Solo hiking the Australian Alps Walking Track

Solo hiking the Australian Alps Walking Track - complete AAWT hike (SOBO)

Рет қаралды 16,459

2 ай бұрын

Welcome to the Australian Alps Walking Track an incredible thru hiking trail running through the ACT, NSW and Victoria. The trail is approximately 650-700km long depending on route, detours and side trips.
In this video I invite you to join me for my south bound (SOBO) hike - a self supported month long adventure.
This hike was filmed and undertaken during Feb /March 2024 and completed SOBO to get through Kosciusko before its major aerial shooting closures this year. Please make sure you check for any current closures before heading out!
I greatly appreciate the effort and ongoing care and maintenance of this trail making it possible for walkers to enjoy as well as the support of the track angel community. I hope you enjoy this video and are able to use it as a resource for planning your own hiking adventure in this beautiful part of Australia.
For more trail information head to - theaustralianalpsnationalpark...
For good quality dehydrated hiking meals check out - camperspantry.com.au/?dt_id=6... (discount code: LAURAWADDELL_ ) 💛

Пікірлер: 145

@needtokeepwalking Ай бұрын

I came across one of your hikes a few days ago, i have now binged them, and all i can say is well walked, well presented, and keep going. When you're old and your knees creak and moan, this is what you will dream about.

@mikomedia319 25 күн бұрын

Thank you Laura for sharing your journey. What an epic and inspiring hike you accomplished. Appreciate you going to the effort documenting your adventures.

@savethebeeeez 10 күн бұрын

Amazing! Beautiful country. Thanks for sharing it with us.

@elaboguslawska7821 Ай бұрын

You are a very brave and strong lady I do admire you And fantastic commentary ..enjoy your freedom and stay safe

@CallyNoon Ай бұрын

Gorgeous countryside!

@MisterTMH Ай бұрын

Young lady , you have pumped out some huge long consecutive days in some taxing Victorian Mountain terrain. That is superhuman!

@ilyiza1 2 ай бұрын

Great video! It would be great to get more insight into your gear and nutrition. Also stats like elevation for each day would have been interesting.

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you, I’d love to pop a gear video together at some stage and could talk about food as well! I should have mentioned in the video I didn’t track distances myself (I had very limited battery) so they were taken directly from the Chapmans guidebook. I believe the trail has about 31,000m ascent (without side trips) and a similar decent so at this pace you’d be doing over 1000m each day (:

@ilyiza1 2 ай бұрын

@@LauraWaddellTravel Wow that's some very impressive elevation!! I am a girl in Victoria so your videos have been great to watch, looking forward to more gear and stats in your future videos so I can have the knowledge to plan adventures like yours :)

@Earlofmar1 Ай бұрын

I can’t believe how little calories you seemed to be eating for such big days. Of course it is impossible to tell how much you had, but those camper pantry meals aren’t even 500 cals. I did the AAWT last spring and am quite eager to do it again it was that good.

@grahamalbrey2804 Ай бұрын

A gutsy effort from you young lady. You are awesome, I am in awe. Congratulations, well done. Oh btw, the "cows" you describe at 38:18, seem unlikely in the "steep rough country" you also describe. Not wishing to alarm you but perhaps you should research the Yowie phenomenon.

@billthekelpies8461 Ай бұрын

Inspiring! Thank you for sharing. A stunning adventure. Congratulations on completing your goal.

@wadsmillenia4906 Ай бұрын

Awesome, Laura! Thanks for sharing your journey. Super special night up there on the Viking and ice cream on Bogong is a flex! 💪🙂

@emmaemma480 Ай бұрын

What a fabulous video! Loved your attitude and irrepressible smile. I've done many of the sections of trail from Namadgi to Dead Horse Gap, multiple times; but work, kids, etc always got in the way of completing the AWT. I'm too old now with too many injuries to contemplate a comeback! Well done with coping with the snakes - the old saying of leaving them alone and they'll leave you alone. I remember one spring walking over Consett Stephen Pass from Mt Tait seeing more than 20 in less than 400m. All the very best. I can't wait to see more of your adventure videos.

@johncale3448 Ай бұрын

What an amazing trip and so well put together. Congratulations Laura

@MisterTMH Ай бұрын

29.00 We cleared Duane spur in Oct. 2023. It was a lot of work !

@johnmcbride5251 2 ай бұрын

Congratulations Laura. Everything about this video speaks to your professionalism, trekking abilities, and obvious enjoyment of the trail. Superb work. And thank you.

