Davies Plain

The tour will link up just south of Canberra, or alternatively in Jindabyne, before following the scenic Alpine Way through Kosciusko National Park to Tom Groggin where we will cross the Murray River. The tour route takes us through forests of Alpine Ash, Snow Gums, Candlebarks and Mountain Gums before the trees give way to rolling grassy plains often covered in wildflowers. We will pass scenic plains and waterfalls, and visit a historic hut to gain an appreciation of the legendary cattlemen and women who grazed their stock in the High Country.

We will experience the true grandeur of the High Country as we climb the steep slopes of Mount Gibbo and Mt Pinnibar for spectacular 360o views. At 1,772m, on a clear day the peak of Mount Pinnibar offers some of the most spectacular views of the tour including over Tom Groggin Station, renowned as the home of Jack Riley who provided Banjo Patterson the inspiration for his poem ‘The Man from Snowy River’. We will then make our way down tracks hugging narrow ridgelines towards the Murray and make our final camp before heading back to Jindabyne.

The tour will commence at 10:00am on Day 1 at a link up point just south of Canberra, or alternatively in Jindabyne at 12:00pm if coming from another direction. From Jindabyne we will follow the scenic Alpine Way through Kosciusko National Park to Tom Groggin Campground at the headwaters of the Murray River. Shortly after we will make our first camp, with plenty of time to relax and prepare dinner before getting to know the group around a fire. Some, but not all of our camps, have access to drop toilets, and will also be able to make use of drop toilets located on our route. You will need to bring your own water for drinking and cooking.

The tour will continue south through forests of Alpine Ash, Snow Gums, Candlebarks and Mountain Gums before the trees give way to rolling grassy plains often covered in wildflowers. We will stop at a historic hut and gain an appreciation of the legendary cattlemen and women who grazed their stock in the High Country. Heading back north, we will pass scenic plains and waterfalls before experiencing the true grandeur of the High Country as we climb Mount Gibbo for spectacular 360 degree views. Many of the tracks in this north section are very steep with a shale rock surface. Depending on your vehicle, some sections can become quite technical and maintaining traction is key. It can become slippery after even just a small amount of rain. We will be met with another panorama as we summit Mount Anderson before conquering the steep slopes of Mount Pinnibar. At 1,772m, on a clear day the peak of Mount Pinnibar offers some of the most spectacular views of the tour including over Tom Groggin Station, renowned as the home of Jack Riley who provided Banjo Patterson the inspiration for his poem ‘The Man from Snowy River’. We will make our way down tracks hugging narrow ridgelines towards the Murray and visit one of the few remaining examples of huts specifically built for the wild dog trappers working for what was then known as the Lands Department, before making our final camp.

Day 5 will provide a relaxing start, with time for a swim if you are willing to brave the cold mountain stream waters. After packing up, we will head back across the Murray River and make our way back to Jindabyne by 3:00pm where the tour will finish.

Having done this tour and explored the northern section of the Alpine National Park, you will want to experience the southern section too which hosts iconic 4WD tracks such as Zeka Spur, Basalt South and Blue Rag Range, so have a look at our Wonnangatta Valley tour. You could also expand your 4WD experience from mountains to desert with one of our Simpson Desert tours.

Our Davies Plain tour is offered at the start and end of each year due to seasonal road closures. Upcoming dates are:

2024:

• Mon 9 - Fri 13 December 2024: book before 30 November 2024

2025:

• Mon 3 - Fri 7 February 2025: book before 28 January 2025

• Mon 8 - Fri 12 December 2025: book before 28 November 2025