Kosciuszko National Park Gravel Ride: Geehi Huts Bike Route

Geehi Flats in Kosciuszko National Park was part of my life long before bikes were. As a kid, it was where we escaped the heat, spending lazy days by the river and cooling off in the snow-melt water. I never imagined it would also become one of my favourite gravel bike rides.

This time, instead of stopping at the Swampy Plain River, we followed it. Riding champagne gravel tracks that cut across open plains, and stopping at historic huts that I barely even noticed as a kid.

The ‘Geehi Huts Bike Route’ suits a wide range of cyclists. It can be beginner- and kid-friendly ride with gentle gradients along the flats, or pushed out further into bigger climbs to Major Clews Hut, a hidden gem that makes every hard pedal stroke worth it.

*Keebles Hut with views of the Main Range*

Quick Look

Distance: 10km or 32km

Elevation Gain: 80m or 874m

Duration: Half or Full Day

Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate

GPX: click here

Location: Kosciuszko National Park, NSW

About the Geehi Huts

Kosciuszko National Park lies on Ngarigo Country, the traditional lands of the Ngarigo people. Aboriginal people moved through the high country seasonally for thousands of years, following waterways like the Swampy Plain River.

Geehi Flats sits near the south-western edge of the park, beneath the Main Range and at the base of Hannels Spur. It feels very different to the alpine peaks most people picture when they think of Kosciuszko, with grassy valleys and lush native forests.

On the ride, there’s Doctor Forbes Hut (aka Doctor’s No. 2 Hut), Tyrrell’s Hut (aka Geehi Hut), Keebles Hut, Doctors Hut, Old Geehi Hut (aka YHA Hut), and Major Clews Hut. Most were built by graziers, stockmen, and surveyors, with all but Major Clews Hut constructed from smooth stones straight out of the nearby rivers.

Where to Start and End the Geehi Huts Bike Route

The ‘Geehi Huts Bike Route’ is an out-and-back ride that starts and ends near Geehi Flats Campground, on an unmarked dirt road just before Geehi Bridge known as Doctor Forbes Hut Access Road. Geehi Flats is around a 6-hour drive from Sydney and 6-hours north of Melbourne. Khancoban is the closest town, about 30 minutes away, however Jindabyne and Corryong have better resupply options, both under 90 minutes’ drive. The drive-in is almost entirely sealed, except for the final turn-off, which is 4WD only in wet conditions. The Alpine Way is notoriously narrow and winding though, so take care around corners and watch for wildlife.

Skill Level Needed for the Geehi Huts Bike Route

Beginners can pedal out and back to Old Geehi Hut, around 10 km each way, on mostly flat terrain with gentle undulations and a couple of river crossings. It is an ideal introduction to gravel riding in Kosciuszko National Park.

More confident riders can continue past Old Geehi Hut and push on to Major Clews Hut. This turns the ride into a bigger day, with extra distance and a sustained climb that includes steep sections where hike-a-bike is likely (at least it was for me). The reward is a flowing descent on the other side to one of the best huts in the area.

Best Time to Ride the Geehi Huts Bike Route

The ‘Geehi Huts Bike Route’ can be ridden year-round, but the best window is between the June and October long weekends, when many 4WD roads are closed to vehicles, just be prepared for some sub-zero temperatures. Outside this period, the route is shared with 4WD traffic, so it is best avoided during school holidays and long weekends. There are three river crossings along the route, which can become deep or fast after heavy rain, or following snow-melt so always assess conditions before committing.

Where to Stay Nearby the Geehi Huts Bike Route

Geehi Flats Campground makes a perfect base for those coming from afar. Bookings are required through the NSW National Parks website. Otherwise, if you want to turn the ride into an overnight bikepacking trip, you can camp at any of the huts along the way, just be sure to follow leave no trace guidelines and hut etiquette.

Trip Report

We parked on the unmarked Doctor Forbes Hut Access Road and rolled out around midday. With a full day of riding ahead, we made the call to keep our feet dry for as long as possible and saved the river crossing to Doctor Forbes Hut as a post-ride swim instead.

The ride starts on the Bicentennial National Trail, joining a section known as Broadmans Run. It follows the path of the river through lush forest, never straying far from the water’s edge. This section is a shared trail, so look out for horse riders, hikers, and bikes coming the other way, especially on the tighter corners.