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you for your lovely comment! I really enjoyed this trail and am very grateful to get to share it 🙌🏼

@Moontess Ай бұрын

You go girl! I love how you did such a challenging hike with a big smile and wonderful attitude. You're an inspiration!

@deaniew2210 Ай бұрын

Beautiful! You really showed us how it’s done. A challenging track especially the Vic section. 💪 Respect sis 🤗

@davidwood493 Ай бұрын

Love watching your adventures

@glambycheryl212 Ай бұрын

Absolutely amazing!!!

@kathryntaylor9448 Ай бұрын

Your adventures are amazing and very inspiring 😊

@DianneSheridan28 2 ай бұрын

Laura, although I followed you on IG this video gives a whole different perspective of how incredibly brave you are. What an adventure navigating the snakes and brumbys! Can't wait to follow your next hike.

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you and thanks for following along for the adventure! I know a lot of people like the short IG format but I really love bringing it all together like this as a whole experience ❤️🙌🏼

@dipeshlimbu3870 2 ай бұрын

Wow! great hike video. Really enjoyed watching ... ❤

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed following along ❤️

@graemebdh2172 Ай бұрын

I’ve watched your Larapinta trek and now this. I think you’re amazing. How you keep that smile I’ll never know. I know I couldn’t all through that. Congratulations on the walk and the video.

@joshmorley6969 Ай бұрын

Your an absolute machine! Well done!

@SamClarkPhoto 2 ай бұрын

Amazing achievement! Good on you Laura!

@headwerkn Ай бұрын

What an awesome adventure and achievement - well done! Fastpacking the AAWT is on my bucket list for one day, just need to figure out the logistics - a bit involved if you’re not a local! Also great to see women getting out and feeling confident doing these sorts of trips solo, hopefully you’ll inspire others :-)

@peterthomas6486 Ай бұрын

Incredible Laura!

@darrencronon7446 Ай бұрын

Mate I just watched you AAWT trip, you are amazing and that walk is incredible, well done what an amazing experience

@VanessaMilne Ай бұрын

What a wonderful treat to watch your adventure Laura, you are amazing, congratulations on completing this, in many places a very challenging track...thanks.

@Bentrewarn83 2 ай бұрын

Congrats! What a trek! Thank you so much for sharing and the inspiration. You’re simply amazing and that grin is infectious

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you, it’s a stunning trek (as you could tell by the smile 😄)! Appreciate you following along 🙌🏼

@WeirdOneOz 2 ай бұрын

Well done 🎉 such an awesome achievement. Thanks for taking the time to share it with us. One to add to the bucket list for sure.

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you and thanks for watching along! I hope you get the chance to get out there it really is incredible country 🙌🏼

@BillboBaggins Ай бұрын

Great videos. You're always smiling and positive, with a massive pair of Superboots. Kudos.😎🤙

@AlloffroadAu Ай бұрын

great trip and video

@TheBeardedBushranger 2 ай бұрын

Well done. Great video and I loved seeing the viking in all its glory! Such a huge effort to do that trail!

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you, the Viking was definitely a favourite! Such unreal country 🏔️🙌🏼

@Hapi2bpba 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing- very impressive

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! 🙌🏼💛

@dvk518 2 ай бұрын

Excellent footage and great commentary- thanks for sharing!

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for joining me for this adventure!

@AZMUNDOGATES 2 ай бұрын

Amazing , you did sooooo good. Just amazing ☺️. Great edit and perfect guide to the trail. Go you

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you for your kind words! So glad you enjoyed it 💛🙌🏼

@tangoduck01 2 ай бұрын

Great video Laura. Many thanks!

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you, so glad you enjoyed following along ❤️🙌🏼

@PavoTreks 2 ай бұрын

Congrats Laura, this is an amazing achievement 👏

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you, it’s an incredible trail! 🥾🙌🏼

@robweaver4318 2 ай бұрын

Congratulations. Such a nice video record of a fantastic achievement. Thanks for sharing.

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching along! It was such a wonderful experience 🙌🏼

@justo316 2 ай бұрын

You're inspirational!

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you that’s very kind of you to say ✨💛

@scottcarpenter22 2 ай бұрын

Amazing adventure. Thanks for sharing❤

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! It really is amazing to get to experience and share adventures like this ❤️

@blasmartinez8985 2 ай бұрын

Impressive 🎉🎉

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! 🥰🙌🏼

@langthanee_pix 2 ай бұрын

Wow Laura, what an amazing trek. You have some serious "balls" not to mention a beautiful, positive smile and attitude. Very well done.

