I love the gravel on the Schlink Hut Loop so much that I’ve accidentally become the local legend on a few of the Strava segments (humble brag).
This ride in Kosciuszko National Park has everything I want in a day out on the bike. It’s a combination of long stretches of champagne gravel, mixed with rough aqueduct tracks that keep you honest. There are a couple of leg burner climbs that turn into fast descents on the way home. Plus, a string of backcountry huts, each with their own character and history, perfectly spaced for a well-timed snack stop.
It’s a ride that’s hard not to get a little obsessed with.
Skip to:
- Quick Look
- About the Munyang Valley
- Where to Start & End the Schlink Hut Loop
- Which Direction Should I Ride the Schlink Hut Loop?
- Skill Level Needed to Ride the Schlink Hut Loop
- Best Time to Ride the Schlink Hut Loop
- Where to Stay Nearby the Schlink Hut Ride
- Trip Report
- Want a Longer Ride?
- Tips for Riding the Schlink Hut Loop
Quick Look
Distance: 23-36.5km return
Elevation gain: 720-1205m return
Duration: 1-2 Days
Skill level: Intermediate
Location: Kosciuszko National Park, NSW
GPX: route here
About the Munyang Valley
The Snowy Mountains have been home to the Ngarigo people for thousands of years. They moved with the seasons, sheltering in the valleys through winter before heading up into the high country in the warmer months for ceremonies and the annual Bogong moth harvest.
The tracks that make up the Schlink Hut Loop are a product of the area’s grazing history and the construction of the Snowy Hydro Scheme. The Guthega Power Station was the first station built as part of the Snowy Hydro Scheme in 1951. Sitting at 1330m, it is also still the highest in the network.
The loop links together the alpine huts in the Munyang Valley that help tell the European history of the area. Whites River Hut started as a stockman’s shelter, Horse Camp Hut was for survey teams, and Disappointment Spur Hut housed workers for the nearby aqueduct.
Where to Start & End the Schlink Hut Loop
The Schlink Hut Loop begins and ends at the Guthega Power Station, just off Guthega Road, about 30 minutes from Jindabyne. From Canberra it’s about a 2.5 hour drive south, or around 5.5 hours from Sydney. There’s a small car park just before the bridge crosses the Snowy River to the power station. You’ll need a valid NSW National Parks pass to enter Kosciuszko National Park. These can be purchased at the Jindabyne Visitor Centre or at the park entry station during operating hours.
Which Direction Should I Ride the Schlink Hut Loop?
You can ride the Schlink Hut Loop in either direction, but I prefer going anti-clockwise and starting up Disappointment Spur Trail. I find this climb much more enjoyable than pedalling up the steep switchbacks on Schlink Pass Road.
Be aware that getting onto Disappointment Spur Trail involves crossing the Munyang River. The bridge behind the power station washed out years ago and was never replaced. The river is usually low enough to cross without wet feet, but the banks are steep on either side so it can be a bit awkward with a bike. Look for the faint footpad down to the water and take care.
If you’re riding the loop clockwise instead, keep an eye on the river level when you pass the crossing. If it looks unsafe, you can still ride out to Schlink Hut as an out-and-back, with a side trip to Disappointment Spur Hut on Schlink Pass Road.
Skill Level Needed to Ride the Schlink Hut Loop
The Schlink Hut Loop is best suited to intermediate riders. The main reason I’d rate it that way is the initial climb, the remoteness of the route, and the aqueduct track along Disappointment Spur can be a little janky in places. Aside from that, most of the ride is smooth gravel with fairly gentle gradients.
It makes a great first overnight trip for experienced riders who are new to bikepacking. The distance is manageable, the huts provide a bit of reassurance, and the terrain is varied enough to feel like a proper adventure without being overly technical.
Best Time to Ride the Schlink Hut Loop
The Schlink Hut Loop is open year-round. From late spring through early autumn the route is clear of snow and can be biked or hiked. Between June and September the track is typically snow covered, which means it’s either fat biking or no biking. That said, the loop makes a great winter route for snowshoeing, cross country or touring skis, and even splitboarding if you’re up for a snowy adventure.
Keep in mind this is true alpine terrain, so the weather can change quickly. Rain, hail, snow, lightning, and strong winds are all possible at any time of year. Always check the forecast before heading out and be prepared for any condition.
Where to Stay Nearby the Schlink Hut Ride
The huts along this route make great campsites, with plenty of grassy spots nearby and drop toilets (excluding Disappointment Spur Hut). Just be sure to follow KHA hut etiquette so everyone can enjoy the space.
The closest campground to the trailhead is Island Bend, a large NSW National Parks campsite right on the Snowy River. Bookings are required ahead of time on the the National Parks website.
