Munyang River Circuit
Ngarigo Country

4 h 30 min to 7 h

13.7 km
circuit

↑ 537 m
↓ -537 m

Hard track
This walk explores the alpine country and huts around the Munyang River. You will explore parts of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, starting with the Munyang/Guthega Power Station, before climbing up the steep old road to find some great views down the valley. Optional side trips can take you to the Gate House, Horse Camp Hut and White's River Hut, adding further variety to your day. Loop back to the start using the aqueduct trail down Disappointment Spur, visiting another hut on the way. Let us begin by acknowledging the Ngarigo people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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Munyang car park. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Bridge over Snowy River. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Walking behind Munyang power station. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Pipes leading to Guthega Power station. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Schlink Trail. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Sign post at the bottom of Schlink Trail. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Climbing up Schlink Trail. | Photo by admin, 2010.
One of several hair-pin bends in Schlink Trail. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Schlink Trail. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Guthega Pressure Tunnel on Schlink Trail. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Snow gum lined Schlink Trail. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Gate House intersection. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Gate House. | Photo by admin, 2010.
View from the Gate House. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Creek crossing south of Horse Hut intersection. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Horse Camp Hut intersection. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Inside Horse Camp Hut. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Horse Camp Hut. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Along side the old Munyang Geehi Rd. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Munyang River bridge. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Passing under the powerlines. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Grove of dead gum trees lining the road. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Int of Aquaduct Trail and Munyang-geehi Rd. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Schlinks Trail sign post. | Photo by admin, 2010.
White Rivers Hut. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Inside White Rivers Hut. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Top of Disappointment Spur Trail. | Photo by admin, 2010.
The grassy Disappointment Spur Trail/aqueduct track. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Walking along the Disappointment Spur Trail/aqueduct track. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Dead snow gums beside the aqueduct track. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Disappointment Spur Trail/aqueduct track. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Moss frozen in ice. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Moss. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Part of the aqueduct. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Disappointment Spur Hut. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Inside Disappointment Spur Hut. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Inside Disappointment Spur Hut. | Photo by admin, 2010.
A cold snap. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Aqueduct near Disappointment Spur Hut. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Walking along the Disappointment Spur Trail. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Disappointment Spur Trail looking over Munyang Valley. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Rock cutting along the Disappointment Spur Trail/aqueduct track. | Photo by admin, 2010.
View down to the Munyang River. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Bottom of the Disappointment Spur Trail. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Bridge at the bottom of the Disappointment Spur / Aqueduct Track. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Munyang River just north of power station. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Bottom of the Disappointment Spur / Aqueduct Track at Munyang Power station. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Switching Station at Munyang. | Photo by admin, 2010.
Downloads GPX PDF

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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-36.3509664,148.4134444)
Mode Car (A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.)
DirectionsFrom Barry Way
  • Turn on to Kosciuszko Road then drive for 12.4 km
  • Keep left and drive for another 255 m
  • Turn slight left onto Kosciuszko Road and drive for another 8.9 km
  • Turn right onto Guthega Road and drive for another 4.7 km
  • Keep left onto Guthega Road and drive for another 8.3 km
  • Turn right onto Guthega Powerstation Access and drive for another 285 m
  • Keep right onto Guthega Powerstation Road and drive for another 65 m
  • Turn right and drive for another 25 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the Munyang (Guthega Power Station) car park, this walk heads along the short driveway and across the large bridge over the Snowy River, heading towards the power station. At the fence (on the other side of the bridge), this walk turns left to head around to the other side of the power station. Just past the concrete building, this walk passes the two large feeder pipes and continues, soon finding an intersection with two management trails marked with a 'Schlink Trail' sign.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
There is a toilet (about 45 m back from the start)., not equiped with Handwashing basin.
There is a car park (about 5 m back from the start).
After another 20 m turn right, to head along Guthega Powerstation Road.
After another 20 m cross the bridge (about 40 m long)
After another 70 m find the "Guthega Power Station (Munyang)" (25 m on your right).
Guthega Power Station (Munyang)
Guthega Power Station (Munyang)

This was the first power station of the Snow Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme, completed in 1955. It is also known as Munyang, as the station sits just west of the confluence of the Munyang and Snowy Rivers. The station boasts two 30MW turbine and generator combinations, providing peak power to the eastern states. The turbines are powered from the water in two large pipes that form part of the Guthega Pressure Tunnel, fed by Guthega Dam. The dam is about 260m higher than the power station.
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This was the first power station of the Snow Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme, completed in 1955. It is also known as Munyang, as the station sits just west of the confluence of the Munyang and Snowy Rivers. The station boasts two 30MW turbine and generator combinations, providing peak power to the eastern states. The turbines are powered from the water in two large pipes that form part of the Guthega Pressure Tunnel, fed by Guthega Dam. The dam is about 260m higher than the power station.