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Haha thank you! I absolutely loved the remoteness and adventure of this trail!

@nataliefairweather3339 2 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for making and sharing your experience. I think anyone who goes solo on these ventures is really brave - I’d get so scared in the dark with all the sounds of the animals. Congratulations!

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! It’s quite a unique experience going solo, you really start to get used to the different sounds around you and it’s nice to learn to feel capable in yourself 🥰🙌🏼

@ervinslens 2 ай бұрын

This was beyond spectacular my friend, what a beautiful presentation! 👏👏

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you, really appreciate your kind words! 🥰

@MisterTMH Ай бұрын

An impressive effort. I have walked major sections and XC skied parts of the AAWT as well as helping clear sections of the track in Victoria.. I have subscribed to your channel.

@guycalcagno8690 2 ай бұрын

Wow massive effort - smashed it out! You looked like you were having a ball.

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! I was loving the views and all the wildlife out there, it was just amazing 🙌🏼✨

@cjsbet 2 ай бұрын

Well done.

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! 🥰

@marionrk 2 ай бұрын

Laura, what an amazing achievement. I had my heart in my mouth through most of the video. The devastation from bush fires created an eerie backdrop. You were so brave walking through the long grass. So many snakes, especially tiger snakes. Thank you for this video. The scenery was stunning ❤

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you Marion, I really loved this adventure and am so glad I could share it! Definitely sad to see some of the damage from past bush fires but it really did add to the experience as a whole along with the scenery and wildlife! Thank you for watching along and I hope you are doing well ❤️❤️

@markcarter5929 2 ай бұрын

best vid ever 😊

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it 💛

@karengandy-bi4we 2 ай бұрын

Fantastic video again Laura. I love watching your journeys. Such beautiful scenery and wildlife. I enjoy your lovely focus on the snakes. I was on the edge of my seat when you could hear hunters and gunshots. That is the real danger. Safe travels. An inspiration for sure.

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you, it’s such a pleasure to share! The scenery and wildlife out there really was amazing and I completely agree with the danger, it is certainly something to be aware of in such remote areas! 🥾🙌🏼

@timmo971 2 ай бұрын

Epic!

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! 🙌🏼

@arniewingco3561 Ай бұрын

A few of us are in the early stages of planning (contemplating) this walk. We're pretty strong hikers ourselves, but your daily distances are very impressive. Well done 💪👍

@michelledevries7992 2 ай бұрын

Thanks Laura, looking forward to your next vid on Gear and other important stuff. :)

@MisterTMH Ай бұрын

Give Hannel's spur a go if you like the Kosci. N.P..It is a relentless 1800 M. ascent !

@Paul_VK3HN Ай бұрын

Good suggestion, I'd like to see Laura tackle it, she would charge up there in no time.

@domoVR647 Ай бұрын

You are so brave and beautiful with your perpetual drive to live your life. I am too scared to just walk my local bush tracks.

@TerryNew62 2 ай бұрын

I’m really enjoying your full AAWT film. I had spent time up in that area across the Roof of Oz but your trek has outdone anything I’ve done. Well done Laura. 👍💋🇦🇺

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

So glad you’ve enjoyed watching it and awesome to hear you’ve gotten to explore the area, I hope you had an amazing time!

@TerryNew62 Ай бұрын

@@LauraWaddellTravel Like you Laura I did the alpine trekking when I was younger and much fitter than I am now. Yes I had a wonderful time and you remind me how much fun I had back then. Thank you for being an enthusiastic and personable guide to all your treks. Your smile alone is worth watching you. 🤩👍

@taylanb Ай бұрын

you look so happy 😃

@Bentrewarn83 2 ай бұрын

Thanks

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! Really appreciate your support ❤️❤️

@harryridley2714 2 ай бұрын

Hey Laura I’m from south coast nsw and was stoked to watch this , high country being very close to my heart , great work and catch you out there one day 🥰

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you, you have a beautiful area to call home! So glad you enjoyed following along and look forward to catching you out there one day 🙌🏼

@harryridley2714 2 ай бұрын

@@LauraWaddellTravel thanks Lauz , keep on marching and take care out there an catch you on that big old dusty road one day 😌

@jarrodbrearley6621 Ай бұрын

Well do e great video and very informative. Whilst im not goi g to do the track i felt like i did it watching this. I do waaaay to much making of my own tracks hiking and camping the victorian high country. I find having a small solar charger perfect with a battery pack as you can clip it to your pack daily on route to next destination. Water filtering a must also.

