned the day before by the national park staff!!! Ill equipped, we had to renounce and did instead a few shorter walks in the area.

It was more determined than ever that we planned our itinerary leading to the highest point in Australia: Mount Kosciuszko. Just to be sure, we checked the road conditions at the information centre intending to drive on the Barry Way, apparently a very scenic and picturesque drive.

Grrrrrrrrrr… uncontrolled fires once again stand in our way!

Resigned, we went on exploring the Gibbsland and spent a few days around Eden. We found an alternative to reach the Alps at Jindabyne via the MacKillops Road and the northern section of the Barry Way.

Once again a picturesque and scenic drive ahead but not without danger. Steep, narrow, winding road with limited passing areas as stated by the road sign. Yep, a bit hard to reverse in those conditions with a trailer! Even used to some of our Swiss Alp roads, strong nerves are needed to tackle what is said to be some of the most dangerous roads in Australia.
After three travelling days and the occasional knotted stomach we reached our destination without incident. Phew!
And yes… the scenery was all worth it!!

Happy to swap the wheels for our walking shoes for a few days to explore this beautiful alpine region!
But, it was not without hicup as Jean-Philippe unfortunately sprained his ankle on our first walk. Knowing his determination and under the excellent care provided by Armande, it’s only two days later that we reached the summit of Mt Kosciuszko (2228m) via the Main Range track (20km) instead of choosing an easier option (chairlift & 4h walk).

We’ve met again with Maggy and Phil for a few days in the Snowy before continuing our journey through NSW.