After another 7 m continue straight.
After another 140 m head through/around the gate.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Gate House. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn sharp left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 2.2 km continue straight, to head along Schlink Pass Road.
After another 890 m cross the ford.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Horse Camp Hut. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip error >360 when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 470 m continue straight, to head along Schlink Pass Road.
After another 920 m cross the bridge (about 55 m long)
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to White's River Hut. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 2 km (at the intersection of Disappointment Spur Trail & Schlink Pass Road) turn sharp right, to head along Disappointment Spur Trail (a vehicle track).
After another 930 m continue straight, to head along Disappointment Spur Trail.
After another 400 m continue straight, to head along Disappointment Spur Trail.
After another 210 m veer right, to head along Disappointment Spur Trail.
After another 410 m continue straight, to head along Disappointment Spur Trail.
After another 760 m continue straight, to head along Disappointment Spur Trail.
After another 235 m pass the "Dissapointment Spur Hut" (20 m on your right).
After another 20 m find the "Disappointment Spur Hut" (15 m on your right).
Disappointment Spur Hut
Disappointment Spur Hut

Disappointment Spur Hut was built in the 1950's out of two standard accommodation modules, to support workers on the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The hut is in a small clearing on the side of Disappointment Spur Trail (aka Aqueduct track). There is a supply of water from the nearby aqueduct and a flat area for camping (no toilet). The hut is made from weatherboard with a flat tin roof, has a timber floor and three windows. There is a bunk bed and a table inside, and a fire circle outside.
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Disappointment Spur Hut was built in the 1950's out of two standard accommodation modules, to support workers on the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The hut is in a small clearing on the side of Disappointment Spur Trail (aka Aqueduct track). There is a supply of water from the nearby aqueduct and a flat area for camping (no toilet). The hut is made from weatherboard with a flat tin roof, has a timber floor and three windows. There is a bunk bed and a table inside, and a fire circle outside.

Continue straight, to head along Disappointment Spur Trail.
After another 450 m veer right, to head along Disappointment Spur Trail.
After another 3.1 km head through/around the gate.
After another 9 m continue straight, to head along Disappointment Spur Trail.
After another 35 m cross the ford.
After another 245 m continue straight.
After another 75 m cross the bridge (about 40 m long)
After another 20 m turn left.
After another 25 m come to the end.

An optional side trip to Gate House.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 160 m veer left.
After another 190 m find the "Gate House" (30 m on your left).
Gate House
Gate House

The gate house is a large concrete building, built into the side of the hill about 220m above Guthega Power Station. This building joins the underground Guthega pressure tunnel with the long white pipe that feed the power station. The gate house regulates the flow of water from the dam to the power station. There is some limited shelter and a great view along the pipe down to Munyang.
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The gate house is a large concrete building, built into the side of the hill about 220m above Guthega Power Station. This building joins the underground Guthega pressure tunnel with the long white pipe that feed the power station. The gate house regulates the flow of water from the dam to the power station. There is some limited shelter and a great view along the pipe down to Munyang.

After another 120 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 470 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Horse Camp Hut.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 510 m come to the end.
About 20 m past the end is "Horse Camp Hut".
Horse Camp Hut
Horse Camp Hut

Horse Camp Hut is found beside a trail linking the old Munyang-Geehi Rd with an aqueduct trail on the western side of the valley. Still in good condition, this hut was built for surveyors in the 1950s as part of the Snowy Mountains Scheme effort. The hut has a distinctive red door and two rooms. The smaller room contains bunk beds and a stove and the larger room has a fire place, table and sitting area. The hut has a timber floor and the outer walls and roof are made of corrugated iron. There is a creek nearby for water and a pit toilet is available. The grassy flat area around the hut makes for great camping.
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Horse Camp Hut is found beside a trail linking the old Munyang-Geehi Rd with an aqueduct trail on the western side of the valley. Still in good condition, this hut was built for surveyors in the 1950s as part of the Snowy Mountains Scheme effort. The hut has a distinctive red door and two rooms. The smaller room contains bunk beds and a stove and the larger room has a fire place, table and sitting area. The hut has a timber floor and the outer walls and roof are made of corrugated iron. There is a creek nearby for water and a pit toilet is available. The grassy flat area around the hut makes for great camping.