@lauralopez-ryan4261 2 ай бұрын

I was just at valentines hut a few days ago and I think I saw your logbook entry! Awesome job on your hike

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! How lovely is valentines hut 😍 I’d love to re visit there as some point!

@ogicar100 2 ай бұрын

very brave ,congrat on mighty jurny

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you, I’m so grateful to have been able to have experienced it! 🙌🏼

@elisesmith3596 2 ай бұрын

Hey Laura, I love all your videos! Would you get able to do a gear breakdown? I’m also a solo female Aussie hiker. But just building up my gear for longer and longer trips

@guycalcagno8690 2 ай бұрын

Agree would love to see gear breakdown, from camp gear to clothes, shoes (trail runners over boots) etc. Why choosing that time of the year. Cheers

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! I’ll definitely try to get around to putting a gear video together, I always feel that I’m still learning so much myself so I second guess if I’m the right person to give gear advice but it would be a good way to learn together ❤️❤️

@samfordboy 2 ай бұрын

congratulations on an incrediably difficult hike and completing solo.

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you I absolutely loved it and thanks for following along! 🙌🏼💛

@tommyseselja 2 ай бұрын

In late January, myself and some brothers hiked the Tharwa to Kiandra section. It‘s an incredible spot, thanks for the memories! But we remember the section from Cotter Hut up to Murray’s Gap as an absolute shift, a trial we had to overcome 😤😅 Glad you enjoyed it though!

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

That’s so awesome to hear you got to get out on that section of trail and I’m so glad it brought back memories for you! Totally agree the hills up to Murray’s Gap are a bit of a workout haha 😅 I was pretty motivated to keep moving by the stormy weather coming in and it’s such an awesome feeling when you do overcome those challenges, you guys should be really proud! 🙌🏼

@tommyseselja Ай бұрын

@@LauraWaddellTravel the storms will definitely do that! 😆 Doing just one section of the AAWT was quite a challenge, so HUGE congratulations on completing the whole thing! I’m sure there were plenty of challenges not even shown in the video so you should be so proud for triumphing over all of them 🥳 It’s some of the most beautiful scenery in the world (which you’ve captured so beautifully!), so I’m sure it was unforgettable for you 🙌☺️

@94vrcommodore 2 ай бұрын

Very inspirational video. I consider doing a hike like that. Most I’ve done is the 48 km Kokoda challenge at Gold Coast hinterland

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

That’s amazing! A Kokoda challenge would be a huge effort and you should be really proud! I hope you have an amazing time when you get a chance to get out there on your next adventure 🙌🏼

@94vrcommodore 2 ай бұрын

@@LauraWaddellTravel thank you so kindly. I’m looking to drive to the Warrumbungles next 3 months to do some hiking.

@MisterTMH Ай бұрын

22.30. We cleared the AAWT on the spur going up to Johnny's top as of March 2024. It was steep and we went down it and up it twice with chainsaw gear in two consecutive days. That was hard !

@arniewingco3561 Ай бұрын

Thankyou for your great efforts 😅

@cycledelic44 2 ай бұрын

Tim Tams in a bush hut, Aussie as. Those sunsets were really great.

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

So Aussie haha! We really have some magic scenery here in Aus 🙌🏼

@gearaustralia8767 Ай бұрын

Great hike, well done 🤙 Laura, what’s been your best effective and lightweight water filter system? Longer hikes just aren’t possible without filtering

@PerspectiveAustralia 2 ай бұрын

That was a tough and inspiring hike. We so want to visit the alps. Incredible scenery and so many snakes!

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

It really is an incredible hike! I’m sure you’ll absolutely love it when you get to visit 🙌🏼

@greg6252 Ай бұрын

Well done Laura! I love watching your inspiring videos. One question: your shoes! What brand are they? They seem to have an extra-wide toe box which would be perfect for planting your foot and keeping balance in the challenging conditions.

@michelledevries7992 2 ай бұрын

Great video thanks. I’ve completed a section nobo Walhalla to Mt Victor. Would love to see your meal plan for 10 days. Seems preferable to organising food drops :)

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! I’ll definitely have to get around to putting another video together talking about gear and the trail (: It was definitely convenient not having to place or retrieve food drop boxes however if I did the trail again I think I would consider it to lesson my pack weight and have more back up incase things took longer in bad weather

@owen-george Ай бұрын

Yowie tried to getcha! @39:10

@nathanroberts355 Ай бұрын

I should see the man of snowy River at pattersons Ridge out of Melbourne Victoria

