Conquering Kosciuszko – Leadership Through Adventure Fund
April 17, 2025By Colby Ind – Lone Venturer Unit, Scouts SA
At 7:30am on Saturday 11 January, I waved goodbye to Mum and hit the road. We were headed halfway across the country to start what had once seemed like a wild dream: my biggest expedition yet—hiking 10 of the most iconic peaks over 2000 metres in the Snowy Mountains.
What followed was six days of unforgettable highs, physically and mentally demanding terrain, and moments of breathtaking beauty. But more than that, it was a test of leadership, mateship, and determination.
The Adventure Begins
After a big driving day and a night at the 1st Ettamogah Scout Hall near Albury, our group of six set off early the next morning towards Dead Horse Gap. This marked the official starting point of our hike, sitting at 1580m near Thredbo. With our packs full and the sun blazing, we climbed towards Mt Kosciuszko (2228m)—Australia’s tallest peak—reaching the summit by late afternoon.
From there, we pushed on to our first campsite. Just as we arrived, the rain hit hard. Everything was soaked, but spirits stayed high. The next morning, we dried our gear in the sun and tackled Mt Townsend—peak number two—with panoramic views that made the climb well worth it.
A quick swim at Blue Lake gave us a refreshing break before hiking on to our next campsite near Mt Twynam, with stunning views and a sunrise I’ll never forget.
Challenges in the Wilderness
Climbing Mt Lee on day three came with its own set of trials. A section of the trail with magnetic interference left our compasses unreliable, so GPS became our guide through the rolling hills. Then came the warning: storms were brewing.
We pushed through 11 kilometres before morning tea, taking our break at Valentine’s Hut, where we found logbook entries from previous hikers advising against the notorious Valentines Falls track. Naturally, we gave it a go—and learned the hard way why it had such a reputation! The rain eventually caught us, but the views at Grey Mare Hut that evening reminded us why we were out there.
Summit Success and Lasting Bonds
Day five brought one of the biggest highlights: summiting Mt Jagungal. We climbed with just daypacks and were rewarded with incredible 360° views. It was our first proper mobile reception in days—perfect for calling our parents and sharing the moment.
That night, our final one on the trail, was bittersweet. We cooked dinner, swapped stories, and reflected on the incredible week we’d had together. Despite the sore legs, there was a real sense of pride in what we’d achieved.
On the sixth and final day, we covered our last 15 kilometres and were picked up by our amazing volunteer leaders, Sean and Chris—none of this would have happened without them.
Lessons in Leadership
Over six days we hiked 116.4km and climbed nearly 5000 metres in elevation. Not every summit was reached, but every moment counted.
As both the youngest participant and the expedition leader, I learned so much about what it takes to support a team in the outdoors. Keeping morale up, noticing when someone needed a break, managing group pace and energy levels—it was all part of the challenge.
Behind the scenes, planning the expedition was just as intense. I had guidance from my mentor Greg Roberts, who helped me through qualifications and paperwork, and support from leaders across state borders. Thanks to Ben Keily and Matt Dadswell, I was able to shape a route that was realistic and rewarding, full of local insight and Scouting spirit.
Grateful for Every Step
This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of the Dick and Pip Smith Leadership Through Adventure Fund. The support from this grant meant everything—and I hope it continues to help other young people reach for ambitious goals.
Above all, I’m deeply thankful to my parents, who stood beside me every step of the way during planning and preparation. They are my biggest supporters, and I owe them so much.
This trip has changed my life, and I know it’s just the beginning. I’m already thinking about where my next big challenge might take me.
Until next time,
Colby Ind
Lone Venturer Unit, Scouts SA