"Horse Camp Hut".
A toilet.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 510 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to White's River Hut.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Disappointment Spur Trail & Schlink Pass Road Start heading along Schlink Pass Road (a service road).
After another 160 m continue straight, to head along Schlink Pass Road.
After another 640 m (at the intersection of Schlink Pass Road & Horse Camp Aquaduct Trail) continue straight, to head along Schlink Pass Road.
After another 410 m veer left.
After another 75 m continue straight.
After another 15 m cross the ford.
Continue straight.
After another 10 m continue straight.
After another 15 m continue straight.
After another 80 m cross the ford.
After another 40 m come to the end.
About 25 m past the end is "Whites River Hut".
About 25 m past the end is "White's River Hut".
White's River Hut
White's River Hut

At this site, there are a few buildings - the main hut is believed to have been built in by Bill Napthali and Fred Clarke in 1935 to house them as they grazed cattle. It is also possible that the hut was built by Edward Haslingdon and his sons in 1933. The Kosciusko Alpine Club has a long history with the hut and has made many changes over the years - they are now the primary caretakers. This hut has two main rooms plus an entry woodpile annex. The second hut is behind the main hut - the SMA hut (aka the Kelvinator). This second hut is not as well maintained as the main one. There is also a pit toilet beside the hut. A large, flat, grassy area makes a great place to camp and the nearby creek is a source of water. NOTE: On 27th July 2010 an accidental fire has done significant damage to this hut, it is now fenced off and accessing the hut is unsafe. A plan is likley to be put into place to restore the hut.
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At this site, there are a few buildings - the main hut is believed to have been built in by Bill Napthali and Fred Clarke in 1935 to house them as they grazed cattle. It is also possible that the hut was built by Edward Haslingdon and his sons in 1933. The Kosciusko Alpine Club has a long history with the hut and has made many changes over the years - they are now the primary caretakers. This hut has two main rooms plus an entry woodpile annex. The second hut is behind the main hut - the SMA hut (aka the Kelvinator). This second hut is not as well maintained as the main one. There is also a pit toilet beside the hut. A large, flat, grassy area makes a great place to camp and the nearby creek is a source of water. NOTE: On 27th July 2010 an accidental fire has done significant damage to this hut, it is now fenced off and accessing the hut is unsafe. A plan is likley to be put into place to restore the hut.

About 35 m past the end is a toilet., not equiped with Handwashing basin.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 1.5 km to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Munyang River Circuit


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 13.7 km
Time 4 h 30 min to 7 h
Quality of track Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Signage Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)

Some facilities on route
Campsite: There are 3 on route, on average they are 4.5 km apart with the largest gap of 5.1 km.

Shelter: There are 3 on route, on average they are 4.5 km apart with the largest gap of 5.1 km.

Toilet: There are 3 on route, on average they are 4.5 km apart with the largest gap of 8.4 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
-38 m[toilet]
Campsite
3.8 km + 600 mHorse Camp Hut
Shelter
3.8 km + 610 mHorse Camp Hut
Toilet
3.8 km + 610 m[toilet]
Shelter
6.8 km + 1.5 kmWhites River Hut
Campsite
6.8 km + 1.5 kmWhite's River Hut
Toilet
6.8 km + 1.5 km[toilet]
Shelter
9.7 kmDissapointment Spur Hut
Campsite
9.8 kmDisappointment Spur Hut
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Articles
Discover more details to thrive on track
Covered in snow part of the year
This walk leads through an extreme alpine environment and all walkers must be well prepared. During summer, be prepared for both very hot and cold weather, high winds, rain, snow, extreme UV levels and some sections of snow or ice on the ground. Before starting this walk, check advice with
Snowy Region Visitor Information Centre (02) 6450 5600, the weather forecast and the snow conditions then change your plans as needed. These notes, grades and walking times have been written for use in the summer months only. Between May and the end of October, this walk is likely to be covered in snow/ice, visitors should be carrying and be prepared to use snowshoes or cross country skis. When there is a chance of significant snow on the ground, visitors will need particularly strong navigation and snowcraft skills - tracks and signage may not be visible. For most visitors, it is best to consider this walk closed during the colder months.
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