One of the *Swampy Plains River crossing*s

After crossing the Alpine Way, the route continues on Behrs Flat Trail, a wide 4WD track that undulates above the river. Before long, a ford cuts across the rapids toward Tyrrell’s (Geehi) Hut. We continued straight past, deliberately saving it for later so the ride home would be cruisier through Geehi Flats Campground and across the old airstip.

From here, the landscape changes, sprawling out to grassy plains. Keebles Hut slowly grows larger ahead, and the Main Range rises in the background. This is one of my favourite huts, partly because of its gorgeous location, as well as the life-sized trout painted on the front door. Back on the bike, the route becomes Swampy Plains Trail, following fence lines before dropping back down toward the river again.

*Life-size Trout on Keebles Hut front door*

At this point, the route splits. Heading right takes you across the river to the tucked away Doctors Hut. Staying left leads to the biggest river crossing of the day. The water was low and slow when we rode it, but this is one to assess carefully after rain or snow melt in the spring. We accepted our inevitable fate, carrying our bikes straight through, and committed to wet feet for the rest of the ride.

Soon after, the trails forks again with Old Geehi Hut just a quick detour to the left. For beginner riders, this is the ideal turnaround point.

But we kept going. Back on the Swamy Plains Track, a short pinch had us fooled us into thinking the big climb had arrived. It had not. After cresting the rise, the route joins Geehi Walls Trail and drops fast toward Bogong Creek. Thankfully, this crossing had a bridge, and on the other side, the real climb begins.

Long, sustained climbs with steep switchbacks had me off the bike and pushing more than once. Once the climb finally tops out, the fun really begins. The descent that followed was everything you want from gravel riding. Smooth, flowing champagne gravel through native forest. Fast enough to feel exhilarating without feeling sketchy. Branch shadows flickered across the track, repeatedly tricking my tired brain into thinking snakes were slithering ahead. Before we knew it, we were at the turnoff for Major Clews Trail.

Major Clews Hut sits just off the road, feeling almost like a liveable modern home, than a backcountry hut. Water can be collected a few hundred metres further down the track where the road crosses a small stream. There is no toilet here though, so all human waste needs to be managed properly.

The return ride back felt much easier. Once Geehi Flats Campground came back into view across the valley, we crossed the ford to finally visit Tyrrell’s Hut, then rolled along a newer gravel singletrack that cuts across the grassy airstrip. After passing the campground, we crossed the single-lane Geehi Bridge, kept an eye out for cars, and cruised the sealed road back to the access track.

We finished the day exactly how I did all those years ago as a kid; shoes off and tired bodies dunked in the cool water. We waded across the river to Doctor Forbes Hut to tick off our 6^th hut of the day, before heading home.

Tips for the Geehi Huts Bike Route

Phone service: I am with Optus and had zero reception the entire ride. Download maps offline before leaving home and carry proper emergency communication.

Bike: Gravel or MTB only. I rode it on my Salsa Cutthroat, a rigid gravel bike with 29 x 2.2” tyres, and it handled the gravel tracks just fine.

Closures: Always check park alerts before heading out. Fire danger, aerial shooting, and track maintenance regularly close roads in this part of Kosciuszko National Park.

Drinking Water: There is plenty of water along the route so carry a filter or some purification tabs. There is no reliable water between Old Geehi Hut and Major Clews Hut. Water near Major Clews is about 200 metres further down the road.

Wildlife: Snakes in summer, funnel-webs if you’re unlucky, plenty of kangaroos and wallabies, and the odd feral pig. Keep an eye out on the fast descent as the roos love to dart across at the worst times.

Huts and Toilets: Respect hut etiquette and leave them better than you found them. Toilets are located at Geehi Flats, Keebles Hut, and Old Geehi Hut. Don’t forget the toilet paper and hand sanitiser.

Disclaimer: Content on Path & Pedal is for general information and inspiration only. All route guides and trip reports are based on personal experience and research at the time of writing. Conditions, access, weather, and regulations can change. Always check official sources and use your own judgment. Outdoor adventures carry risk, and Path & Pedal accepts no liability for injury, loss, or damage.

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