@dirtbikeadv Ай бұрын

Hi Laura, loving your videos your doing all the trips I'd like to do but the hips are a bit shagged. I love how you keep it moving and do the audio over the top. Your making me laugh a lot as every time you put the camera on yourself you have the massive smile happening.... It cracks me up, I love it. When I'm out on the ADV bike I randomly just start singing cause like you I'm in a very happy place as well. Great to see young ladies getting out having a crack without the bikini shot thumbnails. My daughter is currently out driving around SA doing similar travels to yourself ATM. Love your work keep them coming! Regards Steve

@timstravellingwok Ай бұрын

Hi Laura, congratulations on your hike, but in all honesty, you don't realise how lucky you are to have come out of it alive, going on your comments at 39:25 about cows following you for a kilometre or two. I would just like to point out to you that animals will not follow you for any length of time or distance. Cows are inquisitive, but they will only approach briefly and move away. I guess you don't know about the Yowie sightings that are being reported all over the Eastern states of Australia over the last few years, but for your own sake, I would seriously look into that aspect, if I was you. There are a small number of sites on the internet and channels on KZfaq that have some really interesting content on this subject. Best wishes to you, Tim

@70chaoswalking07 Ай бұрын

Hahaha omg

@petewest839 Ай бұрын

Well done indeed . . . however, I'd be giving you the tip [ @ 39.24 ] that those weren't " cows eyes " you saw . . . .

@MisterTMH Ай бұрын

27.00 We cleared the Long Spur track in its entirety in Dec. 2022. The track is still good. I walked it again in March 2024. Mt. Bogong Club members often use it as a way to reach our hut at Cleve Cole Hut in winter.

@CruzCruz-nw7fi 2 ай бұрын

That’s really amazing footage out there solo , the remoteness & the lack of water kept me watching

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! I loved the remoteness of this hike, it’s such a special challenge in itself 💚

@RobboOutdoors 2 ай бұрын

Hi! I was wondering what camping quilt you were using and was it warm enough? Thanks again :)

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

I used the Waratah Quilt from Neve Gear and really love the weight and quality of it! I took a sleeping bag liner also because I tend to really feel the cold but I was quite happy with it in the weather I had. I think if you were headed out closer to winter you may want something warmer as the area obviously can get quite a bit of snow ❄️

@user-tx1dp6wj7p 19 күн бұрын

Laura, would you grade this walk as 3, 4 or at all. Which multi day walks in Australia do you recommend.

@michaelmcphee2930 2 ай бұрын

Amazing young woman. Everything about this and you is so Impressive. I'm curious as to how you navigated when there was no trail.

@maaronnolan6038 2 ай бұрын

Hmmm me too? App thingy I suppose, I only map and compass it so it’s going to hard in the scrub!

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! I carried and used the Chapmans guide book which is amazing for information and maps of the AAWT as well as downloaded maps to my phone on Far Out

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

@@maaronnolan6038 I downloaded maps to the Far Out app, it’s not completely correct in where it says the trail is but I found it quite handy! I definitely think a hard copy is the way to go though especially if anything happens to your phone so I carried a compass and the chapmans guide also

@maaronnolan6038 2 ай бұрын

@@LauraWaddellTravel ah I see, that’s a pretty comprehensive navigation system, better safe than sorry. I’m going to do the Tharwa to Thredbo in a couple of weeks so I gotta get moving tracking down a copy of that book! Thanks heaps for replying bro, safe travels for life🤙

@MisterTMH Ай бұрын

30.00 You should have walked over the Twins summit. In good weather the views are first rate. Moreover the true AAWT actually follows the ridgeline and not the Twins Jeep track.

@J-wd1xr Ай бұрын

I’m glad your channel is turning into a hiking one :) I’ve been looking for my next hiking adventure and I was thinking the bibilum or a road trip down the east coast with a few smaller hikes however I heard mixed reviews for bibilum. So after watching your video I’ve started putting together a gear list and hoping to do it on the other side of winter. Thanks for the inspo!! Any hints on your next adventure?

@banglamountain5677 2 ай бұрын

would you please share the full itinerary? and is it safe for solo hiking? how many days tour?

@joetibbles1688 2 ай бұрын

Did you even watch the video? She says everything you ask as well as has it printed on screen. 28 days, every day she has the sectional start, finish and daily kms.

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

If you skip through the video I’ve got the days and kilometres on screen There are always risks associated with solo hiking as there are with group hiking but as you can see I was fine and had a great experience (:

@LauraWaddellTravel 2 ай бұрын

@@joetibbles1688haha thank you for actually watching along! Hopefully the information will help someone with their planning 😅💛