Trip Report
As soon as we rolled out of the carpark on Schlink Pass Road, we started wondering if we’d come to the right place. After crossing the Snowy River we pedalled past the giant buildings and power lines of the Guthega Power Station. It’s not exactly the wilderness scene you expect when heading into Kosciuszko National Park, but stick with it.
At the first fork, we followed the lower road towards the Disappointment Spur Trail rather than continuing up Schlink Pass Road. The track abruptly ended at a steep embankment down to the Munyang River.
The bridge washed away years ago and was never replaced, so getting over the river can be a bit tricky. Speaking from experience, it’s much easier getting bikes across with two people. Sometimes it’s possible to rock hop across, but honestly, I find it easier to just accept the wet feet and wade through the water.
Once across, the climb up Disappointment Spur began. The grassy track follows the Munyang River while gradually climbing out of the valley. The water glimmers below for most of the ascent, which feels a little cruel on a hot day when you’re grinding uphill. Luckily small creeks trickle down the hillside into the aqueducts, and one of them provided the perfect plunge pool.
Eventually Disappointment Spur Hut appeared ahead. Despite the name, the hut itself is anything but disappointing (except it doesn’t have a toilet). From there, the riding became a lot more playful. Short climbs rolled into fast dips with deep puddles in the troughs that spray you with muddy water.
Not long after, we reached the junction for Schlink Pass and continued climbing towards Whites River Hut. It’s easy to see why this place is so popular. The hut absolutely oozes character and sits in a beautiful open valley that draws people in year round.
The climb continued a little longer as the road skirted beneath Mt Gungartan before the Schlink Pass sign finally came into view. At 1804 metres it is the highest point on the ride.
The descent on the other side to Schlink Hut is fast, open, and ridiculously fun. Schlink Hut, affectionately known as the Schlink Hilton, appeared not long after. The hut is surprisingly spacious inside with multiple rooms and beds (hence the name). Out the back there’s even a lovely “loo with a view”, which frames the surrounding mountains perfectly through the split outhouse door.
From there, we returned to the car on Schlink Pass Road down through the Munyang Valley, and this section might actually be my favourite part of the whole ride. Long descending stretches wind through vast alpine country and snow gum forest. There’s one short climb before the turnoff to Horse Camp Hut, which we couldn’t resist checking out. The hut’s bright red door stands out against the bush and the historic details inside are well worth a quick look.
Not long after that we rolled through a small paved river ford before the road twisted into a beautiful corridor of snow gums. The trees lean over the track in places, creating somewhat of a tunnel through the forest. Eventually the water pipeline came into view and the final switchbacks dropped us back down to Guthega Power Station. These are steep, tight, and loose enough to keep both hands firmly on the brakes.
Want a Longer Ride? Ride to Valentines Hut
36.5km, 1200m elevation gain (GPX/route here)
Valentines Hut is only a little further and makes a great overnight stop if you’re turning this ride into a bikepacking trip. It’s still very doable as a long day ride, but depending on fitness and experience levels, some riders might enjoy it a lot more on an e-bike. True to its name, this hut leans hard into the romance theme. It’s painted fire engine red and dotted with little love hearts in all sorts of quirky places (like the toilet seat lid).
From Schlink Hut, continue along Schlink Pass Road for a short while before turning onto Valentines Fire Trail. Be warned, things get a little more difficult from here. The trail becomes rougher and more janky, and the climbs are steeper with a couple of unavoidable hike-a-bikes.
Tips for Riding the Schlink Hut Loop
Phone service: I’m with optus, and I only get a bit of patchy reception at Schlink Pass. Make sure to download your maps offline and always bring a form of emergency communication like a personal locator beacon(PLB) or satellite phone.
Bike: Gravel or MTB only. I rode this on my Salsa Cutthroat, a rigid gravel bike running 29 x 2.2 inch tyres, and it handled the surface comfortably.
Closures: Always check NSW National Parks alerts before heading out. Fire danger, aerial shooting, and maintenance closures are common in this region.
Water: Streams may look pristine but traffic in the area is high. I’ve been sick from untreated Snowy River water before, so I always use a water filter now.
Wildlife: Snakes in summer, funnel-webs if you’re unlucky, plenty of kangaroos, wallabies, brumbies, the odd feral pig and wild dogs. Keep an eye out on the fast descent as the wallabies love to dart across at the worst times.
Toilets: Available at the carpark, Horse Camp Hut, Whites River Hut, the Schlink Hilton and Valentines Hut. There are no toilets at Disappointment Spur Hut so follow Leave No Trace principles if camping here for the night.
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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