Heights of Frivolity - How High Have You Camped in Australia?

[mike48]

We were discussing travel and decided to ask if anyone has ever camped higher than our claim.

We camped overnight in a tent at Rawson Pass 6970 ft in January 1974, (just next to the "No Parking" sign), back when you could drive almost to Mt Kosciusko.

Has anyone camped overnight higher than this?

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[TermiMonster]

I've camped on the bank of Lake Albina, next to Mt Townsend (next to Kosciusko ) in about 1979 or 80 for a few nights. Not sure what the actual altitude is and I have no photographic evidence. The water was very cold to swim in:;.
I think anyone who has camped in Asia, Europe, Sth America, etc could easily outdo our Aussie efforts.:-
Cheers,
TM

[cava]

Ben Nevis in Tasmania at circa +1300 mtrs was our best effort. However, our daughter did Everest base camp a few months ago.

[Glenn.Visca]

You got me. Mount Blue Rag in Vic at what I believe is 1702m.

Twas quite a wooly nite .. but amazing sunset.

[mike48]

TM, I had to look that Lake Albinia up on Google earth, but it is only 6320 feet or so; a great effort, but not quite up to my Rawson Pass.

I thought that someone here might just have camped at Kosciusko summit, the sort of thing we all did when we were younger.

Cava, I meant, in Australia, and camping and spending overnight in a tent.
I too have camped overnight in a tent at 14000 feet in the Himalayas, in snow and all.

There must be someone here who has camped on "The Summit"?

Glenn, I was near "The Rag" six weeks ago, on the Dargo High Plains Road, four days before they were to close it.
But I was by myself, with no "helper" vehicle.
Is it worth the trip?
It sounds just great, with a fantastic view.

cheerio, mike

[ian]

does camping on the snow in August/September entitle me to greater bragging rights?
on the east side of Mt Koscuisko at about 2120m

generally the summit is too exposed

[mike48]

Hi Ian

now let's see.
2120m = 6955ft, Rawson's = 6960ft.

Afraid you are 5 ft short, but if it was winter, I bow in awe; that's something I wouldn't attempt, and beats my January effort.
You can certainly brag about that.


When I was on the actual summit in 1970s, it was all rock, a little snow, and, yes, very exposed, with just a daggy trig marker.
Walked up from the Thredbo ski-lift cafe last year, and the summit approach from Rawson's was mostly paved.
Here's a 1974 photo of the summit approach path from Rawsons.
Taken with an Instamatic, so the quality is not the best.
The summit is just right of centre, but the trig marker is not quite visible.

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[chambezio]

In 1973 I visited Mt Kosciusko by driving within 50 metres of the summit in a 1972 Toyota Corona. Can't remember where we camped but it wasn't on top.
I tell you were I have camped which was not high but low......Lake Eyre south.....30 odd feet below sea level:B

[george mavridis]

Ok so it's not in Australia. In 1982 I was in Israel and we hiked up Mount Sinai and camped in the Greek church at e top, so that we cold witness the sunrise the next morning. 2285m (7497ft)

[Glenn.Visca]

Hi Mike,

I did it (for about the 4th time) Easter 2013 with a novice 4wd'er mate behind the wheel without support. There had been 80mm rain the week prior.

They have recently redone the track from the high plains rd to the trig point .. so apart from being steep, they are pretty easy.

Also plenty of traffic for help if you pick a holiday weekend.

My first trip would have been the late 80s I think.

[ian]

Hi Ian

now let's see.
2120m = 6955ft, Rawson's = 6960ft.

Afraid you are 5 ft short, but if it was winter, I bow in awe; that's something I wouldn't attempt, and beats my January effort.
You can certainly brag about that.


When I was on the actual summit in 1970s, it was all rock, a little snow, and, yes, very exposed, with just a daggy trig marker.
Walked up from the Thredbo ski-lift cafe last year, and the summit approach from Rawson's was mostly paved.we're talking pre and post a change in the definition of "sea level"

Your 1974 height is based on the brass plug in the wall of the old [NSW] Land's Department building.

My 2120 is Australian Height Datum. AHD puts Rawsons Pass at about 2110m.
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BTW, the shore of Lake Albina is about 1920m.

The summit, New Year's Eve 2004
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[mike48]

Ok so it's not in Australia. In 1982 I was in Israel and we hiked up Mount Sinai and camped in the Greek church at e top, so that we cold witness the sunrise the next morning. 2285m (7497ft)

Hi George

here's what the top of Mt Sinai is like now.
This was 2010, just after sunrise.

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[george mavridis]

Hi Mike
I suppose it had to happen The time I went there were only 5of us and we had to take all food drink etc with us.

[rsser]

Yeah, summit's often an ice cube. Cracked it on skis this winter, out of Charlottes.

Looking up the Main Range:

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[Pearo]

Just spotted this thread. I have been up to kozi a few times. highest altitude camping however is Bradleys hut. I love the place, go there as often as I can. Not sure of the altitude though.

Here is a pic of a trip I did maybe 5 year ago. Middle of summer and the temp was near 0.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Pd08AlerY_s/UNQ1oawCbeI/AAAAAAAAA7M/s4zSV6syLbY/s640/DSC00030.JPG