Temperatures from 2°C to 20°C
To make the most of your HIGHLANDER experience, we recommend preparing with some physical training, ensuring you have the right gear (and testing it beforehand), and familiarising yourself with the terrain and weather conditions of the event location.
Temperatures from 2°C to 20°C
Get your backpacking checklist here
Backpack checklistFind below the dedicated Backpacking Checklists carefully prepared for the HIGHLANDER Adventure. You’ll find a Day Pack Checklist for the LYRA format and a Multi-Day Pack Checklist for all other formats.
Each list clearly indicates the Mandatory Gear items with the initials MG, which must be carried with you in order to participate in the HIGHLANDER Adventure. Please note: if any MG is missing during the gear check, you will not be allowed to attend the event.
Mandatory Checklist Central Coast - DOWNLOAD HERE
The backpack you will be carrying will likely be heavy. Start training with 8 - 10kg and increase gradually to 15 - 16kg. For Lyra format, we suggest a maximum of 10kg.
Find below the dedicated Backpacking Checklists carefully prepared for the HIGHLANDER Adventure. You’ll find a Day Pack Checklist for the LYRA format and a Multi-Day Pack Checklist for all other formats.
Each list clearly indicates the Mandatory Gear items with the initials MG, which must be carried with you in order to participate in the HIGHLANDER Adventure. Please note: if any MG is missing during the gear check, you will not be allowed to attend the event.
Mandatory Checklist Central Coast - DOWNLOAD HERE
The backpack you will be carrying will likely be heavy. Start training with 8 - 10kg and increase gradually to 15 - 16kg. For Lyra format, we suggest a maximum of 10kg.
Make sure you can walk comfortably in your backpacking shoes and break them in before the event.
Look into ultralight backpacking and thru-hiking methods of walking and packing. Bring only the indispensable items in your backpack and choose natural materials wherever possible.
Merino wool clothe is great (especially for underwear and base layers) for its quick-drying, anti-fungal, and anti-odour properties.
A fully packed backpack, including food and water, should not weigh over 15kg (for Lyra 8-10kg). The lighter, the better!
We recommend you backpack min 10km per week in the 2 months before the event and gradually increase the weight of your backpack until you feel comfortable hiking 15km with 15kg in one session by 2 weeks out.
During your physical preparation, don't forget to test the gear too!
< 15kg
The lighter, the better!
WEATHER
Expect cool mornings, sunny days and colder nights.
In March the Alpine National Park averages 27% chance of rain, so although rain is unlikely it's definitely possible. Temperature are pleasant but nights and mornings can get really cold and humid.
You should bring rain and dry weather clothing, including a cap or a hat, thermal gloves if you are sensitive to cold.
NAVIGATION
To find your way around, you must know how to read gpx maps and basic compass skills as well as a GPS navigation tool that you may use alongside the compass.
For Hercules, Pegasus, and Orion a special physical map will be provided by the Organiser.
SAFETY
To find your way around, you must know how to read gpx maps and basic compass skills as well as a GPS navigation tool that you may use alongside the compass.
For your safety, all participants must have a first aid kit during our events. All first aid kits must include a snake bandage, and you need to know how to use it.
GETTING THERE
The Start and Finish will be set up by The General, Mt Hotham
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
From Melbourne Airport
City Link bus from Melbourne Airport Tullamarine to the Melbourne City (Southern Cross)
From Melbourne City
VLine regional Train from Melbourne City (Southern Cross) to Wangaratta.
From Wangaratta there are limited bus options to Mt Hotham in Summer but we will set up a FB event page in January to help connect people participating and explore potential car pooling options from Melbourne, Wangaratta, Albury and Bright.
BY COACH
You can book seat on a coach from Melbourne CBD to Mt Hotham.
BY CAR
Arriving by car would be the easiest way to get to the event.
Driving the fastest route via Hume Hwy to Wangaratta then the Great Alpine Road direct to Hotham. Travel time around 4.25 hours with a distance of 380km from Melbourne.
There is plenty of free parking across the road from The General.
Learn more on how to get to Mount Hotham in Summer season here.
If you'd like to register your interest in car pooling, emailing us at experience@highlanderadventure.com.au.
ACCOMMODATION
You may want to book an accommodation or camp the night prior and on the final day of the event. For participants driving from far away, we recommend staying the night after the final day, as the multi day hike can be physically demanding.
There are a few options available such as booking a hotel room or a campsite. You can also check AirBnB and Booking.com for more options.
3 ESSENTIAL GEAR
BACKPACK
Lightweight & well fitted backpack.
Day Pack - no more than 10kg and 45L max
Multiday Pack - no more than 15kg and 75L max
HIKING BOOTS
Make sure you can walk comfortably in your backpacking shoes and break them in before the event. Write about waterproof boots, to wear and break them before attending - offer XERO SHOES
WATERPROOF JACKET
Very important to stay dry throughout the event in case of rain which also protect against high wind.
FOOD & WATER
Food will be provided throughout the event, but you are welcome to bring your own preferred snacks such as dried fruit, nuts or dates to enjoy alongside the meals offered by the organiser.
Please note that breakfast of the first day and the diner on the final day will not be provided.
Water will be available for refill at Checkpoints and at the Campsite but you must bring your own supply to start the hike, with a minimum of 3L recommended.
TRAINING & PREPARATION
Don't be fooled, HIGHLANDER is no walk in the park!
Yes, the experience is amazing and often lifechanging, but the challenge is real. Whether you join our one day Lyra event or one of the multiday HIGHLANDER formats, preparation is essential and you must train for HIGHLANDER Adventure!
Our partner Hike Tribe runs a Training Program designed for people who are just starting their hiking journey or haven't hiked for a long time. The program will cover all aspects of backpacking and hiking in remote areas, that includes:
Train well, hike better, and arrive at your HIGHLANDER Adventure ready for the journey of a lifetime.
